2016 was on the horizon after some good times in 2015. To put a bow on 2015, @F3ENC had a New Years Tree Burning/Get Together. It was a good time to get together with my 2nd family (the PAX). It was tough for me though because my 1st family was invited to another get together at the same time and they were not with me. As the clock drew closer to the New Year, I decided to join them. Only God knows what would happen during the next 8 months of the New Year.
I was not enjoying my current position as a Project Support Officer due to the lack of involvement for me on the position. I decided to do what I could, but to look into other opportunities. After about a month I found out my position was going away due to company cutbacks. Unfortunately, my other opportunities had yet to pan out. My former employer was gracious to offer me a nice severance package and I will always be grateful. It was recommended that I move into this position to supposedly make myself to become more well rounded, I never knew exactly in what ways. It took about 5 months for the company to make sure the position was needed before they could officially transfer me this position. They decided it was, only to change back months later and decided it wasn’t. Why did they do this?
Fortunately, one of my awesome friends, Shrimp (the Greene County Gentle Giant) has his own business. I joked with him that I could help him if he needed anything. He responded a few days later that he was working on this project and I could help right away. Though I didn’t know much about landscaping, I knew that I could carry #heavystuff and help where needed. I found this project to be quite a big deal. The customer often had different opinions and Shrimp had to often reason with them. As a local business person, he was humbled many times and I questioned why does he put up with this. Nevertheless, he kept on keeping on everyday for the next 2 1/2 months (they had already been working for the customer for about 3 months previous to me). I felt like I was Undercover Boss. I am used to being at a desk and performing work on a computer, not outside with tools, etc. Soon the customer was going to leave for the summer and wanted the project to be stopped due to them not being around. We all felt like a burden had been lifted and was glad to not have to post there again. How can he be this humble?
I was so busy working with Shrimp that I was only exploring a few new job opportunities. I really wanted to work for one local business and it seemed very promising at times. Interviews, emails, and phone calls all gave me hope that I would be starting this new opportunity. I know the PAX, family, Church, and friends were all praying for me to find this new opportunity. Fortunately at my going away party from my previous employers one of my friends mentioned a position that was available at his wife’s employer. I figured why not, I knew her a little bit and looked like a good opportunity. Come to find out I had met the manager for this position through our Upward Basketball league that I commission. Again, everything seemed great, but when? I then found out my previous employer wanted me to come back for a temporary project. I prayed and sought council on what I should do. I questioned more about the other opportunity and they wanted to hire me, but when?
Meanwhile, several other things came up in our life that appeared disruptive. Issues arose from an opportunity that I was volunteering in with my family and another family. Why would this happen? My wife’s cell phone was stolen while at a function that you would not think it would happen. I was able to track it down and have the police recover it. Why would someone do this? My employer gave me Cobra Insurance coverage for many months, but the prescription part of the plan was not working. My youngest son has Aspberger’s and he needs a daily dose of medicine to help. Do people not understand what is needed? My wife had an issue that required her to step back and think about things. Why is she being tested to? Does all this mean we are supposed to be doing something else? Are we supposed to be somewhere else? We went forward and prayed at Church to pray for clarity in our lives.
Soon after, I was offered the position that I am in. I have been overjoyed by the opportunity I was given. I feel like this new employer was just there waiting for me. Like I rejoined a family I was always a part of. I look forward to going to work and helping others.
Then, on Tuesday, July 8th I learned that Papa Smurf found out that he was diagnosed with rapid progressing ALS. Papa Smurf has been a big role model and an awesome leader in F3. His church had a prayer service for him the next night that was just awesome to be there and to see the love for such a great guy. It was one of those services that you just didn’t want to leave. Two days later we had a convergence boot camp at his house, read about it here. Same emotions were held at the workout, especially when he prayed. We have stayed in touch through texts, emails, and the occasional lunches. We then had an event of a lifetime, #TheSasquatch (read about it here and here). He is a very loved man by his family, PAX, students, and friends and we will be #CoopStrong along with him. On September 17th, there will be a CoopStrong 3K, #SignUp here.
Late November of 2015, we learned of an opportunity of taking on some foster kids for guardianship. We heard stories, but didn’t know exact facts. We were excited about this opportunity, but when would it take place? My wife tried to keep updated, but we never knew when things would happen. Two weeks ago we were getting ready to go on vacation, when the case worker called to see if we were still interested. Of course we were, but when? I alerted the case worker that we were going on vacation and it would be great to take them, but it was just 2 days away. He didn’t think it was possible to get them that soon. We discussed that I would just take the boys and she would hang back. We found out the next day that they were going to be with us that night. We went on a great vacation and were glad that they could be a part of it. We went to Atlantic City to the National Sportscard Collectors Show. Our hotel was right on the beach and found many things to do within the area. Our next stop was Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. I called GWL when I found out we were going to have 2 extra members with us. They told me one would be free, one would be an extra $50. They mentioned there was a survey at the end of the call. I left a message saying that I did not expect anything from GWL, but this might be a first time vacation for these kids. The lady asked me about a crib for the youngest and I told her I didn’t know, hadn’t met him yet. When I checked in, found out that I didn’t owe anything extra and we had a $50 credit for GWL. We went to our room to put things down and found out we had been upgraded to a suite (extra room with a King Size Bed). We made many memories that will never be forgotten from this vacation. We are adjusting to having these ages again and even differently, a little girl.
My wife teaches school and has decided to get her Bachelor’s degree (has an Associates). She took 2 classes the first semester and then enrolled for 4 more. She was doing ok, till we got the foster kids and went on vacation. She rapidly fell behind. When we came back from vacation it was now time for her to report for school. She needed to get stuff done in her room, but time was limited. She was also trying to be a mom of 4 and a loving wife. She volunteered to coach an Upward Soccer team and help me with the league. Due to her being back to school, we had the kids stay with my sister-in-law. My wife was overwhelmed to say the least, but We were able to get somewhat settled with the kids away. Her online classes end soon and school for all the kids begins this week.
Many of the PAX have talked about a #NewNormal after having another baby, I now know what they mean! God has blessed us and we are grateful for all the things that have came across our path. With help with some quality #HIM (High Impact Men) that help #ISI (Iron Sharpens Iron) we will make it. We realize however, that it’s Not Over Yet!