Happiness

Could life be better than this?

When God Giggles

If there is one thing this lifestyle of ours has taught me it is that everything in life is unpredictable.  Every time I start to plan something for the future I can just picture my God sitting up there giggling and say, "So, that is what you think you are going to do..."  This has helped me understand that is is ok for me to have a plan but to know that God may have something very different in mind for me.  God has been reminding me of his perfect plan these past few weeks as I feel like my plan has be picked up and tossed about in between crazy training schedules, my work, and day-to-day life.  

Michael and I moved to Oahu eight months ago around which time I started actively searching for a job.  Through all my training and education I have told everyone, including my God, that I want to serve and make a difference with my life.  I put myself out there in different ministries and organization and said I would help out where ever I was needed.  Well... Where ever...  Just not with people with disabilities.  I told myself that I was not called to that area and was not blessed with the personality and patience that job would take.  Well, now I know that God was giggling at my plans.  The job opportunity that God decided to make available to me was working with kids 0-21 with disabilities, specifically ASD.  

What do I do?  I teach them skills to help them be functional and independent in mainstream society. 

 Is it difficult?  Very much so.  

Do I love it? Absolutely.

In only six months on the job my agency has recognized me as someone who is passionate and caring about the kids I work with and has started pulling specialty cases just for me.  I have started doing short term intensive cases with children under the age of 3 working on skills such as communication, peer play, and appropriate behavior.  I am also working with a teen who is using CARD (The Center for Autism Related Disorders) programs.  What this means is that we test newly developed programs and methods for children with Autism.  

This week I was thinking about how God has placed me on this career path for a reason.  As I was dealing with some of the less than glamorous parts of my job - teaching personal hygiene skills - I was thinking about how I hesitated taking this opportunity and wondering where I would be if I hadn't .  But I am now learning that God had a perfect plan for my life that needed me to deal with some uncomfortable situations first.  Everyday I am reminded to love harder and be patient longer and to live to fullest of every opportunity God send my way....

Aloha!

I can't believe Michael and I have been in Hawaii for almost eight months!  I didn't fully appreciate how much this place has become home until I visited Oregon last week.  I love going back to the place where I grew up, the place Michael and I fell in love, and the place where so many of my friends and family live.  While I was there though I had time to think about my life now.  How blessed I feel to have my little family together, living in this beautiful place!

Moving Again

July 2010  -->  Erinn moves to Texas

August 2010 -->  Michael deploys to Iraq

August 2010 -->  Erinn moves back to Oregon

July 2011  -->  Erinn moves back to Texas

August 2011 -->  Michael Returns to Texas

Friends, I am happy to announce that in less than three weeks Michael and I will be moving together to Hawaii.  The best part about this move is that we should be stabilized for 1-3 years.  I cannot express how exciting this is to both of us.  Our household goods and car have all ready been shipped to Oahu and hopefully should be there soon after we are.  Michael is working hard to finish clearing Ft Hood so that we can set up travel arrangements and hopefully we will be in our new home the first week of December :)

Michael and I have been together for over five years and it feels so good to finally be able to be in the same place at the same time without any separations planned n the future!

I'm Home

The past thirteen months has been a time of celebration, love, joy, heartache, and moments of uncertainty.  Just over a year ago I was blessed to marry my best friend, move across the country, and get a sample of what newly wed life could be like.  The time was wonderful but short. 

I am amazed to think of all that has happened in the past year.  I finished my last year of school and was able to participate in an eye-opening research project.  Michael has thrived under his new leadership responsibilities and nearly completed a second deployment.  So much has happened I am just overwelmed to think of it all.

This year has been a long journey but today I can say that I feel at home.  I don't feel like I am traveling any more, just trying to get through the next hurdle.  I am excited to be setting up our new home and eagerly waiting a phone call telling me when my love will be home.  After thirteen months we will finally be able to be newly weds.  After thirteen months we will be able to be a couple. 



I am so thankful for the support of all those who have encouraged us through this trying journey.  I am excited to celebrate the end of this chapter with you all!

Two weeks of Bliss

What can I say?  R&R is suppose to be amazing and it was.  I felt so blessed to have Michael here for my graduation and also to spend time with family and friends.  The cherry on top of the trip was being surprised with an extra day on the end!  I love my man and can't wait for him to be permanently home in the fall!

The Grand Finally!

What a crazy four years it has been!  I was thinking back upon it all today and thinking about how grateful I am to be completing my undergrad in four years!  

I could not have made it to this point without the unconditional support of my husband, family, friends, and professors.  These years have stretched me and forced me to grow in so many ways.  I am looking forward to all the opportunities in the future, all the opportunities that this education has opened for me.  Thank you all for your support through this incredible journey!