I choose joy

I am not going to lie, things are hard.  It's hard being in a very small house with all 5 people home most of the day.  I struggle.  I am trying hard to choose joy.  I have found things to keep me occupied and to keep my mind off things.  Last week I went for a walk when the weather got better.  Yesterday I mowed the grass (yes I love to do that if I can be on the rider).  Last week I also re-worked my entire "Lies Young Women Believe" study and put it all into power points and also made study guides and activities.  I also ordered two new Bible studies to go through and see if I want to take the girls through those.  I have written at least one card per day to someone who might need encouragement.  Saturday I made bread and delivered it to a couple of people.  Yesterday I made cookies with royal icing (more on that in moment.)  I am just trying to stay busy.  If I don't stay busy, I sink into a depression like status because I am stuck in my room. I am thankful Target is still open.  That has and continues to be my happy place!!  I still have not found tp, although we are ok for another 1.5 weeks or so.  I am slowly finding more meat, but that is still hard.

Yesterday, Jack had to work in the office so I took advantage of kitchen time and worked on cookies.  I learned several lessons.  1) I don't like to bake as much as I thought I did.  2) I make a lot of messes. 3) my cookies were very messy.  4) I need a bigger kitchen to work 5) I probably will never make these again, but at least I know I can.

Trying Times

These a trying times for sure.  We are on the second week out of school and it could go until May 15, although SCS is hoping to get there sooner.  I can't imagine it going that long.  I just heard Wake County is trying to get the mandatory stay at home passed.  I hope JOCO doesn't do that, but we are almost there.  School online, church online, can't find anything at the grocery store (thank goodness Jack finally found TP on Saturday).

My house is too little for this.  Jack has taken over the kitchen with his office.  Jenna is in her bedroom for her schooling, Jacob in his room for his school.  Josh will start next week, and then I am stuck in my bedroom.  I am going crazy!!!  I am glad we are healthy, but this staying in my room is too much!!  Jacob and Jenna do work everyday and every day of the week they have a specific subject where they do a google classroom  with their teacher.  I am thankful SCS has maintained school, but this is just bad.  I can't imagine when Josh starts too.  I am going into a depression sitting in my bedroom all day.  There just isn't room for all of us to do this at the same time!!

Jenna turns 16 on April 13.  I had so much planned for her sweet 16.  Starting with the fact that we were supposed to go to NY tomorrow for a family trip.  The two of us were going to see Wicked on Broadway.  She was going to have a few friends from church out for the day......lunch, escape room, shopping, but I don't think that will happen now.  We can't even take her out for her bday.  My bday is the same way.  I will be stuck here in my room!!  I hope Trump can do what he wants and open things up by Easter and maybe we could do her party during Spring Break.

I know my focus isn't right.  I am spending time with God.  I am sending notes to friends. I finished my class (just waiting on the grades of my final projects to come in), I've ordered some new books to review for possible material next year,  but I can't even get into my kitchen to do baking or something fun.  I am drowning.  My getting out of my room includes trying to go to the grocery store each day to find meat.  Please don't let this go on till May 15 or beyond.  I know I can plan, but my steps are ordered by the Lord.

Coronovirus

The coronavirus has hit the US.  I didn't know what an impact it would make until late last week.  I wish I would have known because I didn't even get to tell my students goodbye and I don't know if I will see them again.

Thursday:  Josh finds out that he has one week to get out of BJU and not come back.  He will finish classes on line starting the 30th.  He intended to stay the entire time, but things keep moving quickly that he had to come home late Monday night.  It's not how I pictured his freshman year of college going.

We were supposed to take a family trip next week to NYC, but that has been cancelled.

I was supposed to go on a mission trip to Guatemala on spring break, that is cancelled.

ACT Tests are not cancelled.

Stores are closed down, movie theaters are closed down so unless we are going to the grocery store, this is the new norm.

Jack has taken over the kitchen for his office.  Jacob and Jenna are on school on line from SCS and Josh will soon start.  Help me!!  That leaves me and since I just do Bible, I am not require to do anything.  It amazes me in how one weekend our lives are completely turned upside down. And now I hear this could go on until July??????

Bible girls

Last week I was allowed to go on a field trip with the 6th grade class. We took them to With Love From Jesus for a service project.  It was fun to see them all serve.  Two of my girls were out with the flu so they are not pictured.  I also got this sweet email from a parent tonight.  I really needed this.

" I want to share that I am privileged to hear unfiltered, real thoughts from multiple girls in Amy's class about their teachers and you are a clear favorite. I hear how they adore you and love having you for their bible teacher. I also hear that they will not feel comfortable next year being open with certain teachers. They really want you again. To me, this means they feel your love, and I am super grateful. As I'm sure you know since you have a daughter a little older than Amy, this age for them is really difficult, and having someone at school they are comfortable being real with is so critical to their walk and their growth. I hope it is encouraging to you to know God is definitely working through you here."