Blog entry #2: New Beginnings

     If you would have asked me one year ago today, what I thought I would be doing with my life now...being the Case Manager at New Beginnings would have been the last thing on my radar.  I was teaching 6-8 grade English Language Arts at Christ St. Peter's West Campus. I loved it and I loved my students very much, but I was beginning to feel that teaching was no longer for me.  Almost as if I had "aged out" of it. As someone near and dear to me said recently, "Teaching is not an old person's game".  I'd like to believe he wasn't implying I was old, but he's been telling me I am close to 50 since I turned 45. So there's that.  
     Last April I made the difficult decision to peacefully resign my position as 6-8 ELA teacher.  I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do, and I prayed to God that he would soon lead me to my new beginning. 
   
     So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,[a] because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:24-28

     Just like Jacob wrestled with God, so did I. "Please Lord, I still want to serve in your church, allow me to share your Word with parents and children. This is what I need, this is what I want."  I prayed this over and over again.  When I didn't get the position at WISCO as the international liaison for foreign exchange students, I was disappointed, but I still prayed. After interviewing for a position as a Foster Care Support Lead at Kingdom Workers for three hours total, I thought I had that job "in the bag."  God decided to serve me a big piece of humble pie.  After careful consideration, they did not think I was the one for the job.  I cried over that one.  A lot.  What in the world did God want from me? For me?  I prayed again. "Please Lord, lead me to serve in your church, allow me to share your Word with parents and children. This is what I need, this is what I want."  
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     Then in June, I was told about the Case Manager position at New Beginnings.  I didn't even know that New Beginnings was a home for mothers here in Milwaukee, I only knew about the one that had closed in Denver, Colorado back in 2014.  I won't lie; I was a bit leery about applying for this position because in many respects it was similar to the role they were trying to fill at Kingdom Workers.  If I wasn't a good fit there, what would make me think they would take a second look at me here?  At the end of the day, it wasn't up to me.  I was entirely putting it in God's hands.  This position was exactly what I had been praying for.  Working alongside of young mothers to help them be the best Christian parent they could be, helping them to set goals, find jobs, get an education, and most importantly, I would get to share my faith with them.  I prayed for strength and peace going into the interview.  I spoke with Chelsea, our Home Manager, over the phone and then interviewed with her in person.  I interviewed with Maddy, the President of the New Beginnings Board and then they both recommended me to Pastor Robert Fleischman.  I was hired.
     
     That was 9 months ago.  To say that I didn't know what I didn't know is an understatement. 
     
     I have learned...

• a lot about how to navigate resources for single moms. 
• that the W2 office does not have anything to do with taxes; rather, it is a program that helps single moms by paying them to go back to school. 
• that baby poop which has been sucked up by a vacuum cleaner, renders said vacuum unusable (long story).
• that the capacity to give grace and forgiveness truly has no beginning or end. Jesus gave it to the lepers, the prostitutes, the rapists, thieves, and people who hated him...so how can we do any less?
• to empathize and encourage, but not to enable.
• patience truly is a virtue and something that needs to be cultivated and exercised by everyone, every day. 
• that baby and toddler snuggles are the cure for just about anything.  

     Those are just a small sampling of the things I have learned.  God-willing, he will allow me to continue to write this blog and share more about the amazing and wonderful ways he is blessing us here. My heart is full. 

     If you are reading this, then you are already supporting us and I thank you for taking the time to learn more about New Beginnings.  If you feel so moved, please share this blog and our website on your Instagram and/or Facebook.  

    *Next up....I'll be sharing information on our brand-new building and just how close we are to breaking ground!!!*
     

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