Happy New Year, everyone! The year of change has ended, and so begins the year of...uh...I don't know what to call it. We seem to have settled in quite well here in California. There were, and I percieve that there still may be, some unforseen bumps in the road, but ultimately God has been absolutely and truly awesome in every aspect of our transition back to the States from Korea. We still have many fond memories of our time there, and we still miss all of those we left behind there, students and co-workers alike; but we are excited for what this year holds for us and our new church family here in Martinez.
Speaking of unforseen bumps, the new year started off on a somewhat negative note with the radiator in our little truck giving up the ghost. But with a little help from a church member, a little elbow grease, and about $130, she was back up and running in no time. At the very least, it happened to the truck, which I know I'm able to work on without having to take it to a mechanic. If it had been the Cadillac, we'd have been in some pretty hot water, what with all the gizmos and gadgets it has under the hood. Also, it presented a good opportunity for this man from our church and I to spend a little bit of time together. So, all in all, we'll chalk it up as a good experience.
We are about half-way through our first year of homeschooling. Dulcy and the kids are hitting their stride, so to speak, and getting a lot accomplished. She took the kids to the library downtown (only about a 15-20 minute walk from our house) one day last week to work on a report on George Washington Carver. Dulcy told me that the librarian said she couldn't remember the last time a parent brought their child to the library to work on homework. That's kind of sad, I suppose, as there is so much more in the experience of going to the library than the mere acquisition of knowledge. Everyone's grades are doing well, although we can't say the we agree 100% with how some of their work has been evaluated by ABeka. I guess that comes with the territory, though. Keep praying that Dulcy and the kids will continue to do a good job in accomplishing this task that was set before them by factors over which they had no control. And please also pray that there will be some way for the kids to return to a traditional school setting next year. Whether that means a teaching job for me, or a step-up in salary, or whatever means God chooses to use, please join us in praying towards that end.
Our church members have been taking a lot of hits lately. Pastor Rushing's father just passed away. Our head deacon's son-in-law passed away last month. Yet another church member's mother passed away last month. Another member had to go under the knife on Sunday for a growth on the back of her neck that has been causing her severe headaches. Another deacon's step-father is not doing well physically, and another member will be having hip-replacement surgery this Friday. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the evil one is at work, but He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world. Please pray that our church flourishes under this time of difficulty and spiritual oppression. But even during these trials, we had a visitor on Sunday that said she has been listening to the podcast that Pastor sends out, and has decided to come. So, God is at work, too! Pray that we will remain faithful and ready to be used by Him as He works.
The past holidays have presented a number of opportunities for fellowship. We had a game night on New Year's Eve that was a success. We had about 20 people there altogether, and we all stayed until about 1:30am. We just had another game night after the evening service Sunday, as many of our members didn't have to report to work on Monday because of MLK Day. And those aren't even counting the Christmas get-togethers that were had, and the youth activities. Fellowship is something that I believe to be especially important in the forming of strong bonds between the brethren. So, please pray that more of these opportunities will present themselves and that members would continue to join in the fellowship.
Well, that's about it, I think. As we've always said, we absolutely covet your prayers for us, and hope that you will share your requests with us, too, so that we may pray on your behalf.
In His Service in Northern California,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
Mark 10:45
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December Update...
I am absolutely amazed at how quickly time flies! It seems like only a few days ago that I wrote last month's update to you all; but, alas, it's been a whole month! God continues to bless our lives in a variety of ways, not the least of which is His constant and faithful presence in our day-to-day existence. I've been thinking more often lately of how peculiar it seems that God chooses to put so much stock in our relatively puny existence. Christian songwriter Michael Card put it this way in a favorite song of mine, "God shapes every second of our little lives, and minds every minute as the universe waits by." (The Poem of Your Life/1994 Birdwing Music). I realize that God doesn't view our existence as "puny", and that He does value us more than we could ever imagine. But isn't it marvelous that the Creator of the universe takes an interest in the most minute detail of our lives? I think it is, and if you would ponder it for a while I'm sure you would, too.
Concerning work, I am now getting between 25 and 30 hours a week at Durham School Services. With the Christmas vacation beginning next week, though, I will not be putting in any hours there for the next two weeks. I have been given a new student on my route, which is the reason for my hours going over 25. It also means that I have to wake up 30 minutes earlier now, but it's worth it. So, my schedule on Monday through Friday is roughly 5am to 5pm, with a few exceptions. I get up at 0500 to get to the bus yard by 0600 and start my route by 0630. I'm done with my morning route usually by 0900, and I park the bus at the church to start my day in the office there. Then, on most days my afternoon route starts at 1400 and ends around 1630. I'm usually back home no later than 1700. The exceptions are that my students get out an hour earlier on Mondays, and I'm not required to work at the church on Fridays (so, I don't)...:) So, that roughly has me putting in around 50 hours a week, altogether, give or take a couple hours from time to time, and doesn't include any extra events at church or my responsibilities during church services throughout the week.
Dulcy reports that while home-schooling is still challenging from time to time it has most definitely smoothed out. She says that she attributes most of the stress it caused early-on to how she was going about accomplishing the work. She has since changed her routine and theirs, and it's now coming together much better than before. It's neither easy nor convenient, mind you, but now it's manageable. Michael's favorite subjects are history and science. David's favorite subjects are math and history. Katherine's favorite subject is Bible and anything that involves singing. When not schooling, it's hard to get the kids away from their Nintendo DS's that we purchased before leaving Korea. They enjoy playing against each other. Dulcy and I frequently have to tell them to "power-down" and find something else to do, and when we're able we play board games with them or some other activity. We often have some kind of church-related activity or get-together of some kind with folks from the church, too. They miss their friends in Korea a lot, but they are happy to be living here in California, too. The kids have recently discovered the wonder of houses decorated for Christmas. Usually, it's very loud in the car when we drive anywhere because of the arguing going on in the back seat over one thing or another. Now, it's still loud, but the loudness is all the ooohs, aaahs, and wows over all the houses decorated with lights and various other decorations. It is a joy to listen to them as they marvel at all the decorations...most of the time...sometimes it gets a bit too loud.
This is most definitely one of the busiest times of the year for church ministry. There is a ladies' Christmas fellowship tonight, a youth Christmas fellowship this Saturday, a choral performance of a Christmas mini-musical this Sunday (with a final rehearsal on Saturday morning), and a church-wide Christmas potluck and fellowship this Sunday evening...oh, and regular mid-week services on Wednesday night, too. God is good, though. The family I mentioned that has begun attending our church is becoming more regular, now, even after a move that requires a bit longer of a commute to church. Their youngest child, Josiah, has really attached himself to Dulcy, who watches over him when they are here, as he doesn't quite fit into the other age groups just yet. Their other two kids are fitting in quite well in their respective groups, too. Please Pray that God will continue to allow us to minister to this new family, and that they will become members of the church soon. Please continue to pray for the Bible study that Dulcy will be beginning in January. We hit a snag with getting the books ordered, and must wait until after the first of the year to order them.
In the next few months, I will begin petitioning the Christian schools in the area regarding a teaching position for next year. I am content with how things are working now, but Dulcy and I both desire to have the kids in a Christian school next year, and this is one of the only ways we forsee being able to afford such an endeavor. Specifically, I desire to work at Berean Christian High School, as this would provide free tuition for my kids to Walnut Creek Christian Academy, and when the time came, to BCHS. I ask that you would pray towards that end. It should also go without being said that we, of course, desire God's will to be done in this matter, and only want what is best for our family and kid's education.
Well, that's about all we have for right now. We really do desire to hear from any of you on a more regular basis. We completely appreciate how much all of you have prayed for us over the last year, and are completely humbled when we think of how God has so graciously answered your prayers through His various provisions for our family.
We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
In HIS Service in Northern California,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey
Mark 10:45
Concerning work, I am now getting between 25 and 30 hours a week at Durham School Services. With the Christmas vacation beginning next week, though, I will not be putting in any hours there for the next two weeks. I have been given a new student on my route, which is the reason for my hours going over 25. It also means that I have to wake up 30 minutes earlier now, but it's worth it. So, my schedule on Monday through Friday is roughly 5am to 5pm, with a few exceptions. I get up at 0500 to get to the bus yard by 0600 and start my route by 0630. I'm done with my morning route usually by 0900, and I park the bus at the church to start my day in the office there. Then, on most days my afternoon route starts at 1400 and ends around 1630. I'm usually back home no later than 1700. The exceptions are that my students get out an hour earlier on Mondays, and I'm not required to work at the church on Fridays (so, I don't)...:) So, that roughly has me putting in around 50 hours a week, altogether, give or take a couple hours from time to time, and doesn't include any extra events at church or my responsibilities during church services throughout the week.
Dulcy reports that while home-schooling is still challenging from time to time it has most definitely smoothed out. She says that she attributes most of the stress it caused early-on to how she was going about accomplishing the work. She has since changed her routine and theirs, and it's now coming together much better than before. It's neither easy nor convenient, mind you, but now it's manageable. Michael's favorite subjects are history and science. David's favorite subjects are math and history. Katherine's favorite subject is Bible and anything that involves singing. When not schooling, it's hard to get the kids away from their Nintendo DS's that we purchased before leaving Korea. They enjoy playing against each other. Dulcy and I frequently have to tell them to "power-down" and find something else to do, and when we're able we play board games with them or some other activity. We often have some kind of church-related activity or get-together of some kind with folks from the church, too. They miss their friends in Korea a lot, but they are happy to be living here in California, too. The kids have recently discovered the wonder of houses decorated for Christmas. Usually, it's very loud in the car when we drive anywhere because of the arguing going on in the back seat over one thing or another. Now, it's still loud, but the loudness is all the ooohs, aaahs, and wows over all the houses decorated with lights and various other decorations. It is a joy to listen to them as they marvel at all the decorations...most of the time...sometimes it gets a bit too loud.
This is most definitely one of the busiest times of the year for church ministry. There is a ladies' Christmas fellowship tonight, a youth Christmas fellowship this Saturday, a choral performance of a Christmas mini-musical this Sunday (with a final rehearsal on Saturday morning), and a church-wide Christmas potluck and fellowship this Sunday evening...oh, and regular mid-week services on Wednesday night, too. God is good, though. The family I mentioned that has begun attending our church is becoming more regular, now, even after a move that requires a bit longer of a commute to church. Their youngest child, Josiah, has really attached himself to Dulcy, who watches over him when they are here, as he doesn't quite fit into the other age groups just yet. Their other two kids are fitting in quite well in their respective groups, too. Please Pray that God will continue to allow us to minister to this new family, and that they will become members of the church soon. Please continue to pray for the Bible study that Dulcy will be beginning in January. We hit a snag with getting the books ordered, and must wait until after the first of the year to order them.
In the next few months, I will begin petitioning the Christian schools in the area regarding a teaching position for next year. I am content with how things are working now, but Dulcy and I both desire to have the kids in a Christian school next year, and this is one of the only ways we forsee being able to afford such an endeavor. Specifically, I desire to work at Berean Christian High School, as this would provide free tuition for my kids to Walnut Creek Christian Academy, and when the time came, to BCHS. I ask that you would pray towards that end. It should also go without being said that we, of course, desire God's will to be done in this matter, and only want what is best for our family and kid's education.
Well, that's about all we have for right now. We really do desire to hear from any of you on a more regular basis. We completely appreciate how much all of you have prayed for us over the last year, and are completely humbled when we think of how God has so graciously answered your prayers through His various provisions for our family.
We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
In HIS Service in Northern California,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey
Mark 10:45
Monday, November 16, 2009
November Update...
I fear that I may have spoiled some of you with 2+ posts per month earlier in the year...:)
Time absolutely flies when you're having fun, if I may turn a rather tired phrase. We are definitely having fun, and we are also incredibly busy. Last Saturday was the first day, weekday or no, that I recall being able to do absolutely nothing but rest in quite a very long time. It was needful rest, too. I've been fighting a head cold for a good while, and the rest I was able to take on Saturday has finally kicked it for good, methinks. Even though we are busy, we still have opportunity to see God's hand at work.
I have begun my first bus route with Durham School Services. This is the second week that I have had full responsibility over it. I have 6 special needs students on my route, one of which is in a wheelchair, but he has been in and out of the hospital so much that I have yet to actually transport him to or from school. I don't transport all of them at the same time, as some of them go to a different school than others. This is giving me between 20-25 hours per week at $12/hour. I wish it was a few more hours per week, and indeed it can/will be in the future, but God's providence is so good. I wake up between 0500-0530 each morning, start my route from the bus yard by 0640, and then my morning route is finished by 0930. Normally, I pick the kids up from school at 1445 in the afternoon, and my afternoon route is usually done by around 1600-1630. So, I have all that time in between to work on church stuff, sending these updates out, or help Dulcy at home with the home-schooling, whichever is more needful that day. It is only a Monday-Friday job, too, which was needful for my responsibilities at the church. So, while it isn't as many hours as I was hoping intially, you can see how God has provided a job that works well with my responsibilities with the church, which is exactly for what we were praying...PTL!
A new family has begun attending our church during the mid-week services because they have 3 children, the youngest of which is autistic, and the church they are attending now doesn't have any provision for the autistic boy. This left the parents in somewhat of a dilemma, as the boy wasn't cooperating during the adult service that the parents were attending, which left them not being able to pay attention and not getting anything from being at church. So, they began coming on Wednesday evenings, and Dulcy and Katherine have been taking the autistic boy into the nursery to play and have a short Bible story with a simple activity, while the parents went into the adult service and their other two children took part in their respective groups. They came last night to our evening service on Sunday for the first time, and they repeatedly remarked how warm, friendly, and receptive our church has been to them. PLEASE PRAY that our church and its members will continue to be a service to this new family, and that they will find a new home here.
Our pastor is away at a conference with his son, David, and David's fiance. He'll be gone for a little over a week, which has me with the preaching responsibility next Sunday morning. I'm looking forward to preparing the message in the next few days as God has been working with me and speaking to me about a lot of things lately. I am excited to see what He will lay on my heart for the message. I am resisting the urge to simply put together a nice, quaint Thanksgiving message, but if that's what God would have me speak, I am willing. I noticed something out of the blue a few days ago...I am currently reading no less than 5 books, all of which are academically theological in nature! Those of you who know me know that this is truly something remarkable. I'm not one to read, especially in an academic sense, but God has given me the opportunity to study these various volumes, and I am happy to do so. Pastor Rushing 'expects' (that is to say, 'enables') me to use part of my church responsibility time for uninterrupted study, and for that I am truly thankful. It is refreshing to be able to sit at the feet (so to speak) of men like John MacArthur, Samuel Ward, J. Oswald Sanders, Charle C. Ryrie, and C.H. Spurgeon, as they expound the Scriptures, and impart their wisdom from so many years in the ministry.
Dulcy will be beginning a ladies' Bible study with some Beth Moore materials around January 1st. She and some of the ladies are currently planning the specifics, so PLEASE PRAY that they will be able to work all of those things out. We will be ordering the materials soon, so that they will be here on time to begin after the holiday season. Dulcy has also had opportunity to spend some time with a lady with which we play board games frequently. The lady has expressed an interest in doing more with Dulcy including joining the ladies' Bible study she will be organizing. So, pray that Dulcy will be able to be an effective minister in Christine's life, as she continues to spend time with her. Dulcy is also tasked with taking care of Josiah, the autistic boy of which I spoke earlier when he is here. So, pray that she will contiune to have new ideas each week for things he can do during their time together.
There isn't much news with the kids. They're all plugging away quite dutifully at their schooling. Home-schooling continues to be a challenge for our family, but the task is being done. PLEASE PRAY that the kids and Dulcy wil remain energetic and focused for their school time. Also, PLEASE PRAY that God would guide us in what He would have us do next year for schooling. Neither of us wish to continue home-schooling the kids. So, PLEASE PRAY that God will provide either a teaching position for me that will take care of tuition at a Christian school in the area, or lead us into some similar situation with similar benefit.
Well, that's about it for now. I welcome and encourage any emails with questions or comments from anyone. So, please feel free to email me, even if it's simply to say that you read the update, and are praying for us. That alone would be an incredible encouragement.
In His Service in Northern California,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey
Mark 10:45
Time absolutely flies when you're having fun, if I may turn a rather tired phrase. We are definitely having fun, and we are also incredibly busy. Last Saturday was the first day, weekday or no, that I recall being able to do absolutely nothing but rest in quite a very long time. It was needful rest, too. I've been fighting a head cold for a good while, and the rest I was able to take on Saturday has finally kicked it for good, methinks. Even though we are busy, we still have opportunity to see God's hand at work.
I have begun my first bus route with Durham School Services. This is the second week that I have had full responsibility over it. I have 6 special needs students on my route, one of which is in a wheelchair, but he has been in and out of the hospital so much that I have yet to actually transport him to or from school. I don't transport all of them at the same time, as some of them go to a different school than others. This is giving me between 20-25 hours per week at $12/hour. I wish it was a few more hours per week, and indeed it can/will be in the future, but God's providence is so good. I wake up between 0500-0530 each morning, start my route from the bus yard by 0640, and then my morning route is finished by 0930. Normally, I pick the kids up from school at 1445 in the afternoon, and my afternoon route is usually done by around 1600-1630. So, I have all that time in between to work on church stuff, sending these updates out, or help Dulcy at home with the home-schooling, whichever is more needful that day. It is only a Monday-Friday job, too, which was needful for my responsibilities at the church. So, while it isn't as many hours as I was hoping intially, you can see how God has provided a job that works well with my responsibilities with the church, which is exactly for what we were praying...PTL!
A new family has begun attending our church during the mid-week services because they have 3 children, the youngest of which is autistic, and the church they are attending now doesn't have any provision for the autistic boy. This left the parents in somewhat of a dilemma, as the boy wasn't cooperating during the adult service that the parents were attending, which left them not being able to pay attention and not getting anything from being at church. So, they began coming on Wednesday evenings, and Dulcy and Katherine have been taking the autistic boy into the nursery to play and have a short Bible story with a simple activity, while the parents went into the adult service and their other two children took part in their respective groups. They came last night to our evening service on Sunday for the first time, and they repeatedly remarked how warm, friendly, and receptive our church has been to them. PLEASE PRAY that our church and its members will continue to be a service to this new family, and that they will find a new home here.
Our pastor is away at a conference with his son, David, and David's fiance. He'll be gone for a little over a week, which has me with the preaching responsibility next Sunday morning. I'm looking forward to preparing the message in the next few days as God has been working with me and speaking to me about a lot of things lately. I am excited to see what He will lay on my heart for the message. I am resisting the urge to simply put together a nice, quaint Thanksgiving message, but if that's what God would have me speak, I am willing. I noticed something out of the blue a few days ago...I am currently reading no less than 5 books, all of which are academically theological in nature! Those of you who know me know that this is truly something remarkable. I'm not one to read, especially in an academic sense, but God has given me the opportunity to study these various volumes, and I am happy to do so. Pastor Rushing 'expects' (that is to say, 'enables') me to use part of my church responsibility time for uninterrupted study, and for that I am truly thankful. It is refreshing to be able to sit at the feet (so to speak) of men like John MacArthur, Samuel Ward, J. Oswald Sanders, Charle C. Ryrie, and C.H. Spurgeon, as they expound the Scriptures, and impart their wisdom from so many years in the ministry.
Dulcy will be beginning a ladies' Bible study with some Beth Moore materials around January 1st. She and some of the ladies are currently planning the specifics, so PLEASE PRAY that they will be able to work all of those things out. We will be ordering the materials soon, so that they will be here on time to begin after the holiday season. Dulcy has also had opportunity to spend some time with a lady with which we play board games frequently. The lady has expressed an interest in doing more with Dulcy including joining the ladies' Bible study she will be organizing. So, pray that Dulcy will be able to be an effective minister in Christine's life, as she continues to spend time with her. Dulcy is also tasked with taking care of Josiah, the autistic boy of which I spoke earlier when he is here. So, pray that she will contiune to have new ideas each week for things he can do during their time together.
There isn't much news with the kids. They're all plugging away quite dutifully at their schooling. Home-schooling continues to be a challenge for our family, but the task is being done. PLEASE PRAY that the kids and Dulcy wil remain energetic and focused for their school time. Also, PLEASE PRAY that God would guide us in what He would have us do next year for schooling. Neither of us wish to continue home-schooling the kids. So, PLEASE PRAY that God will provide either a teaching position for me that will take care of tuition at a Christian school in the area, or lead us into some similar situation with similar benefit.
Well, that's about it for now. I welcome and encourage any emails with questions or comments from anyone. So, please feel free to email me, even if it's simply to say that you read the update, and are praying for us. That alone would be an incredible encouragement.
In His Service in Northern California,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey
Mark 10:45
Monday, October 12, 2009
1st October Update...
Sorry that it's been a couple weeks since a formal update was sent out, but we've been busier than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs! Some days it seemed as if the day was over before it actually began. Have you ever felt that way? It's been that way for quite some time for us, but the fact that we are in God's will is satisfaction enough for us.
I guess I'll start with the kids and homeschooling. The boys are plugging along steadily as they both work on their 4th Grade work. Michael is doing well in most of his subjects, except math. He's having trouble grasping multiplication and division. Please PRAY that he will be able to forcus more diligently on this subject, and that Mom and Dad will have the patience to give him the time he needs to grasp the concepts. He seems to do very well with both social studies and science, though. So, praise the Lord! David is also doing well. He seems to excel at penmanship, and math. He struggles slightly with science, though. So please PRAY that he will focus more on this subject. Katherine is having a blast with her video classes. Her teacher incorporates a lot of singing into each subject, and she LOVES singing! It's always a blessing listening to her sing along with her class. She's getting better everyday in every subject. It's amazing how quickly 1st graders begin to excel in each subject once the school year gets started. She's learning how to write in cursive, and she loves it because it's so "pretty".
My job situation is progressing steadily. I am now a substitute teacher for Berean Christian High School. In the last 3 weeks I've been called in no less than 7 times to fill-in for various teachers and subjects. I've had to say no 3 times because of a commercial driver's license course for driving a school bus, but they have been understanding and have continued to call me. This is providing some extra income to help supplement waht I am recieving from the church. The CDL course I am taking has a job at the end of the rainbow, so to speak. It is a 40-hour course divided into two parts, classroom and behind the wheel. I have completed the classroom part, and passed the required special endorsement and first aid tests with the California Highway Patrol. I've begun the behind the wheel training part, at the end of which I'll be required to perform a pre-trip inspection and driving test with the CHP. Upon passing those last two tests, I'll have a bus-driving job with Durham School Services, which specializes in transporting special needs students to and from some of the public and private schools in the East Bay area.
Church is going well, too. We've begun a kid's program on Wednesday nights using a curriculum called "Shout Praises Kids!" by Integrity Music. We only have 5 kids coming right now (including our three children), but they are all having a great time, and learning valuable truths from God's Word each week. Youth group is also going well. We're beginning a new trend with the group, though, in order to try and meet their spiritual needs a bit better. We're kind of focusing on discipleship with the core group, and opening up twice a month for evangelistic get-togethers to which the youth can feel more comfortable inviting their friends. Please PRAY that we will continue to meet the youth where they are, and not leave any behind. The worship services have all gone smoothly, and despite my having a sore throat for the last couple weeks, the congregational singing has gone very well. I'm going to be picking out music for our Christmas choir this week, and practice will begin on Oct. 25th. Please PRAY for this process, as this is the first time I will have ever led a choir in any capacity, and I'm quite nervous about it. We've also been ab le to have a good bit of nice fellowship with a good number of the members of the church. Just last Friday, we were able to get together with 3 other families at one of the deacon's homes to break bread and play some games. Next Sunday is a potluck and business meeting in the evening, so that will be yet another great opportunity for fellowship.
All in all, not everything is peachy, but we're so joyful at being in the center of God's will, that all the less than spectacular stuff becomes water on a duck's back. thanks so much for all your prayers and moral support. You've really no idea how much it helps.
In His Service in Northern California,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
Mark 10:45
I guess I'll start with the kids and homeschooling. The boys are plugging along steadily as they both work on their 4th Grade work. Michael is doing well in most of his subjects, except math. He's having trouble grasping multiplication and division. Please PRAY that he will be able to forcus more diligently on this subject, and that Mom and Dad will have the patience to give him the time he needs to grasp the concepts. He seems to do very well with both social studies and science, though. So, praise the Lord! David is also doing well. He seems to excel at penmanship, and math. He struggles slightly with science, though. So please PRAY that he will focus more on this subject. Katherine is having a blast with her video classes. Her teacher incorporates a lot of singing into each subject, and she LOVES singing! It's always a blessing listening to her sing along with her class. She's getting better everyday in every subject. It's amazing how quickly 1st graders begin to excel in each subject once the school year gets started. She's learning how to write in cursive, and she loves it because it's so "pretty".
My job situation is progressing steadily. I am now a substitute teacher for Berean Christian High School. In the last 3 weeks I've been called in no less than 7 times to fill-in for various teachers and subjects. I've had to say no 3 times because of a commercial driver's license course for driving a school bus, but they have been understanding and have continued to call me. This is providing some extra income to help supplement waht I am recieving from the church. The CDL course I am taking has a job at the end of the rainbow, so to speak. It is a 40-hour course divided into two parts, classroom and behind the wheel. I have completed the classroom part, and passed the required special endorsement and first aid tests with the California Highway Patrol. I've begun the behind the wheel training part, at the end of which I'll be required to perform a pre-trip inspection and driving test with the CHP. Upon passing those last two tests, I'll have a bus-driving job with Durham School Services, which specializes in transporting special needs students to and from some of the public and private schools in the East Bay area.
Church is going well, too. We've begun a kid's program on Wednesday nights using a curriculum called "Shout Praises Kids!" by Integrity Music. We only have 5 kids coming right now (including our three children), but they are all having a great time, and learning valuable truths from God's Word each week. Youth group is also going well. We're beginning a new trend with the group, though, in order to try and meet their spiritual needs a bit better. We're kind of focusing on discipleship with the core group, and opening up twice a month for evangelistic get-togethers to which the youth can feel more comfortable inviting their friends. Please PRAY that we will continue to meet the youth where they are, and not leave any behind. The worship services have all gone smoothly, and despite my having a sore throat for the last couple weeks, the congregational singing has gone very well. I'm going to be picking out music for our Christmas choir this week, and practice will begin on Oct. 25th. Please PRAY for this process, as this is the first time I will have ever led a choir in any capacity, and I'm quite nervous about it. We've also been ab le to have a good bit of nice fellowship with a good number of the members of the church. Just last Friday, we were able to get together with 3 other families at one of the deacon's homes to break bread and play some games. Next Sunday is a potluck and business meeting in the evening, so that will be yet another great opportunity for fellowship.
All in all, not everything is peachy, but we're so joyful at being in the center of God's will, that all the less than spectacular stuff becomes water on a duck's back. thanks so much for all your prayers and moral support. You've really no idea how much it helps.
In His Service in Northern California,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
Mark 10:45
Monday, September 14, 2009
Another Update...
Not a whole lot is going on here in Northern California, except that it wasn't too sunny here the last couple of days. Last weekend's weather finally brought us some rain! Although it wasn't nearly enough to help with the current water shortage problem, it was definitely a time of refreshment amidst the last few weeks of quite hot temperatures in our area, and it was nice not to have to water the lawn for a couple days as it saved a couple bucks on our water bill. God is good! He's always good!
My two interviews last week went well. Berean Christian High School has added me to their list of substitute teachers. This is an important step as it has allowed me to get my foot in the door, so to speak. Now, I just hope that they will call me on a somewhat regular basis, at least as regular as the need for a substitute can get.
Another interview I had last week was with a company that contracts out to the local school districts to pick up and take home special needs children. I have been accpeted into the program which begins on September 23rd, at the end of which I will have a Class B commercial driver's license. So, even if the job doesn't work out, I will have obtained a CDL through it all, and they will have paid for it.
I am also waiting to hear back from another job at Pizza Hut for a part-time delivery driver and team member. This one isn't as lucrative as I would've liked, but a second job is better than no second job, no matter how you slice it. Logistically, I don't know how it will work with what's already been put into motion. For example, if Berean calls for me to substitute on a day that I'm scheduled to work at Pizza Hut, I'm inclined to tell Pizza Hut that I can't work there on that day, if the two schedules conflict. My thinking here is that ultimately I consider Berean the priority as it would probably pay better, and in the future it could lead to a full-time position at the school. The same is also true of the school bus position. I may be concerned over nothing, though, as I have yet to hear back from Pizza Hut. But I intend to be completely above board with the restaurant manager about this dilemma, should he call me back.
Still yet another possibility is a operator helper trainee position at Eagle Oil Refinery here in town. This one is the most lucrative position for which I am in the running (over $23/hour), but it is also the one position which will take the most time away from my church-work. I put in my resume and application on a whim, as most of the time, the kinds of jobs are swing shift positions, and I stated that I wouldn't be able to work on Sundays and certain evenings. Needless to say, I didn't expect to hear back from them. But I recieved a letter from them asking me to take a written exam on September 28th to see if I will be eligible to continue with the candidacy.
Needless to say, we covet your prayers in many different ways. So, please pray that God's will be done, and that He will provide us with undeniable guidance in the following areas:
1. My seemingly unending pursuit of a second job to fill the financial gap in my family's life. Right now, we are just barely keeping our heads above the water, but with David's dental bills and the lack of a steady second job, that won't be the case for much longer if God doesn't move. He didn't call us here to be left by the wayside. So, we're confident that He will provide, and the church has been very helpful in all of this as various members have been randomly helping with dropping off groceries or taking us out for dinner or lunch, and the church gave me an extra $500 this month to help out. Just please PRAY for us to remain patient for God's timing on all of this.
2. We have begun home-schooling all three kids through ABeka Academy video school. This was mainly a financial decision, as I mentioned in an earlier post. But even $222/month is tough on a tight budget, which is what we have. Additionally, though, I'm sure most of you know that home-schooling is no walk in the park with one kid, but with three, it's a feels like a daily run through the gauntlet for Dulcy. I help out when I am able, but for the most part, this is something that Dulcy is doing on her own. So, please PRAY that Dulcy will continue to have the energy, consistency, and determination on a daily basis.
3. I have begun a new kid's program at church on Wednesday nights. It's called Shout Praises Kids! and is through Integrity Music. Right now, we only have 5 kids in attendance, including our three, but it is a fun program, and one that the kids enjoy. So, please PRAY that God will have His way in the lives of the kids that are coming, and that is He sees fit, that we will see growth both in spirituality and numbers (in that order).
Well, that's about all I have for the Healey family right now. Thank you all so much for all your prayers and thoughts.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine
Mark 10:45
My two interviews last week went well. Berean Christian High School has added me to their list of substitute teachers. This is an important step as it has allowed me to get my foot in the door, so to speak. Now, I just hope that they will call me on a somewhat regular basis, at least as regular as the need for a substitute can get.
Another interview I had last week was with a company that contracts out to the local school districts to pick up and take home special needs children. I have been accpeted into the program which begins on September 23rd, at the end of which I will have a Class B commercial driver's license. So, even if the job doesn't work out, I will have obtained a CDL through it all, and they will have paid for it.
I am also waiting to hear back from another job at Pizza Hut for a part-time delivery driver and team member. This one isn't as lucrative as I would've liked, but a second job is better than no second job, no matter how you slice it. Logistically, I don't know how it will work with what's already been put into motion. For example, if Berean calls for me to substitute on a day that I'm scheduled to work at Pizza Hut, I'm inclined to tell Pizza Hut that I can't work there on that day, if the two schedules conflict. My thinking here is that ultimately I consider Berean the priority as it would probably pay better, and in the future it could lead to a full-time position at the school. The same is also true of the school bus position. I may be concerned over nothing, though, as I have yet to hear back from Pizza Hut. But I intend to be completely above board with the restaurant manager about this dilemma, should he call me back.
Still yet another possibility is a operator helper trainee position at Eagle Oil Refinery here in town. This one is the most lucrative position for which I am in the running (over $23/hour), but it is also the one position which will take the most time away from my church-work. I put in my resume and application on a whim, as most of the time, the kinds of jobs are swing shift positions, and I stated that I wouldn't be able to work on Sundays and certain evenings. Needless to say, I didn't expect to hear back from them. But I recieved a letter from them asking me to take a written exam on September 28th to see if I will be eligible to continue with the candidacy.
Needless to say, we covet your prayers in many different ways. So, please pray that God's will be done, and that He will provide us with undeniable guidance in the following areas:
1. My seemingly unending pursuit of a second job to fill the financial gap in my family's life. Right now, we are just barely keeping our heads above the water, but with David's dental bills and the lack of a steady second job, that won't be the case for much longer if God doesn't move. He didn't call us here to be left by the wayside. So, we're confident that He will provide, and the church has been very helpful in all of this as various members have been randomly helping with dropping off groceries or taking us out for dinner or lunch, and the church gave me an extra $500 this month to help out. Just please PRAY for us to remain patient for God's timing on all of this.
2. We have begun home-schooling all three kids through ABeka Academy video school. This was mainly a financial decision, as I mentioned in an earlier post. But even $222/month is tough on a tight budget, which is what we have. Additionally, though, I'm sure most of you know that home-schooling is no walk in the park with one kid, but with three, it's a feels like a daily run through the gauntlet for Dulcy. I help out when I am able, but for the most part, this is something that Dulcy is doing on her own. So, please PRAY that Dulcy will continue to have the energy, consistency, and determination on a daily basis.
3. I have begun a new kid's program at church on Wednesday nights. It's called Shout Praises Kids! and is through Integrity Music. Right now, we only have 5 kids in attendance, including our three, but it is a fun program, and one that the kids enjoy. So, please PRAY that God will have His way in the lives of the kids that are coming, and that is He sees fit, that we will see growth both in spirituality and numbers (in that order).
Well, that's about all I have for the Healey family right now. Thank you all so much for all your prayers and thoughts.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine
Mark 10:45
Thursday, September 3, 2009
September Update...
Well, things are clipping along at a rather fast pace here in the East Bay area of Northern California. Since our arrival from Korea, we have been able to reconnect with both pairs of grandparents now, which, in a sense, solidifies the end of our transition back to the States. We still feel like this is some kind of wierd vacation that will soon come to an end, but realize that it isn't, and that this is our home now. Our minds are consistently going back to "Korea Mode", thinking about all we would be doing there at this point with getting back into the flow of school and what-not. We certainly do miss all of our friends and the students at ICS-Uijongbu, but are daily reminded and assured that this is where God has called us to be at this point in our family's journey.
My Mom and Dad came to visit about a week and a half ago. And while it was cut short because of Space-A travelling restrictions, we had a great visit with them. This was the first time since we moved to Korea that the kids had been able to spend time with their grandparents on my side, and the first time that they and Katherine had met, since she was born in Korea. We went to the Jelly Belly Factory over in Fairfield, CA, which was a blast. And we took them to the Golden Gate Bridge, too. I figured it would be a travesty to travel clear across the country to the San Francisco Bay Area, and not go see the Golden Gate. All in all, we had a great time of reunion, and we can't wait to spend more time with them in the future.
Speaking of school, we have decided to go with ABeka Academy Video School for the kids, and are going to begin that next Tuesday. It was a difficult decision to make, as it will put more responsibility on Dulcy and I for the kids' education, but financially, it was the only feasible avenue for action. With pastoral discounts at different schools around the area, we would have been paying approximately $650 a month for all three kids, which is a really good price, actually. But $650, compared to the $220 that we are paying with ABeka, is still a lot of money. So, we are trusting and praying that God will help us meet the somehwhat daunting task of home-schooling all three kids, and we know that He will.
I just recieved a call from Berean Christian High School, in Walnut Creek, for an interview next Wednesday, Sept. 9th, for a substitute teaching position. According to the principal and director, this would be a good way for me to get my foot in the door, for them to get to know me, and vice-versa. So, this is a big praise and answer to prayer. I have placed a total of 20 applications and resumes this week alone, and I have more to do today. Please continue to PRAY that God will guide me to exactly the right job.
We took David to the dentist yesterday, and got some pretty bad news. He's in need of a lot of dental work, and we don't have the money for it, even with our dental insurance. I'm going to be calling the dentist back today to see if we can cut back on some of the less urgent things first. The first hurdle they presented was that he needs a root canal. I'm kind of fuzzy on whether or not this tooth is one of his permanents or not. And if it isn't, I don't completely understand why they want to do all that work on a tooth that's going to fall out in the next couple of years. But this is why I'm going to be calling them back today. So, please PRAY that God will provide guidance and funds in this financial area, too.
Concerning church, things are going well. We are going to be starting a new kid's mid-week program next Wednesday. I also had breakfast today with one of the men of the church to talk about re-starting a Men's Prayer Breakfast each month, and I'm excited and encouraged that this is the Lord's will for the men of our church right now. Please PRAY that this endeavor will be a source of encouragement and spiritual growth for our men. The youth group, for which I am now leading the Bible study, is going strong. We have our meetings on Thursday nights, and so far they've all been a blast. The more important thing, though, is that we always have good discussion times that are somewhat deeper than the normal superficiality that sometimes seems inherent in teenagers these days. Please PRAY that this trend will continue.
Well, that's about it. I've got to hit the pavement to put some more applications in today, and do some reading and studying. So, thank you again for all your prayers and support, just keep it coming...:)
In His Service,
Sam
Mark 10:45
My Mom and Dad came to visit about a week and a half ago. And while it was cut short because of Space-A travelling restrictions, we had a great visit with them. This was the first time since we moved to Korea that the kids had been able to spend time with their grandparents on my side, and the first time that they and Katherine had met, since she was born in Korea. We went to the Jelly Belly Factory over in Fairfield, CA, which was a blast. And we took them to the Golden Gate Bridge, too. I figured it would be a travesty to travel clear across the country to the San Francisco Bay Area, and not go see the Golden Gate. All in all, we had a great time of reunion, and we can't wait to spend more time with them in the future.
Speaking of school, we have decided to go with ABeka Academy Video School for the kids, and are going to begin that next Tuesday. It was a difficult decision to make, as it will put more responsibility on Dulcy and I for the kids' education, but financially, it was the only feasible avenue for action. With pastoral discounts at different schools around the area, we would have been paying approximately $650 a month for all three kids, which is a really good price, actually. But $650, compared to the $220 that we are paying with ABeka, is still a lot of money. So, we are trusting and praying that God will help us meet the somehwhat daunting task of home-schooling all three kids, and we know that He will.
I just recieved a call from Berean Christian High School, in Walnut Creek, for an interview next Wednesday, Sept. 9th, for a substitute teaching position. According to the principal and director, this would be a good way for me to get my foot in the door, for them to get to know me, and vice-versa. So, this is a big praise and answer to prayer. I have placed a total of 20 applications and resumes this week alone, and I have more to do today. Please continue to PRAY that God will guide me to exactly the right job.
We took David to the dentist yesterday, and got some pretty bad news. He's in need of a lot of dental work, and we don't have the money for it, even with our dental insurance. I'm going to be calling the dentist back today to see if we can cut back on some of the less urgent things first. The first hurdle they presented was that he needs a root canal. I'm kind of fuzzy on whether or not this tooth is one of his permanents or not. And if it isn't, I don't completely understand why they want to do all that work on a tooth that's going to fall out in the next couple of years. But this is why I'm going to be calling them back today. So, please PRAY that God will provide guidance and funds in this financial area, too.
Concerning church, things are going well. We are going to be starting a new kid's mid-week program next Wednesday. I also had breakfast today with one of the men of the church to talk about re-starting a Men's Prayer Breakfast each month, and I'm excited and encouraged that this is the Lord's will for the men of our church right now. Please PRAY that this endeavor will be a source of encouragement and spiritual growth for our men. The youth group, for which I am now leading the Bible study, is going strong. We have our meetings on Thursday nights, and so far they've all been a blast. The more important thing, though, is that we always have good discussion times that are somewhat deeper than the normal superficiality that sometimes seems inherent in teenagers these days. Please PRAY that this trend will continue.
Well, that's about it. I've got to hit the pavement to put some more applications in today, and do some reading and studying. So, thank you again for all your prayers and support, just keep it coming...:)
In His Service,
Sam
Mark 10:45
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
In Wenatchee...
Well, Dulcy and I (and the kids) pulled out of the parking lot at church Sunday night at 8:30, and headed north to visit her family in Washington State. It wasn't my first choice to drive through the night, but all things considered, it wasn't a bad idea. We drove until about 3am, and then I had to stop and sleep a bit. We got back on the road around 4:15, and kept going. We pulled into the Carlson's driveway around 1pm. It was a good trip, but boy, oh, boy is Oregon empty! Highway 97, which runs north from I-5 in California all the way through Oregon and straight into Wenatchee, is one of the loneliest roads on the face of the earth.
My father-in-law and I took Michael and David fishing today for King Salmon on the Columbia River here in Wenatchee. Michael caught a 22 lb. one, and David caught a 22 in. one. They had a great time, and it was a joy to see them having such a good time.
While we were out on the river, I caught two phone calls I wasn't expecting. I got a call from Pastor Rushing to tell me that the pension check from Korea came in today. Praise the Lord! The second was a call from Costco there in Concord, trying to schedule me for a job interview. I knew this was going to happen...as soon as I left town, I'd get a call for a job interview. Well, I explained to her that I was very interested in interviewing for them but that I was out of town, and wouldn't be back until Saturday morning. She said that she would call back on Saturday. Please PRAY that if this is where God wants me that they will call back.
Tonight we're going to be feasting on the fruits of the boy's fortunes on the river today...grilled King Salmon! Can't wait, either, 'cause I'm hungry since we didn't really have lunch today since we were on the river and all.
Well, that's about it for now. I just wanted to let y'all know that the pension check from Korea had arrived, since I had asked prayer for that.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
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