Hello, everyone! Well, it has been just over a month since our last update, and so much has happened since then. So, I will do my best to lay out what went on and what is going on in as few words as possible.
First of all, let me take a few moments to thank all those who helped in so many different ways. Some of you helped financially, others helped physically with loading and/or unloading our possessions, and still others helped by praying for our safety and travelling mercies. And these are just the ways that I know of, and I'm sure that many of you helped in ways I'll never know. Suffice it to say that no matter how you chose to help us in our transition from California to Florida, your involvement was invaluable in what I have come to consider a completely smooth and uneventful trip. Even though it was a long trip, the fact that it went so smooth is a testimony to the greatness of our God and His faithfulness in answering our prayers. So, thank you all for all the myriad of ways that you helped us make this transition, and praise God for His faithfulness and provision.
We arrived in Homestead, FL, on July 3rd, at about 3pm. Thanks to Pastor Long and a number of members of South Dade Baptist Church, we were unloaded by about 4pm. Then, Pastor went to KFC and bought dinner for everyone. The next day was Sunday and the 4th. We had a great morning service, and in the evening we went to view the fireworks show down by the speedway. It's strange, but funny that we've not witnessed a fireworks display consecutively in the same place since we were in college. On Tuesday night, we went with Pastor and his wife to pick-up the Vasel family from the airport. While it wasn't quite the reunion we were expecting (we weren't able to meet them in the terminal because of traffic), it was still a great thing to see our long-time friends again.
I'm not going to bore you all with a daily play-by-play of all that has transpired since we've arrived...mainly because my memory isn't that good. It took us longer than usual to get our internet hooked back up and it turned out that the culprit was bad wiring in our phone jacks. So, an agent came out from AT&T, installed a new phone jack, and we were up and running. I started my "summer job" with a local lanscaping company on the 12th. At first, I was simply doing odd jobs around the school and church, but then I actually started going out with the regular crews down to the Florida Keys to a well-to-do community called Ocean Reef. Luckily (dripping with sarcasm), it's heavy pruning season, and the crew I go with is tasked with all the heavy pruning that we do. This is not a fun job...it is manual labor in it's truest sense. I guess I got that for which I asked. The work itself isn't really that difficult, but the heat is what takes it to the next level. For example, a couple days this week, the temperature made it to 105 degrees with heat index. While I am completely appreciative for the job, I will be VERY happy when my responsibilities at school begin. I have a brand new respect for the guys who do jobs like this day-in and day-out. It definitely takes a special breed.
The bureaucrats are alive and well in Florida. We have been trying to get Dulcy set-up with Medicaid since we arrived, and we're still in the process. It seems like every time we jump through one of their hoops we find another on the other side, and another, and another. It seems, though, that now we have all the necessary paperwork, and so on Monday we are planning to go down to the Medicaid office to get the ball rolling a bit more quickly. PLEASE PRAY that Monday will be a good experience at the Medicaid office. This has been a highly stressful and convoluted process, and we would definietly like to have a good, hope-filled session on Monday. Dulcy is doing fine with no further complications of which we are aware. Aedan Connall continues to move and make his presence known each day, and none of those things which her doctor in California told her to look out for have happened. So, we are trusting that everything is as okay as it can be. PLEASE PRAY that we we will be able to get her back to the doctor soon, though. It has been nearly two months since she has seen a doctor, and with a high-risk pregnancy, you all know just as well as we do that that isn't a good thing. We really have no recourse, though, besides patience and faith that God will protect her and Aedan. PLEASE PRAY.
Our new church is amazing! It has a number of resources at its disposal, not the least of which is a very strong group of committed members who are dedicated to growing the ministry. Our kids are also enjoying the large group of kids who are here, too. Just a couple of minutes ago, David, just out of the blue, remarked at how much he likes our new church. That's not to say anything against any previous churches to be sure. We most certainly miss all of our dear friends in California, and think of them on a daily basis. It just means a lot to them that there are so many kids their age here with which they can interact consistently. They are also excited about being reunited with the Vasel kids with whom they grew so close in Korea.
Concerning our ministry at the church, Dulcy and I have begun serving in the choir. We have also taken over the Senior High Sunday School class and Wednesday night Youth Group. A good-sized group of kids and teens just got back from The Wilds, a week-long Christian summer camp. Two teens reported salvation experiences, and they all expressed a desire for accountability. So, PLEASE PRAY that they will be able to stay true to their decisions, and that Dulcy and I will be able to come along beside them in this. We are already looking ahead to camp week next year, so please PRAY that the leaders of the church and school will have wisdom during the decision-making process.
Teacher orientation begins on August 11th, and classes begin on August 23rd. PLEASE PRAY that I will be able to get a firm grasp on all of my responsibilities quickly. Dulcy has been helping get my room prepared for the school year by painting the walls while I'm fulfilling my landscaping duties. She's been taking it very easy and the kids have been helping her, too. We plan on going in tomorrow to get some more done on it.
Well, that's about it for now. I'll continue to update everyone on at least a monthly basis from here on out. Thank you again to all of you who helped in your own various ways. I can't tell you all enough how much it means and meant to us.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and Aedan Healey.
Mark 10:45
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Another June Update...
It seems like just a few days ago that I posted the last update, but I see that it's been nearly two weeks!! Suffice it to say that time has certainly flown by in a very real way. This is our last week in California. We will be leaving after the morning service on Sunday, June 27th, to begin the LONG road trip to Florida. It looks as if we will be on the road at least 6 days, if not seven. We are going to be making a couple stops to visit shortly with some friends and family, but are not planning on staying long in any one place.
God has once again provided for our needs in an unbelieveable (humanly speaking) manner. We heard from Pastor Long a few days ago that they have found us a 4bd/2ba house for $1275/mo., and it'll be ready for us to move in as soon as we get there. With family, friends, Bethany Baptist, and South Dade Baptist contributing, we have what is necessary to make the trip to Florida. We have actually recieved more than I originally projected we would need, which is a completely praiseworthy thing! We will have some set-up costs in Florida, and my school salary won't kick in until the end of August. So, there is still room to help...:) A businessman who is a member of SDBC and the Athletic Director of CCS has offered me a job with his landscaping company beginning Monday, July 12, and lasting until my responsibilities at the school begin. I've exchanged a few emails with him, and he has said that he will have plenty of work for me to make up at least 40 hours/wk. So, while we won't be striking it rich, we will have some funds coming in. But like I said, if you would still like to help in a financial way, I promise you it will not be wasted, and it will be a tremendous blessing.
A few items for prayer requests:
1. Our current health insurance will be terminated July 1st. This is weighing heavily on our hearts right now with how Dulcy's pregnancy has been diagnosed. She's had no further bad news or anything, and she is doing fine. But with our insurance going away in the middle of our trip, and us not being able to do anything about it, we are somewhat anxious. Please pray for God's hand of protection to be on all aspects of our trip, but most importantly upon Dulcy's health. We are going to be setting things up for her as soon as we arrive in Florida. It is our first order of business, to be sure.
2. Finishing up packing-up all our stuff. We are alomst done!! But we have a good bit left to do in the next few days. Our goal is to be done by Thursday night/Friday morning so that everything is packed-up by the time we start loading the truck. Pray that we will be able to get everything done, and that Dulcy would be able to take it as easy as possible. The kids have all been a real big help to us so far, too.
3. Packing up the truck. We are going to be packing up the truck on Friday and Saturday. We do have some people from church coming by to help, and my Dad will be here by then. So, I think we'll be covered for help. My main concern is safety for all those involved. Our house isn't the most mover-friendly place on the planet. There are a lot of steps...narrow steps, at that. So, please pray that there will be no injuries, and that the whole process will go smoothly and efficiently.
4. Travelling. This will be the first time I (we) have ever made a road trip this long. So, really, I have no idea for what to ask prayer requests. This is the one that you'll have to get creative on during your prayer time. The kids being able to stay sane in the car for so long should not be low on your prayer list in this area. They do have a few gadgets to help keep them occupied. But, to be sure, this is a 3100+ mile trip, and we're all rookies, except for my Dad. So, pray that we will stay safe, not miss any turn-offs, etc.
5. We still haven't heard anything back from the IRS about our returns this year. So, this is still a matter of prayer for us.
6. Pray that we will also be able to get our security deposit back from our current landlord on Saturday, before we leave. He has indicated that it shouldn't be a problem, but this should still be a matter of prayer for us, too. The extra funds will go far in helping us in Florida.
Well, I think that's about it. I'll probably send out one last update on Friday before we pack-up the wireless router and all. And then we'll be somewhat incognito for a week or so. But we'll do our best to stay in touch.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and (possibly...still not completely decided, yet) Aedan Connell Healey.
Mark 10:45
God has once again provided for our needs in an unbelieveable (humanly speaking) manner. We heard from Pastor Long a few days ago that they have found us a 4bd/2ba house for $1275/mo., and it'll be ready for us to move in as soon as we get there. With family, friends, Bethany Baptist, and South Dade Baptist contributing, we have what is necessary to make the trip to Florida. We have actually recieved more than I originally projected we would need, which is a completely praiseworthy thing! We will have some set-up costs in Florida, and my school salary won't kick in until the end of August. So, there is still room to help...:) A businessman who is a member of SDBC and the Athletic Director of CCS has offered me a job with his landscaping company beginning Monday, July 12, and lasting until my responsibilities at the school begin. I've exchanged a few emails with him, and he has said that he will have plenty of work for me to make up at least 40 hours/wk. So, while we won't be striking it rich, we will have some funds coming in. But like I said, if you would still like to help in a financial way, I promise you it will not be wasted, and it will be a tremendous blessing.
A few items for prayer requests:
1. Our current health insurance will be terminated July 1st. This is weighing heavily on our hearts right now with how Dulcy's pregnancy has been diagnosed. She's had no further bad news or anything, and she is doing fine. But with our insurance going away in the middle of our trip, and us not being able to do anything about it, we are somewhat anxious. Please pray for God's hand of protection to be on all aspects of our trip, but most importantly upon Dulcy's health. We are going to be setting things up for her as soon as we arrive in Florida. It is our first order of business, to be sure.
2. Finishing up packing-up all our stuff. We are alomst done!! But we have a good bit left to do in the next few days. Our goal is to be done by Thursday night/Friday morning so that everything is packed-up by the time we start loading the truck. Pray that we will be able to get everything done, and that Dulcy would be able to take it as easy as possible. The kids have all been a real big help to us so far, too.
3. Packing up the truck. We are going to be packing up the truck on Friday and Saturday. We do have some people from church coming by to help, and my Dad will be here by then. So, I think we'll be covered for help. My main concern is safety for all those involved. Our house isn't the most mover-friendly place on the planet. There are a lot of steps...narrow steps, at that. So, please pray that there will be no injuries, and that the whole process will go smoothly and efficiently.
4. Travelling. This will be the first time I (we) have ever made a road trip this long. So, really, I have no idea for what to ask prayer requests. This is the one that you'll have to get creative on during your prayer time. The kids being able to stay sane in the car for so long should not be low on your prayer list in this area. They do have a few gadgets to help keep them occupied. But, to be sure, this is a 3100+ mile trip, and we're all rookies, except for my Dad. So, pray that we will stay safe, not miss any turn-offs, etc.
5. We still haven't heard anything back from the IRS about our returns this year. So, this is still a matter of prayer for us.
6. Pray that we will also be able to get our security deposit back from our current landlord on Saturday, before we leave. He has indicated that it shouldn't be a problem, but this should still be a matter of prayer for us, too. The extra funds will go far in helping us in Florida.
Well, I think that's about it. I'll probably send out one last update on Friday before we pack-up the wireless router and all. And then we'll be somewhat incognito for a week or so. But we'll do our best to stay in touch.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and (possibly...still not completely decided, yet) Aedan Connell Healey.
Mark 10:45
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
First June Update...
Hello, everyone! I trust that this new update finds you all in good spirits and health. It has certainly been a busy couple of weeks since our last update. We've been busy trying to keep all the current ministry/work balls in the air concerning church, home-schooling, and bus driving, while continuing the process of preparing for the move to Florida. It certainly has neither been, nor does it seem that it will get, easy in any way, shape, or form. But we are still pressing forward towards the mark.
Home-schooling is all but done for our family. Katherine has already finished all of her schooling, and the boys are close behind her. Dulcy allowed Katherine the joy of taunting her brothers by a somewhat ceremonial disposal of all her 1st grade books...at least the ones that were consumables. She got a real kick out of that! Dulcy just has to grade the remainder of her work to send in and all will be done. The boys only have a couple days more to do, and they will then be in the same boat. It has been a long haul for Dulcy and the kids, but I think it was good for them simply because now they know they can do it. They've all done very well, and I'm very proud of them.
Dulcy's pregnancy still continues to go well without any further complications. Her most recent doctor visit had some more news. The baby is still very healthy and in great shape, PTL! The doctor did say that she will have to have a C-section, and there's no doubt about it. I believe I shared that with you last time. But the news is that she may also need to have a hystorectomy (sp?) afterwards, because of the possiblity of the placenta growing into the cervix. So, that is a matter of prayer that we would ask that you bring before our Mighty God. She isn't on bed rest or anything, but has been given a short list of activities which should be considered taboo for her until the delivery.
Along these lines, I recieved a fax today from South Dade Baptist Church concerning the health insurance plan that will be offered for teachers and their families at Colonial Christian School. It looks like a very good plan, as it includes health, vision, dental, and maternity coverage. The deductible is the same, but the premiums are less than what we are currently paying, and the coverage is better. Now, we are just waiting to see if they will be able to enroll us in July instead of having to wait until August. This is another matter of prayer that we would ask you to join us in bringing before our Loving Father.
We have decided to go with renting a truck to move ourselves. We just haven't had any peace about the use of a moving company for various reasons. What it boils down to is this: even though moving ourselves will only save us a little comparatively, it still saves us something, and that's what's necessary. Renting the truck is going to cost us (including an approximation for fuel) $2962, which is about $500-600 less than the lowest moving company estimate. I have approximated that our food/lodging expenses will be in the neighborhood of $600 ($50/night for lodging and $50/day for food), and fuel for our car in the neighborhood of $600. So, that brings our total expenses for the actual move in around $4200. So far, two family members (two couples) have sent in a total of $1000 for the moving expenses, and we give God praise for their generosity! But we are still $3200 in the hole with just 16 days until the day for which I reserved the truck. I mention these approximations and amounts so that you have the details necessary to go before the throne of God in specificity and boldness.
Well, that's about all I have the time for right now. It's time for me to get back on my bus route for the afternoon. Please pray for those thing I've mentioned in this update, and ask God to continue to provide for our need during this transition.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Male 3.0" Healey
Mark 10:45
Home-schooling is all but done for our family. Katherine has already finished all of her schooling, and the boys are close behind her. Dulcy allowed Katherine the joy of taunting her brothers by a somewhat ceremonial disposal of all her 1st grade books...at least the ones that were consumables. She got a real kick out of that! Dulcy just has to grade the remainder of her work to send in and all will be done. The boys only have a couple days more to do, and they will then be in the same boat. It has been a long haul for Dulcy and the kids, but I think it was good for them simply because now they know they can do it. They've all done very well, and I'm very proud of them.
Dulcy's pregnancy still continues to go well without any further complications. Her most recent doctor visit had some more news. The baby is still very healthy and in great shape, PTL! The doctor did say that she will have to have a C-section, and there's no doubt about it. I believe I shared that with you last time. But the news is that she may also need to have a hystorectomy (sp?) afterwards, because of the possiblity of the placenta growing into the cervix. So, that is a matter of prayer that we would ask that you bring before our Mighty God. She isn't on bed rest or anything, but has been given a short list of activities which should be considered taboo for her until the delivery.
Along these lines, I recieved a fax today from South Dade Baptist Church concerning the health insurance plan that will be offered for teachers and their families at Colonial Christian School. It looks like a very good plan, as it includes health, vision, dental, and maternity coverage. The deductible is the same, but the premiums are less than what we are currently paying, and the coverage is better. Now, we are just waiting to see if they will be able to enroll us in July instead of having to wait until August. This is another matter of prayer that we would ask you to join us in bringing before our Loving Father.
We have decided to go with renting a truck to move ourselves. We just haven't had any peace about the use of a moving company for various reasons. What it boils down to is this: even though moving ourselves will only save us a little comparatively, it still saves us something, and that's what's necessary. Renting the truck is going to cost us (including an approximation for fuel) $2962, which is about $500-600 less than the lowest moving company estimate. I have approximated that our food/lodging expenses will be in the neighborhood of $600 ($50/night for lodging and $50/day for food), and fuel for our car in the neighborhood of $600. So, that brings our total expenses for the actual move in around $4200. So far, two family members (two couples) have sent in a total of $1000 for the moving expenses, and we give God praise for their generosity! But we are still $3200 in the hole with just 16 days until the day for which I reserved the truck. I mention these approximations and amounts so that you have the details necessary to go before the throne of God in specificity and boldness.
Well, that's about all I have the time for right now. It's time for me to get back on my bus route for the afternoon. Please pray for those thing I've mentioned in this update, and ask God to continue to provide for our need during this transition.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Male 3.0" Healey
Mark 10:45
Friday, May 28, 2010
Another May Update...
My apologies for it being longer than some of you (and I) expected between updates. Time flew this month, and not to our liking. We had a few ups and downs this month which will be the main course of this update. All in all, we are doing well, and while the progress we are making towads our move at the end of next month is slow, it is still progress.
I have finished my training for being qualified to drive the larger buses with dual air-brake systems. I took my driving test with CHP last week and passed. So, I am now a fully-qualified bus driver.
Dulcy recieved some unwelcome news after going to have an ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby (It's a Boy!, by the way). While we were at a friend's home for dinner the evening of, she got a call from the nurse practitioner that they found out that Dulcy has placenta previa. Now, before you all jump on the internet and find out how terribly bad this is, Dulcy is fine. They have given the baby a totally clean bill of health and Dulcy has just been told to "take it easy". She isn't on bed rest or anything like that. She has been told by this group of doctors that she will need to have the baby by C-section. But even that isn't completely for sure because Dulcy has talked to a few other ladies who had the same condition but the placenta moved and they were able to give birth naturally. So, please pray that Dulcy will be able to "take it easy", that the placenta will go back to where it's supposed to be, and that the condition won't worsen.
We received a letter from the IRS stating that instead of getting a refund of about $1200, we actually owe $800. The reason, according to the letter, was that we didn't qualify for Earned Income Credit. Upon recieving the letter, I jumped on the IRS website, and did a little research. I saw that one cannot claim EIC and the Foreign Income Exclusion at the same time (which is necessary because of the half-year we were still in Korea). So, I contacted the organization that prepared our taxes this year, and they told me to fax them the letter and they would look into it. Well, I recieved another letter back from this organization stating that the IRS was wrong because I lived in the US for at least 6 months in 2009, which qualifies us for EIC. They supplied me with a letter of explanation to send back to the IRS, and it looks like we will be getting a refund after all (PTL!). Now, if it would just come through before we leave...
We've had, in all, 4 moving companies come by and give visual estimates for how much it will cost to move our things to Florida. They have ranged from $3550 to just over $4100. There have been other email and phone estimates given by other companies that were much lower, but they can't or won't send any one out to the house for an estimate (red flag), which for me, isn't acceptable. We have one other company coming on Tuesday, and after that we will make the decision on what we're going to do. At this point, Mayflower is the lowest estimate, and if the estimate on Tuesday isn't lower, we'll probably be going with them. I say that, though, not having $3550 to pay for it.
We've had $600 come in from some family members to go towards our moving expenses! This is a great thing and worthy of our thanks and praising the Lord! We are still far away from our goal of at least $3500 (currently). I say $3500 because whether we go with a moving company or some other self-moving option, that's about what we're going to need. We've entertained the idea of trying to sell what we have and use the money to replace things once we arrive in Florida, but we don't see that as entirely feasible what with the lack of time. We're also thinking about lessening the number of things we move, in order to lower the weight and price. So, please rest assured that we are not trying make this decision arbitrarily. Would you prayerfully consider if God would have you help? God gives the provision, but He often chooses to do so through His people.
I have been in contact with those in Homestead about many of the concerns that we have, and I'd like to share with you part of the latest email I recieved from Pastor Long:
So, it would seem that God is indeed working in hearts and minds concerning not only our move, but also our ministry once we arrive. The local businessman that has offered a job owns a landscaping company. I mentioned that I would like to get a job during which I could also get some exercise. So, God has answered that prayer already, too.
Well, that's about it for now. I am going to begin doing these updates at least bi-weekly. But as new things develop, I will keep you all up-to-date.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Male 3.0" Healey.
I have finished my training for being qualified to drive the larger buses with dual air-brake systems. I took my driving test with CHP last week and passed. So, I am now a fully-qualified bus driver.
Dulcy recieved some unwelcome news after going to have an ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby (It's a Boy!, by the way). While we were at a friend's home for dinner the evening of, she got a call from the nurse practitioner that they found out that Dulcy has placenta previa. Now, before you all jump on the internet and find out how terribly bad this is, Dulcy is fine. They have given the baby a totally clean bill of health and Dulcy has just been told to "take it easy". She isn't on bed rest or anything like that. She has been told by this group of doctors that she will need to have the baby by C-section. But even that isn't completely for sure because Dulcy has talked to a few other ladies who had the same condition but the placenta moved and they were able to give birth naturally. So, please pray that Dulcy will be able to "take it easy", that the placenta will go back to where it's supposed to be, and that the condition won't worsen.
We received a letter from the IRS stating that instead of getting a refund of about $1200, we actually owe $800. The reason, according to the letter, was that we didn't qualify for Earned Income Credit. Upon recieving the letter, I jumped on the IRS website, and did a little research. I saw that one cannot claim EIC and the Foreign Income Exclusion at the same time (which is necessary because of the half-year we were still in Korea). So, I contacted the organization that prepared our taxes this year, and they told me to fax them the letter and they would look into it. Well, I recieved another letter back from this organization stating that the IRS was wrong because I lived in the US for at least 6 months in 2009, which qualifies us for EIC. They supplied me with a letter of explanation to send back to the IRS, and it looks like we will be getting a refund after all (PTL!). Now, if it would just come through before we leave...
We've had, in all, 4 moving companies come by and give visual estimates for how much it will cost to move our things to Florida. They have ranged from $3550 to just over $4100. There have been other email and phone estimates given by other companies that were much lower, but they can't or won't send any one out to the house for an estimate (red flag), which for me, isn't acceptable. We have one other company coming on Tuesday, and after that we will make the decision on what we're going to do. At this point, Mayflower is the lowest estimate, and if the estimate on Tuesday isn't lower, we'll probably be going with them. I say that, though, not having $3550 to pay for it.
We've had $600 come in from some family members to go towards our moving expenses! This is a great thing and worthy of our thanks and praising the Lord! We are still far away from our goal of at least $3500 (currently). I say $3500 because whether we go with a moving company or some other self-moving option, that's about what we're going to need. We've entertained the idea of trying to sell what we have and use the money to replace things once we arrive in Florida, but we don't see that as entirely feasible what with the lack of time. We're also thinking about lessening the number of things we move, in order to lower the weight and price. So, please rest assured that we are not trying make this decision arbitrarily. Would you prayerfully consider if God would have you help? God gives the provision, but He often chooses to do so through His people.
I have been in contact with those in Homestead about many of the concerns that we have, and I'd like to share with you part of the latest email I recieved from Pastor Long:
Here are some current events taking place here at SDBC. There is a mother of a teen here who is thrilled with the prospect of a Sr. youth pastor. She has taken it upon herself to rally several teens to begin attending the morning services here at SDBC. This past Sunday there were about 10 teens present in the morning service. This is a major event because 7 of them attend a local Christ Fellowship church that has its own youth worship service. She has been working on these young people by asking them to come in and 'give us a chance' by their presence, so that when other young adults show up to visit they will see others there of their own age. Some of these kids are entertaining the idea of transferring out of CCS to local 'magnet' school who specialize in an elective. She has seen the outcome of these false promises by the schools and also the environment they create and is acting as a parent advocate to convince the students to remain in the God centered milieu of Christian education.
This is very encouraging because we have never had this kind of promotion to youth since I have been here. A work of God only! This is your group we are talking about an already there is a groundswell building in preparation for a youth ministry. Be encouraged by what God is doing, especially when it happens in this way and at this level.
Concerning the moving expenses I am working with the deacons and the church family to help you make the transition. Along the same lines of thought there are 3 men who God has raised up (apart from any persuasion on my part) who are interested in purchasing homes to use as rentals for the new youth pastors. Another business owner has made a commitment to provide work for one of the newcomers. Brother, God is making things ready for your ministry here so keep praying, planning and trusting, He will provide as needed and in His time.
So, it would seem that God is indeed working in hearts and minds concerning not only our move, but also our ministry once we arrive. The local businessman that has offered a job owns a landscaping company. I mentioned that I would like to get a job during which I could also get some exercise. So, God has answered that prayer already, too.
Well, that's about it for now. I am going to begin doing these updates at least bi-weekly. But as new things develop, I will keep you all up-to-date.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Male 3.0" Healey.
Friday, April 30, 2010
May Update...(a couple days early)
This time last year we were looking forward to a new ministry at Bethany Baptist Church. As the school year was coming to a close at ICS-Uijongbu, we had a lot of 'what-if' questions in our minds, and God was continually answering each of those one right after the other. We were preparing to leave our lives and ministries in South Korea to begin anew in California. We were praying and asking God's provision and we were excited time and again as prayer after prayer was answered. Many of you joined with us in those prayers and some of you were led to help financially. God worked in a mighty way to get us back across the Pacific, and we were amazed. And now, after three months of looking for God's will for our family, we find ourselves in a very similiar position as last year.
In my last update, I asked everyone to pray that the congregation's vote on the financial package from South Dade Baptist Church would be indicative of what God would have us do concerning the future of our family. I asked you all to pray open-endedly on purpose, as we were desiring confirmation of God's will. The vote was unanimous to accept the financial package and commit to growing the ministry at SDBC. On Monday afternoon, I received a contract offer from Colonial Christian School. I went to Pastor Rushing to explain to him our feelings and belief that this was God's will for our family, and he advised me to sit on it for a couple days to simply see if any last-minute miracles occurred, which would allow us to stay in the area. On Wednesday morning, we met again, and I confirmed for him that this is still what we believed to be God's will for us. On Thursday morning, I signed the contract and faxed it back to the school, accepting the position with the school and church. So, God has called us to Homestead, FL, and I will be the HS Bible Teacher at CCS, and the HS Youth Pastor at SDBC.
Those are the facts. The decision to go to Florida has been made by faith that this is God's will for our family. Over the past few months, I have contacted, in various ways, no less than 20 schools in the area concerning employment for next year. Only three showed any interest, but one eventually said they wouldn't be able to hire me, and the other two haven't responded to any subsequent contacts. With the help of my Dad, I placed resumes in for 20 government jobs, two that were in the area and the rest nationwide. No positive responses came back from any of them. I also persued two pastoral positions, one in the area, and another in New Jersey; both of which have grown silent over the past few weeks. I also contacted 3 other schools outside the area, one in Arkansas, one in Hawaii, and the one in Florida. Our faith belief in all this is simply that if God wanted us to stay where we are, something would've surfaced in the area along the lines of the ministries to which He's called me (teaching and youth work). Scripture tells us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). By faith, neither I nor Dulcy believe that God has given me such a strong desire to teach to simply have it sit idle.
So, at the end of June, we will be moving to Homestead, Florida, to join ourselves to the ministries there. This time last year the decision to go had already been made for four months. We now stand in front of a timeframe half that long. We are confident that God will provide, but we have no idea how or from where. According to recent research, which I am going to be expanding upon as quickly as possible, we are going to need in the neighborhood of $5000 for the move. This is an educated estimate based on contacts I have already made to a few companies, and includes gas for the trip, a moving company and supplies, hotel/motel stays on the drive down, and what I percieve to be minor set-up costs in Homestead. I am hopeful that it is a high estimate, but I am fearful that it isn't. My first paycheck from the church will be ready for us when we arrive, but my first paycheck from the school will not be until August 27th. So, that has already been a topic of discussion with the pastor and director there, and they have said that they will begin looking for a job for me to fill in the gap until I begin work at the school. I'm trying to paint a picture here that will hopefully help you all understand our situation. We have been paycheck to paycheck since we have settled in here in California, and have very little savings (only about $500). So, in many ways, this leap of faith is much scarier than the one we made last year. Last year, I knew we would have the equivalent of about 1.5 months pay from the school when we left, and that was after airfare had been paid. I also knew that I was going to have a hefty pension paycheck arriving shorlty after we did from the Korean government. The exact opposite is true now. We believe that this is God's will for our family, and in order for it work, He has to provide just as He has before. We know He will, but we don't know how.
So, this brings us to the prayer request section.
1. PRAY that Dulcy and the kids will finish their homeschooling on-time. They are scheduled to be done the second week in June, two weeks before we are planning to leave.
2. PRAY that I will finish strong in my ministry here at Bethany Baptist. We aren't leaving until the end of June, so I don't want to "check-out" until then.
3. PRAY and ask God to provide for our moving expenses. $5000 is a HUGE amount of money for us, but it's pocket change to God. Would you also prayerfully consider if God would have you help financially? Please also understand that I completely understand how tight today's economy is, and how strapped many people are these days, and not just ourselves. Just please ask God how He would have you help.
4. PRAY for Bethany Baptist Church, and the growth of the ministry here. Even though we will not be a part of it after June, we still desire to see God's family grow, and for a Bible-believing church like this to be a beacon of light in this community.
5. PRAY that we will have practical wisdom in deciding waht we take with us, and what we choose to try and replace once we get there. 'Things' can carry sentimental value and be difficult to let go, but we don't have the time or money for such things. Dulcy is much better at axing things than I, so pray that God will allow me to keep my mouth shut.
6. PRAY that Dulcy will continue to remain healthy during her pregnancy. Everything is going just fine with absolutely no hitches, by the way. Along with this, though, is the question of health insurance in Florida. Pray that God would have His hand upon those at SDBC who are looking into this for us. This has also been a point of discussion aleady, and they are working on it.
7. PRAY for those at SDBC who are looking into a housing arrangement for our family. Pray that God will lead them to the exact property He has for us, and that it would be as inexpensive as possible.
And I think that's it for now. I will be updating you all with new information as soon as I have it. We are in a peculiar place to be right now. On one hand we wonder why God didn't work things out for us here, and sorrowful with leaving our new friends behind; and on the other, we are excited by being led further into His will for our family.
More to come...
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Point-five" Healey.
Mark 10:45
In my last update, I asked everyone to pray that the congregation's vote on the financial package from South Dade Baptist Church would be indicative of what God would have us do concerning the future of our family. I asked you all to pray open-endedly on purpose, as we were desiring confirmation of God's will. The vote was unanimous to accept the financial package and commit to growing the ministry at SDBC. On Monday afternoon, I received a contract offer from Colonial Christian School. I went to Pastor Rushing to explain to him our feelings and belief that this was God's will for our family, and he advised me to sit on it for a couple days to simply see if any last-minute miracles occurred, which would allow us to stay in the area. On Wednesday morning, we met again, and I confirmed for him that this is still what we believed to be God's will for us. On Thursday morning, I signed the contract and faxed it back to the school, accepting the position with the school and church. So, God has called us to Homestead, FL, and I will be the HS Bible Teacher at CCS, and the HS Youth Pastor at SDBC.
Those are the facts. The decision to go to Florida has been made by faith that this is God's will for our family. Over the past few months, I have contacted, in various ways, no less than 20 schools in the area concerning employment for next year. Only three showed any interest, but one eventually said they wouldn't be able to hire me, and the other two haven't responded to any subsequent contacts. With the help of my Dad, I placed resumes in for 20 government jobs, two that were in the area and the rest nationwide. No positive responses came back from any of them. I also persued two pastoral positions, one in the area, and another in New Jersey; both of which have grown silent over the past few weeks. I also contacted 3 other schools outside the area, one in Arkansas, one in Hawaii, and the one in Florida. Our faith belief in all this is simply that if God wanted us to stay where we are, something would've surfaced in the area along the lines of the ministries to which He's called me (teaching and youth work). Scripture tells us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). By faith, neither I nor Dulcy believe that God has given me such a strong desire to teach to simply have it sit idle.
So, at the end of June, we will be moving to Homestead, Florida, to join ourselves to the ministries there. This time last year the decision to go had already been made for four months. We now stand in front of a timeframe half that long. We are confident that God will provide, but we have no idea how or from where. According to recent research, which I am going to be expanding upon as quickly as possible, we are going to need in the neighborhood of $5000 for the move. This is an educated estimate based on contacts I have already made to a few companies, and includes gas for the trip, a moving company and supplies, hotel/motel stays on the drive down, and what I percieve to be minor set-up costs in Homestead. I am hopeful that it is a high estimate, but I am fearful that it isn't. My first paycheck from the church will be ready for us when we arrive, but my first paycheck from the school will not be until August 27th. So, that has already been a topic of discussion with the pastor and director there, and they have said that they will begin looking for a job for me to fill in the gap until I begin work at the school. I'm trying to paint a picture here that will hopefully help you all understand our situation. We have been paycheck to paycheck since we have settled in here in California, and have very little savings (only about $500). So, in many ways, this leap of faith is much scarier than the one we made last year. Last year, I knew we would have the equivalent of about 1.5 months pay from the school when we left, and that was after airfare had been paid. I also knew that I was going to have a hefty pension paycheck arriving shorlty after we did from the Korean government. The exact opposite is true now. We believe that this is God's will for our family, and in order for it work, He has to provide just as He has before. We know He will, but we don't know how.
So, this brings us to the prayer request section.
1. PRAY that Dulcy and the kids will finish their homeschooling on-time. They are scheduled to be done the second week in June, two weeks before we are planning to leave.
2. PRAY that I will finish strong in my ministry here at Bethany Baptist. We aren't leaving until the end of June, so I don't want to "check-out" until then.
3. PRAY and ask God to provide for our moving expenses. $5000 is a HUGE amount of money for us, but it's pocket change to God. Would you also prayerfully consider if God would have you help financially? Please also understand that I completely understand how tight today's economy is, and how strapped many people are these days, and not just ourselves. Just please ask God how He would have you help.
4. PRAY for Bethany Baptist Church, and the growth of the ministry here. Even though we will not be a part of it after June, we still desire to see God's family grow, and for a Bible-believing church like this to be a beacon of light in this community.
5. PRAY that we will have practical wisdom in deciding waht we take with us, and what we choose to try and replace once we get there. 'Things' can carry sentimental value and be difficult to let go, but we don't have the time or money for such things. Dulcy is much better at axing things than I, so pray that God will allow me to keep my mouth shut.
6. PRAY that Dulcy will continue to remain healthy during her pregnancy. Everything is going just fine with absolutely no hitches, by the way. Along with this, though, is the question of health insurance in Florida. Pray that God would have His hand upon those at SDBC who are looking into this for us. This has also been a point of discussion aleady, and they are working on it.
7. PRAY for those at SDBC who are looking into a housing arrangement for our family. Pray that God will lead them to the exact property He has for us, and that it would be as inexpensive as possible.
And I think that's it for now. I will be updating you all with new information as soon as I have it. We are in a peculiar place to be right now. On one hand we wonder why God didn't work things out for us here, and sorrowful with leaving our new friends behind; and on the other, we are excited by being led further into His will for our family.
More to come...
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Point-five" Healey.
Mark 10:45
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Prayer Request Update...
Hello, everyone! This is a special update, as it involves a specific prayer request. As most of you should know by now, I have been looking for a job for the last couple of months because the church where I am currently serving has fallen upon rough times financially, and will need to lower my pay to $1000/mo. beginning July 1st (a 2/3 reduction). I've placed many applications/resumes, both near and far, in the last couple of months and most of them have either come back negative or not at all. A few have requested further contact, and I have followed through.
Just to recap, those that have requested further contact are as follows: 1) Berkeley Chinese Baptist Church in Berkeley, CA. They are seeking a full-time pastor for their English-speaking congregation. 2) Cornerstone Christian School in Antioch, CA. I am still unsure what exact position they are trying to fill, as they haven't responded to my questions toward that end...but they asked me to send in my cover letter, resume, and application. 3) Calvary Christian School in Forrest City, AR. They are seeking a HS Bible teacher. 4) Maranatha Baptist Church in Bridgeton, NJ. They are seeking an associate pastor to come under the senior pastor in order to take over the pastorate when he retires in the near future. 5) Colonial Christian School and South Dade Baptist Church in Homestead, FL. They are looking for a HS Bible teacher and HS Youth Pastor.
So, these are the strongest prospects I have had in the past couple of months, and to be frank, they are all still on the table as none of them have come back with a negative response. The reason for this update, however, focuses on the fifth prospect above, Colonial Christian School and South Dade Baptist Church in Homestead, FL. As things have progressed in our conversations, a mutual desire to continue conversations has grown. Last Sunday evening, the pastor of the church and the director of the school took a financial package before the church congregation. This package is meant as a supplement from the church to two men (myself and another), hired by the school as teachers, to work in the youth ministry of the church. They have not brought our names before the congregation, as Pastor Long's vision is that this is a "statement of commitment from the congregation to be thoroughly engaged in duty to grow the work." This Sunday evening, the congregation is to vote on whether or not they will approve that commitment.
This is where the specific prayer request comes in. We are not asking you to pray that God would have us go there. We are asking you to pray that the congregation's vote would be indicative of what God desires for our family, whatever the vote may be. As I've said, the situation is what I've been looking for, but we sheep allow our enthusiasm and excitement to get in The Shepherd's way sometimes, and that's not what any of us want.
I have another Skype video chat scheduled with the Pastor and Director this afternoon, just to touch base, as they want to be as transparent as possible with what has transpired in meetings with the deacons and the congregation, and to give me the chance to ask any further questions that may have risen since our last conversation.
Ultimately, please PRAY that God would confirm to us His will for our family this weekend.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and ".5" Healey
Mark 10:45
Just to recap, those that have requested further contact are as follows: 1) Berkeley Chinese Baptist Church in Berkeley, CA. They are seeking a full-time pastor for their English-speaking congregation. 2) Cornerstone Christian School in Antioch, CA. I am still unsure what exact position they are trying to fill, as they haven't responded to my questions toward that end...but they asked me to send in my cover letter, resume, and application. 3) Calvary Christian School in Forrest City, AR. They are seeking a HS Bible teacher. 4) Maranatha Baptist Church in Bridgeton, NJ. They are seeking an associate pastor to come under the senior pastor in order to take over the pastorate when he retires in the near future. 5) Colonial Christian School and South Dade Baptist Church in Homestead, FL. They are looking for a HS Bible teacher and HS Youth Pastor.
So, these are the strongest prospects I have had in the past couple of months, and to be frank, they are all still on the table as none of them have come back with a negative response. The reason for this update, however, focuses on the fifth prospect above, Colonial Christian School and South Dade Baptist Church in Homestead, FL. As things have progressed in our conversations, a mutual desire to continue conversations has grown. Last Sunday evening, the pastor of the church and the director of the school took a financial package before the church congregation. This package is meant as a supplement from the church to two men (myself and another), hired by the school as teachers, to work in the youth ministry of the church. They have not brought our names before the congregation, as Pastor Long's vision is that this is a "statement of commitment from the congregation to be thoroughly engaged in duty to grow the work." This Sunday evening, the congregation is to vote on whether or not they will approve that commitment.
This is where the specific prayer request comes in. We are not asking you to pray that God would have us go there. We are asking you to pray that the congregation's vote would be indicative of what God desires for our family, whatever the vote may be. As I've said, the situation is what I've been looking for, but we sheep allow our enthusiasm and excitement to get in The Shepherd's way sometimes, and that's not what any of us want.
I have another Skype video chat scheduled with the Pastor and Director this afternoon, just to touch base, as they want to be as transparent as possible with what has transpired in meetings with the deacons and the congregation, and to give me the chance to ask any further questions that may have risen since our last conversation.
Ultimately, please PRAY that God would confirm to us His will for our family this weekend.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and ".5" Healey
Mark 10:45
Monday, April 12, 2010
April Update...
Hello, everyone! It's that time again for an update from the Healey family. April found us all in good health, and doing well. Dulcy is doing quite well with the pregnancy, and the baby is healthy, too. She has had her first ultrasound, heard the baby's heartbeat, and all that good stuff. I think I was more happy, though, to see that there was only one baby in there...:)
I have begun training to upgrade to the larger buses. If we stay in the area, this upgrade will give me more driving time during the summer months doing charter trips and such, when my regular school route won't be running. It also makes my license a bit more "marketable" as it will now include vehicles with air brake systems. The training has already come in handy financially, as they had me training for about 4 hours a day during Spring Break when I wouldn't have been getting any hours at all. So, God is good, and is continuing to provide.
Dulcy and the kids are still clipping along quite well in their homeschooling endeavors. The boys have started a California State notebook project for their Social Studies class. They are learning quite a bit more about California than I know. Katherine is becoming quite the little reader, now, too. Everything must be read, now...no word or group of words are too mundane. She reads them all! We're happy that she loves reading so much.
Concerning the hunt for a job...Leads are still very slim in the area. Frankly, they're slim everywhere. Presently, there are 5 leads that I am currently running down that are all decent prospects. One is in Homestead, FL, a church/school is looking for a youth worker/Bible teacher. Out of all the prospects currently on the table, this one is the most appealing to Dulcy and I. If God desires for us to leave the area, this is the one that seems to best fit our family. It also carries with it a possible reunion with some friends of ours that we've known since college and their family. Another prospect is in Forrest City, Arkansas, a school looking for a Bible teacher. The third is Berkeley Chinese Baptist Church, in Berkeley, CA. They are looking for an English Pastor to oversee their English-speaking congregation. A fourth is another school in Antioch, CA, who just contacted me this morning asking if I would fill-out an application and send in my resume. And the fifth is a church in New Jersey that is looking for an assistant pastor to take over when the senior pastor retires in the near future. Those contacts that I've made to this area's Christian schools have either come back negative, or haven't come back at all, with the exception of the one this morning. And of the 15 or 16 applications I've made to government positions, I've heard back from just 3. Two of the positions have been cancelled, and the third said that I was qualified, but that other applicants were more qualified.
Honestly, we don't know where God is leading us. We will go where He leads. That is our main concern. It would grieve us to have to leave the wonderful people at Bethany Baptist, but if that is God's will, so shall it be done. Offerings are actually lower than last year, now. Pastor Rushing doesn't understand it, either, because we haven't lost any people over last year. The only explanation we can figure is that the economy's effects have finally trickled down to where the church finances are feeling it.
Suffice it to say, though, that we have pretty much entered "crunch time". Our lease is up at the end of June, and while the lease agreement does allow for a month-to-month stipulation after the first year, we'd much rather have things figured out before then. If God is leading us away from here, there are so many preparations that would need to be made. We are not forgetting what God did to get us here, mind you. These things are simply on our minds.
Our requests this month are simple:
1. Pray that the pregnancy goes well, and that Dulcy and the baby stay healthy.
2. Pray that God would guide and direct us to His will for our family.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us. We are looking forward to seeing how God works all this out.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and .5 Healey
Mark 10:45
I have begun training to upgrade to the larger buses. If we stay in the area, this upgrade will give me more driving time during the summer months doing charter trips and such, when my regular school route won't be running. It also makes my license a bit more "marketable" as it will now include vehicles with air brake systems. The training has already come in handy financially, as they had me training for about 4 hours a day during Spring Break when I wouldn't have been getting any hours at all. So, God is good, and is continuing to provide.
Dulcy and the kids are still clipping along quite well in their homeschooling endeavors. The boys have started a California State notebook project for their Social Studies class. They are learning quite a bit more about California than I know. Katherine is becoming quite the little reader, now, too. Everything must be read, now...no word or group of words are too mundane. She reads them all! We're happy that she loves reading so much.
Concerning the hunt for a job...Leads are still very slim in the area. Frankly, they're slim everywhere. Presently, there are 5 leads that I am currently running down that are all decent prospects. One is in Homestead, FL, a church/school is looking for a youth worker/Bible teacher. Out of all the prospects currently on the table, this one is the most appealing to Dulcy and I. If God desires for us to leave the area, this is the one that seems to best fit our family. It also carries with it a possible reunion with some friends of ours that we've known since college and their family. Another prospect is in Forrest City, Arkansas, a school looking for a Bible teacher. The third is Berkeley Chinese Baptist Church, in Berkeley, CA. They are looking for an English Pastor to oversee their English-speaking congregation. A fourth is another school in Antioch, CA, who just contacted me this morning asking if I would fill-out an application and send in my resume. And the fifth is a church in New Jersey that is looking for an assistant pastor to take over when the senior pastor retires in the near future. Those contacts that I've made to this area's Christian schools have either come back negative, or haven't come back at all, with the exception of the one this morning. And of the 15 or 16 applications I've made to government positions, I've heard back from just 3. Two of the positions have been cancelled, and the third said that I was qualified, but that other applicants were more qualified.
Honestly, we don't know where God is leading us. We will go where He leads. That is our main concern. It would grieve us to have to leave the wonderful people at Bethany Baptist, but if that is God's will, so shall it be done. Offerings are actually lower than last year, now. Pastor Rushing doesn't understand it, either, because we haven't lost any people over last year. The only explanation we can figure is that the economy's effects have finally trickled down to where the church finances are feeling it.
Suffice it to say, though, that we have pretty much entered "crunch time". Our lease is up at the end of June, and while the lease agreement does allow for a month-to-month stipulation after the first year, we'd much rather have things figured out before then. If God is leading us away from here, there are so many preparations that would need to be made. We are not forgetting what God did to get us here, mind you. These things are simply on our minds.
Our requests this month are simple:
1. Pray that the pregnancy goes well, and that Dulcy and the baby stay healthy.
2. Pray that God would guide and direct us to His will for our family.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us. We are looking forward to seeing how God works all this out.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and .5 Healey
Mark 10:45
Friday, March 12, 2010
February/March Update...
First of all, I apologize for the relative silence that was February. It was a rough month for us, and we were just trying to hold on, much less get everything accomplished that we wanted to accomplish.
By way of back-tracking, we got some not-too-good news last month. Pastor called me into his office one day as we usually do each week to touch base and keep each other abreast of any news and schedules for the week and all. Long story short, the church isn't picking up financially as we hoped that it would. Offerings are just about the same as they were at this time last year. What this means is that simply in about 4-5 months the church will no longer be able to pay me what they are paying me now. Let me stop here and say that no one wants this to happen. Pastor told me that he is abssolutely pleased with what I've done, and the impact that our family has had on the church. We love the church and desire to stay, and that's what we are hoping happens.
We are faced with what we can see are four basic possiblities:
1. The church's finances turn around, and they are able to keep me on at my current rate or bring me on full-time. (best-case scenario)
2. I am able to procure a full-time teaching position at a local Christian school, and the church falls into more of a part-time role financially. (desirable alternative)
3. I am able to find a full-time position somewhere else in the country meaning that we would have to uproot and move again. (not-so-desirable alternative, but I'm willing to do it, if it means my family's needs are provided)
4. I am not able to find any kind of job that would sufficiently supply my family's needs, and we are forced (no offense to her family) to move in with Dulcy's family in Washington to start over from scratch. (worst-case scenario)
We are not sitting on our hands, here, and we need you all to join with us in prayer for God's provision. He's provided for us in the past, and He can and will do it again. I don't know how God would turn the church's finances around to enable the church to bring me on full-time, but I know that He can. PRAY. I have already recontacted the Christian schools in the area, and have two decent leads. We are waiting on letters of intent from the teachers to be returned to the principals/directors before we know anything further. Most schools require the letters of intent to returned by the end of March. PRAY that something will open up for me on this front. I really miss teaching, and this is what I believe to be a really good fit, as it will also provide the way for our kids to get back to a traditional Christian school setting. My Dad is helping me apply to as many federal government jobs as possible. I've already applied to seven vacancies that he has sent me in the last few days. I am quite unfamiliar with how the application process works with these government jobs, but I've followed all the directions. PRAY. If nothing avails itself within the next few months, we will more than likely have to move in with Dulcy's parents to start from scratch again. And sincerely, I do not mean to paint this in such a negative light. Russ and Mary have been very gracious and generous to put that offer on the table for us, and it is something of a safety net, so to speak. But from our point of view, this is not what we want to see happen for our family's sake. It wouldn't be bad to be near the family there, indeed, the kids would love it; but it carries with it a certain air of failure, for which I am willing to accept full responsibility. Long story short...PRAY.
I'm sorry to be dropping this on you all so suddenly. I have told some of you before this update of our current situation, but for most of you, this is the first you've heard of any real difficulty. Please also understand that, while we are struggling currently, we are fine in most respects. We are paycheck to paycheck, but we aren't starving, our clothes aren't ratty, our vehicles are running well, and we are generally safe. The difficulty is simply that our future is now once again uncertain. And it is a weary realization to find ourselves in that state after having come so far. But now that you all know our situation, please join us in petitioning our mighty God to intervene on our behalf. Really, any of the possibilities that I've mentioned before are things that I would willingly do to ensure my family's safety and provision. So, please PRAY that God will continue to work, and that He will show us what He wants us to do from day to day.
Now that the unfortunate news is out there, February also presented us with some good news. About two days after we found out about the church situation, we also found out that Dulcy is pregnant with our fourth child! Her due date is October 19th. She has another check-up scheduled for April 1st. Katherine, of course, is praying for a girl, and Michael and David, another boy. Dulcy and I aren't necessarily concerned with gender this go around. I'm sure Dulcy wouldn't mind another girl, and I'm with her on that one, too, after seeing how much easier a girl takes to many different things (not the least of which is potty-training). But no matter what the gender turns out to be, we will love and cherish him or her as we do all of our kids.
I will endeavor to send another update out this month to catch you all up on the other things going on. I would include them here, but I fear I've rambled too long already. Please feel free to contact via email or by phone if you have any questions of any kind.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
Mark 10:45
By way of back-tracking, we got some not-too-good news last month. Pastor called me into his office one day as we usually do each week to touch base and keep each other abreast of any news and schedules for the week and all. Long story short, the church isn't picking up financially as we hoped that it would. Offerings are just about the same as they were at this time last year. What this means is that simply in about 4-5 months the church will no longer be able to pay me what they are paying me now. Let me stop here and say that no one wants this to happen. Pastor told me that he is abssolutely pleased with what I've done, and the impact that our family has had on the church. We love the church and desire to stay, and that's what we are hoping happens.
We are faced with what we can see are four basic possiblities:
1. The church's finances turn around, and they are able to keep me on at my current rate or bring me on full-time. (best-case scenario)
2. I am able to procure a full-time teaching position at a local Christian school, and the church falls into more of a part-time role financially. (desirable alternative)
3. I am able to find a full-time position somewhere else in the country meaning that we would have to uproot and move again. (not-so-desirable alternative, but I'm willing to do it, if it means my family's needs are provided)
4. I am not able to find any kind of job that would sufficiently supply my family's needs, and we are forced (no offense to her family) to move in with Dulcy's family in Washington to start over from scratch. (worst-case scenario)
We are not sitting on our hands, here, and we need you all to join with us in prayer for God's provision. He's provided for us in the past, and He can and will do it again. I don't know how God would turn the church's finances around to enable the church to bring me on full-time, but I know that He can. PRAY. I have already recontacted the Christian schools in the area, and have two decent leads. We are waiting on letters of intent from the teachers to be returned to the principals/directors before we know anything further. Most schools require the letters of intent to returned by the end of March. PRAY that something will open up for me on this front. I really miss teaching, and this is what I believe to be a really good fit, as it will also provide the way for our kids to get back to a traditional Christian school setting. My Dad is helping me apply to as many federal government jobs as possible. I've already applied to seven vacancies that he has sent me in the last few days. I am quite unfamiliar with how the application process works with these government jobs, but I've followed all the directions. PRAY. If nothing avails itself within the next few months, we will more than likely have to move in with Dulcy's parents to start from scratch again. And sincerely, I do not mean to paint this in such a negative light. Russ and Mary have been very gracious and generous to put that offer on the table for us, and it is something of a safety net, so to speak. But from our point of view, this is not what we want to see happen for our family's sake. It wouldn't be bad to be near the family there, indeed, the kids would love it; but it carries with it a certain air of failure, for which I am willing to accept full responsibility. Long story short...PRAY.
I'm sorry to be dropping this on you all so suddenly. I have told some of you before this update of our current situation, but for most of you, this is the first you've heard of any real difficulty. Please also understand that, while we are struggling currently, we are fine in most respects. We are paycheck to paycheck, but we aren't starving, our clothes aren't ratty, our vehicles are running well, and we are generally safe. The difficulty is simply that our future is now once again uncertain. And it is a weary realization to find ourselves in that state after having come so far. But now that you all know our situation, please join us in petitioning our mighty God to intervene on our behalf. Really, any of the possibilities that I've mentioned before are things that I would willingly do to ensure my family's safety and provision. So, please PRAY that God will continue to work, and that He will show us what He wants us to do from day to day.
Now that the unfortunate news is out there, February also presented us with some good news. About two days after we found out about the church situation, we also found out that Dulcy is pregnant with our fourth child! Her due date is October 19th. She has another check-up scheduled for April 1st. Katherine, of course, is praying for a girl, and Michael and David, another boy. Dulcy and I aren't necessarily concerned with gender this go around. I'm sure Dulcy wouldn't mind another girl, and I'm with her on that one, too, after seeing how much easier a girl takes to many different things (not the least of which is potty-training). But no matter what the gender turns out to be, we will love and cherish him or her as we do all of our kids.
I will endeavor to send another update out this month to catch you all up on the other things going on. I would include them here, but I fear I've rambled too long already. Please feel free to contact via email or by phone if you have any questions of any kind.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
Mark 10:45
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
January Update...
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
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, 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.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
In California...FINALLY!...Part Two.
It's been about a week or so since the last update, not counting the emergency update about my sister. Speaking of which, in case you didn't recieve the update about her that I forwarded to some of you, here's the latest that I've recieved from my Dad:
"Brittany had an MRI and ultrasound yesterday and records, images & lab results were sent to U of Md oncologists for a second opinion.
Though not all materials have been received & reviewed, yesterday's tests indicate that the original diagnosis may be erroneous. There is no indication of any tumors or cysts and the endometrial (?) tissue appears normal. A physical exam and new tissue sample are scheduled for Aug 4th. (Delay required to allow her to heal from the latest tissue sample). We're thankful for this news, but are quite bewildered at the specificity of the original diagnosis that led them to conclude it was stage 3, regional lymph node affected, tumors are 4cm, possibly inoperable, etc. Please share this praise and continue to pray for Brittany and her doctors.
I'll provide further updates as results unfold. Thank you so much for responding to our need with love, prayers, and emails."
Jack, Barbara & Brittany Healey
So, please continue to pray for Brittany. This latest news is most definitely encouraging, but the ordeal is not yet over.
By way of update, our car is at the body shop as I type. Indeed, this was supposed to be the last day it was to be at the shop, but I fear the repairs may take longer. But praise the Lord, we aren't having to pay a dime to have it fixed, or for the rental car in which they put us. God is good!
As far as how other things are going here in California, I'm very happy and pleased with our new ministry at Bethany Baptist Church. The people have all been incredibly loving, receptive, and supportive. Pastor Rushing has been a tremendous help and encouragement. God is blessing in my preparations for and leading of the worship services in church. And the area is simply beautiful, with many things to do and in which to take part. Dulcy has remarked many times how much it already feels like home (after only a month). God is truly confirming His call to us for ministry here time and again, and we praise Him for that.
That's not to say that all things are peachy, so to speak. Our faith is still being tested by some things that we had hoped would be resolved by now, and those are our chief items for prayer requests. Probably the biggest one right now concerns the pension money from the Korean Government that I was supposed to recieve upon our final departure. It was to be mailed to us in check form, and was supposed to arrive by July 30th. Well, here we are on the 29th, and it hasn't yet arrived. I've contacted the school's business manager, to see if she could double-check everything on that end, but have yet to hear back from her. It's only been a day since I emailed her, so I expect to hear back from her soon. But this is a rather large prayer request for us, as we were planning on using some of that money for enrolling our kids in school ($1000 for all three kids), and the first month's tuition ($860 for all three kids). So, unfortunately, until that money comes in, we are at a stand still with our kids' educational needs. Please PRAY that the money will come in very soon. We are going to visit Dulcy's family next Monday through Friday in Washington State, so it would really be good if it arrived today or tomorrow.
Moving on, another thing that we hoped would have been resolved by now is supplemental employment for me. The last two schools that I had as possibilities haven't yet come through. One of them would cost us up to $360 a month in gasoline alone because of how far away it is from where we live. And the other is still deciding on whether or not they are going to hire a new teacher. I am going to be contacting the one further away today, simply so that no stone is left unturned. In the meantime, I have begun putting in applications at other places, too. So far, I've applied at Barnes & Noble, Target, Toys R Us, WalMart, and Borders, and I plan on applying at the Post Office, Sears, and hitting a bunch of places at the mall today. The only problem I forsee with these secular places of employment is that I don't believe they will provide enough income for sending our kids to a Christian school. So, please PRAY that God will guide us as He already has in finding supplemental employment as it has direct bearing on getting our kids' educational futures lined-up.
While these two requests loom rather large on our emotional radars, we are increasingly confident that this is where God has called us. Pastor and I have been going out door-to-door two days a week for the last three weeks now, and have made some really decent contacts. It is a joy to work with Pastor Rushing and the others here at Bethany Baptist. There is such a strong love for God here, and a desire to see His Kingdom grow in our area. Dulcy is enjoying having a house to call home. She just remarked yesterday of this, and stated how much she loves having a house. And for the first time in a long time, I have an accountable, mentoring relationship with another Godly man. This has been an incredible source of encouragement for me, as I can share things with Pastor, and ask questions, and now that any response he gives is in love and confidence with no other agendas attached. Not that any relationship I've had in the past wasn't so, but I know that to be the case now, beyond the shadow a doubt. Pastor has taken me under his wing, is teaching and discipling me, and encouraging me in the ministry. I could not have hoped for more.
Well, I should be getting to the list of things I have to do today. this was one of the items on that list, so I am making some progress...:) I only have eight more things to do...:( But it is a joy to be in the service of The King!
Until Next Time...
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
Mark 10:45
"Brittany had an MRI and ultrasound yesterday and records, images & lab results were sent to U of Md oncologists for a second opinion.
Though not all materials have been received & reviewed, yesterday's tests indicate that the original diagnosis may be erroneous. There is no indication of any tumors or cysts and the endometrial (?) tissue appears normal. A physical exam and new tissue sample are scheduled for Aug 4th. (Delay required to allow her to heal from the latest tissue sample). We're thankful for this news, but are quite bewildered at the specificity of the original diagnosis that led them to conclude it was stage 3, regional lymph node affected, tumors are 4cm, possibly inoperable, etc. Please share this praise and continue to pray for Brittany and her doctors.
I'll provide further updates as results unfold. Thank you so much for responding to our need with love, prayers, and emails."
Jack, Barbara & Brittany Healey
So, please continue to pray for Brittany. This latest news is most definitely encouraging, but the ordeal is not yet over.
By way of update, our car is at the body shop as I type. Indeed, this was supposed to be the last day it was to be at the shop, but I fear the repairs may take longer. But praise the Lord, we aren't having to pay a dime to have it fixed, or for the rental car in which they put us. God is good!
As far as how other things are going here in California, I'm very happy and pleased with our new ministry at Bethany Baptist Church. The people have all been incredibly loving, receptive, and supportive. Pastor Rushing has been a tremendous help and encouragement. God is blessing in my preparations for and leading of the worship services in church. And the area is simply beautiful, with many things to do and in which to take part. Dulcy has remarked many times how much it already feels like home (after only a month). God is truly confirming His call to us for ministry here time and again, and we praise Him for that.
That's not to say that all things are peachy, so to speak. Our faith is still being tested by some things that we had hoped would be resolved by now, and those are our chief items for prayer requests. Probably the biggest one right now concerns the pension money from the Korean Government that I was supposed to recieve upon our final departure. It was to be mailed to us in check form, and was supposed to arrive by July 30th. Well, here we are on the 29th, and it hasn't yet arrived. I've contacted the school's business manager, to see if she could double-check everything on that end, but have yet to hear back from her. It's only been a day since I emailed her, so I expect to hear back from her soon. But this is a rather large prayer request for us, as we were planning on using some of that money for enrolling our kids in school ($1000 for all three kids), and the first month's tuition ($860 for all three kids). So, unfortunately, until that money comes in, we are at a stand still with our kids' educational needs. Please PRAY that the money will come in very soon. We are going to visit Dulcy's family next Monday through Friday in Washington State, so it would really be good if it arrived today or tomorrow.
Moving on, another thing that we hoped would have been resolved by now is supplemental employment for me. The last two schools that I had as possibilities haven't yet come through. One of them would cost us up to $360 a month in gasoline alone because of how far away it is from where we live. And the other is still deciding on whether or not they are going to hire a new teacher. I am going to be contacting the one further away today, simply so that no stone is left unturned. In the meantime, I have begun putting in applications at other places, too. So far, I've applied at Barnes & Noble, Target, Toys R Us, WalMart, and Borders, and I plan on applying at the Post Office, Sears, and hitting a bunch of places at the mall today. The only problem I forsee with these secular places of employment is that I don't believe they will provide enough income for sending our kids to a Christian school. So, please PRAY that God will guide us as He already has in finding supplemental employment as it has direct bearing on getting our kids' educational futures lined-up.
While these two requests loom rather large on our emotional radars, we are increasingly confident that this is where God has called us. Pastor and I have been going out door-to-door two days a week for the last three weeks now, and have made some really decent contacts. It is a joy to work with Pastor Rushing and the others here at Bethany Baptist. There is such a strong love for God here, and a desire to see His Kingdom grow in our area. Dulcy is enjoying having a house to call home. She just remarked yesterday of this, and stated how much she loves having a house. And for the first time in a long time, I have an accountable, mentoring relationship with another Godly man. This has been an incredible source of encouragement for me, as I can share things with Pastor, and ask questions, and now that any response he gives is in love and confidence with no other agendas attached. Not that any relationship I've had in the past wasn't so, but I know that to be the case now, beyond the shadow a doubt. Pastor has taken me under his wing, is teaching and discipling me, and encouraging me in the ministry. I could not have hoped for more.
Well, I should be getting to the list of things I have to do today. this was one of the items on that list, so I am making some progress...:) I only have eight more things to do...:( But it is a joy to be in the service of The King!
Until Next Time...
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
Mark 10:45
Sunday, July 19, 2009
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST...
This isn't the update I was expecting to be writing today, but it's much more important than what I had planned, anyway.
I just recieved a message from my Dad in Maryland that I needed to call them immediately. This is the first time that has ever happened, so I knew it was important. So, even though it was 11:30pm here in CA, I called him.
My family just found out today that my little sister, Brittany, has been diagnosed with 2nd or 3rd stage cervical cancer. At least, that's what I think he said. He was pretty groggy as I woke him up in the middle of the night. I know the '2nd or 3rd stage' part is right, as he said that multiple times.
The doctors had been watching something for the past few weeks, and it wasn't until today that they were able to determine that it is cancer.
Both of my parents are taking this news very hard, as can be expected. My older sister, Carrie, is thinking about taking a leave of absence from her job to go live with my parents, and help take care of Brittany through all this. She's a specialized nurse who graduated from Johns Hopkins, so the thinking is that she would be a good person to have with Brittany through all of her appointments and such.
I will be staying put here in CA for the time being. If her condition worsens, I will more than likely be looking into going there. But for all our sakes, I'm praying that won't be the case.
Please PRAY that God will see fit to heal my little sister. PRAY that God will grant the specialists she will be seeing next week increased wisdom and clarity of thought as they examine her case. Please PRAY that God will send an extra measure of strength, faith, and courage to my Mom and Dad. Please PRAY that Brittany will face this new foe bravely. She has a 1-yr.-old son, Bryton, and I'm sure this is a scary time for her.
Thank you for petitioning the throne of grace on all our behalves,
Sam.
I just recieved a message from my Dad in Maryland that I needed to call them immediately. This is the first time that has ever happened, so I knew it was important. So, even though it was 11:30pm here in CA, I called him.
My family just found out today that my little sister, Brittany, has been diagnosed with 2nd or 3rd stage cervical cancer. At least, that's what I think he said. He was pretty groggy as I woke him up in the middle of the night. I know the '2nd or 3rd stage' part is right, as he said that multiple times.
The doctors had been watching something for the past few weeks, and it wasn't until today that they were able to determine that it is cancer.
Both of my parents are taking this news very hard, as can be expected. My older sister, Carrie, is thinking about taking a leave of absence from her job to go live with my parents, and help take care of Brittany through all this. She's a specialized nurse who graduated from Johns Hopkins, so the thinking is that she would be a good person to have with Brittany through all of her appointments and such.
I will be staying put here in CA for the time being. If her condition worsens, I will more than likely be looking into going there. But for all our sakes, I'm praying that won't be the case.
Please PRAY that God will see fit to heal my little sister. PRAY that God will grant the specialists she will be seeing next week increased wisdom and clarity of thought as they examine her case. Please PRAY that God will send an extra measure of strength, faith, and courage to my Mom and Dad. Please PRAY that Brittany will face this new foe bravely. She has a 1-yr.-old son, Bryton, and I'm sure this is a scary time for her.
Thank you for petitioning the throne of grace on all our behalves,
Sam.
Friday, July 17, 2009
In California...finally...PART ONE.
Well, I apologize for taking so long in posting another message to my blog, but it has been somewhat of a whirlwind since we safely landed in San Francisco. Pastor Rushing has been completely flexible with allowing us to become acclimated with our new atmosphere here in Martinez. The first couple of weeks didn't really incorporate many hours at church working, except for leading music and one opportunity to preach during the worship services. But this last week we went out and pounded the pavement on a couple days going door-to-door. We had a few good leads from that, so please PRAY that those we have talked to, and even some of those with which we just left brochures, would come visit the church, and find us to be the friendly, serving church that we are.
The flights over here from Seoul ranged from interesting to rather comfortable. The kids were entirely well-behaved for the most part. Michael was especially helpful as he just kind of jumped in when he saw we needed help with something, whether it was carrying something or just doing something with Katherine to get her to settle down. The most interesting part was when we landed in Beijing. Health and safety officials boarded our plane, dressed in full hazmat gear, and conducted temperature tests on all the passengers. Apparently, they were still on high alert for the H1N1 Influenza virus. Anyway, it turned out that a couple about two rows in front of us were registering a high temperature. So, they made everyone sit on the plane for around 45 minutes while they processed this couple. It was an exercise in patience, to put it lightly. Some passengers were quite upset about having to stay seated. One gentleman actually tried to leave, but eventually agreed to go back to his seat.
So, after we were allowed to exit the plane we were able to get through all of the checkpoints, take a quick bathroom trip, get a drink at one of the stores in the airport, and make it to our departing gate just as they were beginning to board passengers. So, we sat down and rested as the line dwindled, and were among the last few passengers to board. This flight, while it wasn't as well equipped as the one from Seoul to Beijing was nice enough. Fortunately, the in-flight videos were shows that the kids enjoyed, and that helped keep them occupied for the most part. They, and Dulcy and I drifted off to sleep a few times, watched videos or played games while we were awake, and generally had a rather relaxing flight. Praise the Lord!
As we exited the baggage claim area in San Francisco, we were met by Pastor Rushing, most of the deacons and their wives, and a couple other member families of Bethany Baptist. They were all waving American flags, and saying, "Welcome home, Healey family!" It was quite the greeting, to be sure, and something none of us were expecting. We loaded our luggage into Pastor's truck, and we were driven home by the head deacon, Lavoy Byars, and his wife, Mildred. When we arrived at our new home, everyone from the airport was waiting for us. They showed us around our new home, and I was amazed. The church family had donated enough furniture so that we needed nothing...indeed, there was even some furniture in the garage that they couldn't fit inside the house. And on top of that, our refrigerator, freezer, and pantry were all chocked full of groceries. We just made our first trip to the grocery store (to actually buy some groceries) two nights ago, if that helps you comprehend just how much they had bought us (and there's still much left of what they originally supplied). But there were still more surprises to come. After we had seen most of the house, Pastor Rushing led Dulcy and I upstairs to where our bedroom was to be, where we found Dulcy's mom and dad hiding in wait to surprise us! Well, the tears began to flow, of course, and I was so happy to see Dulcy so happy.
The next day, Pastor took Dulcy and I to the DMV to get our driver's licenses. I barely passed the written test, and Dulcy wasn't as lucky as I. But she has sinced passed the test...and to be fair, we were still jet lagging, and Dulcy more than I. So, then Pastor dropped us off at home, and we practically jumped right back into our car, and we went to set-up our bank account. We didn't have all the information we needed to set up the account, and Dulcy wanted to go shopping with her mom and Katherine, so I dropped them off at...you guessed it...Wal-Mart, and I went back to the house to get the rest of the information I needed to set up my account at the bank. After setting up the account, as I was exiting the parking lot, another driver backed into the side of our car, leaving a significant dent in the front passenger-side door (WELCOME BACK!). The driver admitted fault, and was apologetic. We exchanged information, and she immediately reported the incident to her insurance company that afternoon. We are still waiting to get the car fixed, as we haven't been given the full go ahead by the insurance company. But it has been inspected and the damage appraised. So, please PRAY that the insurance company gives us the go ahead soon.
Well, I think this is long enough as it is, so I will close this, and write its sequel either tonight or tomorrow. Thank you all so much for all of your prayers throughout this transition. We are incredibly grateful for them all.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey
Mark 10:45
The flights over here from Seoul ranged from interesting to rather comfortable. The kids were entirely well-behaved for the most part. Michael was especially helpful as he just kind of jumped in when he saw we needed help with something, whether it was carrying something or just doing something with Katherine to get her to settle down. The most interesting part was when we landed in Beijing. Health and safety officials boarded our plane, dressed in full hazmat gear, and conducted temperature tests on all the passengers. Apparently, they were still on high alert for the H1N1 Influenza virus. Anyway, it turned out that a couple about two rows in front of us were registering a high temperature. So, they made everyone sit on the plane for around 45 minutes while they processed this couple. It was an exercise in patience, to put it lightly. Some passengers were quite upset about having to stay seated. One gentleman actually tried to leave, but eventually agreed to go back to his seat.
So, after we were allowed to exit the plane we were able to get through all of the checkpoints, take a quick bathroom trip, get a drink at one of the stores in the airport, and make it to our departing gate just as they were beginning to board passengers. So, we sat down and rested as the line dwindled, and were among the last few passengers to board. This flight, while it wasn't as well equipped as the one from Seoul to Beijing was nice enough. Fortunately, the in-flight videos were shows that the kids enjoyed, and that helped keep them occupied for the most part. They, and Dulcy and I drifted off to sleep a few times, watched videos or played games while we were awake, and generally had a rather relaxing flight. Praise the Lord!
As we exited the baggage claim area in San Francisco, we were met by Pastor Rushing, most of the deacons and their wives, and a couple other member families of Bethany Baptist. They were all waving American flags, and saying, "Welcome home, Healey family!" It was quite the greeting, to be sure, and something none of us were expecting. We loaded our luggage into Pastor's truck, and we were driven home by the head deacon, Lavoy Byars, and his wife, Mildred. When we arrived at our new home, everyone from the airport was waiting for us. They showed us around our new home, and I was amazed. The church family had donated enough furniture so that we needed nothing...indeed, there was even some furniture in the garage that they couldn't fit inside the house. And on top of that, our refrigerator, freezer, and pantry were all chocked full of groceries. We just made our first trip to the grocery store (to actually buy some groceries) two nights ago, if that helps you comprehend just how much they had bought us (and there's still much left of what they originally supplied). But there were still more surprises to come. After we had seen most of the house, Pastor Rushing led Dulcy and I upstairs to where our bedroom was to be, where we found Dulcy's mom and dad hiding in wait to surprise us! Well, the tears began to flow, of course, and I was so happy to see Dulcy so happy.
The next day, Pastor took Dulcy and I to the DMV to get our driver's licenses. I barely passed the written test, and Dulcy wasn't as lucky as I. But she has sinced passed the test...and to be fair, we were still jet lagging, and Dulcy more than I. So, then Pastor dropped us off at home, and we practically jumped right back into our car, and we went to set-up our bank account. We didn't have all the information we needed to set up the account, and Dulcy wanted to go shopping with her mom and Katherine, so I dropped them off at...you guessed it...Wal-Mart, and I went back to the house to get the rest of the information I needed to set up my account at the bank. After setting up the account, as I was exiting the parking lot, another driver backed into the side of our car, leaving a significant dent in the front passenger-side door (WELCOME BACK!). The driver admitted fault, and was apologetic. We exchanged information, and she immediately reported the incident to her insurance company that afternoon. We are still waiting to get the car fixed, as we haven't been given the full go ahead by the insurance company. But it has been inspected and the damage appraised. So, please PRAY that the insurance company gives us the go ahead soon.
Well, I think this is long enough as it is, so I will close this, and write its sequel either tonight or tomorrow. Thank you all so much for all of your prayers throughout this transition. We are incredibly grateful for them all.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey
Mark 10:45
Saturday, June 27, 2009
2 days and counting...
Well, it's Sunday afternoon, and the family is all at home resting. This morning's services at church were good. Sunday school was the last installment of a Bible study in Acts, and I brought a message in the morning worship service on the importance of good communication within and without the church. This evening one of our trustees will be preaching, and his messages are usually interesting.
After church tonight, we're going to head home, and get the rest of our packing done so that we won't have to worry too much about it tomorrow. Tomorrow already has a lot in store what with closing off accounts and finalizing bills and all. In addition to that, the bus drivers at the school are going to be moving most of the rest of our furniture out tomorrow as our apartment has to be vacated by Wednesday. By tomorrow night, I'd imagine that all we'll have left in our apartment is our king-sized bed (which is currently in our living room so that we can sleep under the ceiling fan in there...it's been REAL hot lately), the fridge, the oven, and the washer. Still a lot to be done, and very little time in which to do it.
A huge praise for us is that we found someone to take our cocker spaniel, and the family that has agreed to take him are real dog lovers. So, we know that he's going into a good situation, and will be well cared for in the future. This is a tremendous weight off our shoulders. We were ready to take him to the shelter on Camp Red Cloud, but really didn't want to, as his future would have been rather bleak had we been forced to do that.
Pastor Rushing and company have already begun moving the furniture that was given to us by various members of the church into our home. We're both very excited to be moving into a house. It'll be the first we've lived in since being married 12 years ago. The closest we came to living in a house is a duplex in Pensacola, Florida.
Well, not much else to report at present. Just keep us in your prayers as we still have much to do...but we're sooo close!
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
After church tonight, we're going to head home, and get the rest of our packing done so that we won't have to worry too much about it tomorrow. Tomorrow already has a lot in store what with closing off accounts and finalizing bills and all. In addition to that, the bus drivers at the school are going to be moving most of the rest of our furniture out tomorrow as our apartment has to be vacated by Wednesday. By tomorrow night, I'd imagine that all we'll have left in our apartment is our king-sized bed (which is currently in our living room so that we can sleep under the ceiling fan in there...it's been REAL hot lately), the fridge, the oven, and the washer. Still a lot to be done, and very little time in which to do it.
A huge praise for us is that we found someone to take our cocker spaniel, and the family that has agreed to take him are real dog lovers. So, we know that he's going into a good situation, and will be well cared for in the future. This is a tremendous weight off our shoulders. We were ready to take him to the shelter on Camp Red Cloud, but really didn't want to, as his future would have been rather bleak had we been forced to do that.
Pastor Rushing and company have already begun moving the furniture that was given to us by various members of the church into our home. We're both very excited to be moving into a house. It'll be the first we've lived in since being married 12 years ago. The closest we came to living in a house is a duplex in Pensacola, Florida.
Well, not much else to report at present. Just keep us in your prayers as we still have much to do...but we're sooo close!
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
Monday, June 22, 2009
T-minus 8 days and counting...
Well, we have entered our last week in Korea. It's hard to think that this is true...but we're excited to be moving on. Our 7.5 years in Korea have been such a wonderful adventure full of learning experiences. God has taught us so much, and we're excited for what's on the horizon.
We've been able to use Google Earth to look around our new neighborhood a bit more in detail and we're looking forward to all the little things that there are to do around our new home. There's a waterfront park with walking paths, picnic areas, etc. just a few blocks away. The old-fashioned down-town area is even closer than that. There's an Amtrak station nearby, too, with trains that run north and south along the coast, and a couple others that run east. I'm sure we'll be venturing further than our neighborhood, but it'll be neat to have some things to do around the area.
David stole my thunder on Father's Day, this year, as his birthday fell on the same day. We had a good time at church in the morning where I had the privilege of preaching in Pastor Vasel's absence. I brought a message from Colossians 3 targeted at the Dads in the congregation as kind of a charge to do the right thing in their households. After church, we took David to Toys 'R' Us for a couple presents and lunch out. Then after the evening service we were invited over to my director's house, The Freel's, for an enchilada (!!!) dinner, which was totally a cool thing, and a great time of fellowship, during which we cut-up a cake, and sang "Happy Birthday" to David. It was a great day altogether.
Summer school is coming to a rapid close...too rapid for some of the students. Two students have already finished all their required assignments, but three are still working away. PRAY that they will get as much work done as is possible and pass.
Tomorrow, I'll be sending an application to Tabernacle Christian School in Concord, CA. They're looking for a 6th Grade teacher. PRAY that God will guide and direct this process. I have also been contacted by another, much smaller school that is looking for a teacher, too. This school uses the ACE curriculum, and it would be a one-room schoolhouse situation in which I would be teaching my kids and seven others. Please PRAY that God will continue to guide and direct our path.
We are not going to be able to take our cocker spaniel, Rollie, back to the States. From what I read online on the airline's website with which we are travelling, I thought we were going to be able to take him. I called to double-check, though, and because we are flying through Beijing, they won't allow us to take the dog. We've looked into transporting him on a different flight, but that solution had about a $900 price tag on it...not possible at all. So, please PRAY that someone will take him off our hands. He's a tremendously well-behaved and mature dog. One couple has shown a slight bit of interest, but we've not heard if they've made a final decision, yet.
Finally, continue to pray for us as we begin final preparations for leaving Korea. We're going to call a used furniture salesman tomorrow to have him come look at some of our furniture in order to possibly purchase some of the items. We've sold or given away much of our stuff to teachers that are remaining, but there are some other things that we purchased brand new out of which we'd like to recoup some money. We could use a little extra cash here in the next couple of weeks. PRAY that he would be willing to buy a lot and give us a fair deal in the process.
I'll do my best to post at least once more before we depart. I'm hopeful that it won't take too terribly long to get our internet set-up once we arrive, but I know that could take some time. I'll post again as soon as I can.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Kathrine Healey.
Mark 10:45
We've been able to use Google Earth to look around our new neighborhood a bit more in detail and we're looking forward to all the little things that there are to do around our new home. There's a waterfront park with walking paths, picnic areas, etc. just a few blocks away. The old-fashioned down-town area is even closer than that. There's an Amtrak station nearby, too, with trains that run north and south along the coast, and a couple others that run east. I'm sure we'll be venturing further than our neighborhood, but it'll be neat to have some things to do around the area.
David stole my thunder on Father's Day, this year, as his birthday fell on the same day. We had a good time at church in the morning where I had the privilege of preaching in Pastor Vasel's absence. I brought a message from Colossians 3 targeted at the Dads in the congregation as kind of a charge to do the right thing in their households. After church, we took David to Toys 'R' Us for a couple presents and lunch out. Then after the evening service we were invited over to my director's house, The Freel's, for an enchilada (!!!) dinner, which was totally a cool thing, and a great time of fellowship, during which we cut-up a cake, and sang "Happy Birthday" to David. It was a great day altogether.
Summer school is coming to a rapid close...too rapid for some of the students. Two students have already finished all their required assignments, but three are still working away. PRAY that they will get as much work done as is possible and pass.
Tomorrow, I'll be sending an application to Tabernacle Christian School in Concord, CA. They're looking for a 6th Grade teacher. PRAY that God will guide and direct this process. I have also been contacted by another, much smaller school that is looking for a teacher, too. This school uses the ACE curriculum, and it would be a one-room schoolhouse situation in which I would be teaching my kids and seven others. Please PRAY that God will continue to guide and direct our path.
We are not going to be able to take our cocker spaniel, Rollie, back to the States. From what I read online on the airline's website with which we are travelling, I thought we were going to be able to take him. I called to double-check, though, and because we are flying through Beijing, they won't allow us to take the dog. We've looked into transporting him on a different flight, but that solution had about a $900 price tag on it...not possible at all. So, please PRAY that someone will take him off our hands. He's a tremendously well-behaved and mature dog. One couple has shown a slight bit of interest, but we've not heard if they've made a final decision, yet.
Finally, continue to pray for us as we begin final preparations for leaving Korea. We're going to call a used furniture salesman tomorrow to have him come look at some of our furniture in order to possibly purchase some of the items. We've sold or given away much of our stuff to teachers that are remaining, but there are some other things that we purchased brand new out of which we'd like to recoup some money. We could use a little extra cash here in the next couple of weeks. PRAY that he would be willing to buy a lot and give us a fair deal in the process.
I'll do my best to post at least once more before we depart. I'm hopeful that it won't take too terribly long to get our internet set-up once we arrive, but I know that could take some time. I'll post again as soon as I can.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Kathrine Healey.
Mark 10:45
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