We have been very blessed. After I posted my update, several friends have reached out, offering food, financial gifts, help with our drafty home, job leads, and prayers. Someone anonymously paid our entire propane bill. I was able to get the emergency utility assistance for the majority of the late electric bill, so that wasn’t cut off. We still owe on that, but at least our electric bills are much lower now that the heat of summer is behind us. I am so thankful to God for our family and friends, and to other resources that can help us through this.
Ben had an interview last week that was absolutely perfect for him. He said that he felt better about the way the interview went than the others he’s had. He also has former co-workers who work there who recommended him, which I’m sure will help. They said they hope to know something by the end of the year, so he is still looking in the meantime. I do hope that this job is God’s will for him. I think he would be very happy there! And the benefits would be comparable to what he had before, which would be so nice. I asked for prayers about that tonight in church.
Belinda will be home on Friday. She wasn’t going to come home this weekend but then I remembered she has an appointment with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitative Services. My sweet cousin told me that this might be a good resource for Belinda. After we find out more on Friday, I’m going to look into applying for Sarah as well. I think this will end up being very helpful for several of us.
Sarah had a wonderful birthday this week. We went out to eat the day before, for pizza, and she had her best friend there with her. This was our first time to meet her, and she was such a nice girl! The next day, I sent balloons up to the school for Sarah and got her a pin to wear that said it was her birthday. She was nervous about standing out like that but I wanted her to get some happy attention! After school we went and picked up her driver’s permit, and then that night we had her friend over again with the whole family and we had cake and ice cream before opening presents and then playing Bananagrams and Uno. We were only missing Belinda, who had to go back to school on Sunday afternoon.
Belinda had another deer go in front of her car today, but it was far enough ahead of her that she was able to safely brake and let it go by. She had gone with some other students for a charity project to help at the animal shelter in Enid, and the deer crossed the road on the way back. When she comes home for Thanksgiving, she is not coming until Wednesday so she can come in the morning and not drive at night. I have heard that the deer are everywhere this season and I believe it. I have seen so many on the side of the road!
I have been thinking about going and picking up some black walnuts. I’ve tried this before, but it didn’t go well, but I watched a video and I think I might be successful this time. We shall see. The pecans are almost ready on our tree, and I am watching those closely so I can give the squirrels a run for their money!
Sarah has next week off from school. She is so ready for a break. I am also looking forward to just having a week of more rest.