By Grace We Build

I have never written about the season of life in which we find ourselves right now.  Perhaps there have just been too many unknowns to even know where to start and what to write, but now we have stabilized a bit, so I will fill you in…

So, due to the still-falling economy, Jake found himself once again without a job after this past school year.  His job as an instructional coach (helping to coach teachers) had been funded by Federal Stimulus money, and all had assumed that the district would be able to fund the position themselves after two years or that Jake would simply be able to just switch into a teaching job at the district.  Well, with the economy in the state it is in, the district was actually cutting teaching jobs, so there was no continuing Jake’s job and no teaching job for Jake to move into.  Also, districts all over Ohio had to cut jobs, so the pickings were slim as Jake looked to move into another district.  After a summer of looking fervently, we entered the new school year with no job and no income.

Time to quickly implement Plan B…

Jake applied at Outback Steakhouse and was hired.  He also applied to sub in a couple of nearby districts.  And that is where we have been for the past couple of months.  Jake is learning the ropes of serving at Outback, and he enjoys his job.  He works two or three nights a week.  In addition, he has been subbing about 4 days a week, mostly for Akron Public Schools.

In the past couple of weeks, we have had a bit of a change for the better – not huge, but certainly better.

Jake makes it a point to talk to every principal when he subs.  While subbing at one school about a month ago, the principal told Jake that he was preparing to interview teachers for a tutoring job (tutoring small groups of low-income children).  He asked if Jake would please apply.

Jake got the job!  He is now at one school in Akron, tutoring 3rd-5th graders 4 days a week.  It is an hourly position, but it pays more than subbing, and Jake doesn’t have to worry about whether he will be working Mon.-Thurs.  He can even sub on Fridays (last Friday he was an art teacher).   And the hope is that this tutoring position will lead to a teaching job in the future.

So that is where we are now – Jake is tutoring four days a week, subbing one day a week (hopefully), and working at Outback 2-3 nights a week.  We are so thankful for God’s provision!

Thank you, Honey, for working so hard to provide for the family.  God is blessing your efforts.  I love you!