So....which is it?

I have finally made a DECISION on which job!

After hours of sleeplessness, phone conversations, emails, research, meetings, careful consideration, more research and reflection...I have made a commitment to work with Darien Public Schools in Darien, CT!

I will be hired as a Special Education Teacher (who has the ability to work with ages 3-21 and grades K-12) by the Darien Public School District. For the coming 2009-2010 school year I will be working at Holmes Elementary School with seven 4th grade students who receive special education services in and out of the regular education classroom setting.

I am so thrilled to have this opportunity and I look forward to what God has in store for me in this coming first year of teaching and beyond!

AND...for now, I may return to normal sleep patterns (well...hopefully!)

Special Needs

I thought I (Whitney) might take some time to journal some of the ways in which God has been teaching me throughout Heidi’s more immediate health journey.

As I have prayed for Heidi over the last several weeks, I have of course been praying for her very life to be preserved, however, much of my focus has been on her speedy return to school so that she can get back to what she’s wanted to do for so long. Heidi’s desire to serve others with special needs is so evident when you speak to her. In fact, her desire to serve others with severe special needs is all the more evident as you get to know her.

Initially, my prayers for Heidi focused on asking God, “Why?” “Why now, God? She’s at the climax of her education and future career! How could this possibly be your timing?”

God has answered my prayers by providing his Holy word for me to read, meditate on, and share with others.

We are a “sinful nation” (Isaiah 1:4) in need of a gracious savior (Romans 3:23-24). Yes, we are a people with one severe, special need. Although it wasn’t a part of Heidi’s plan to undergo these trials, God is working it out for good.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Our idea of what is “good” is not always in line with God’s idea of Good. God is using Heidi to serve others with special needs in all circumstances-whether she is in the classroom or in the hospital. It is my prayer that no matter where she goes or what she does in life (and I do hope for her return to the classroom), that she would be clay in the potter’s hands (Isaiah 64) in order to become a vessel that first and foremost desires to spread the word about our greatest and most special need.

Heids, with God’s help and strength, you are doing a great job. I praise God for your life and for your circumstances because of the testimony that it has been for so many.

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone the Glory),

Whitney