I had my dream job. I had my dream boss. I had fought my way to where I was. I had my plan. I was living that plan. And all of a sudden, it was gone.
My job had been cut. Well truthfully, my hours had been cut and the position entirely changed. I was devastated. Admittedly, I'd put much of my identity and self-worth into that job. But if I've learned anything about our God in my time on this earth, it's that He will lovingly strip away those things that I put too much of myself into. I am the clay, and He, the jealous Potter.
He provided though. Jehovah Jireh - the Lord will provide. I have it tattooed on my wrist, but living it is much harder. I accepted a position that was part-time for another nonprofit. It was also work from home, and even though it was a drastic pay cut (hello part-time), we were clicking along on (our original) the Ethiopia waiting list, and we were confident that God was lining up everything to enable me to be at home with Judah when we brought him home. One dream job led to the next.
As the story goes, that placing agency closed and we went from #12 to #81 on a new waiting list. More devastation. More trusting.
Six months later, we began the domestic adoption process.
Four months later, we found out about Brighten.
Five months later, Brighten was born.
Eight months later, here we are.
I'm so thankful for the job that I've had during this time. It's allows me to mourn and celebrate some of the lowest and highest points of my life. It's allowed me to grow professionally and make my mark on an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of children.
From the outside looking in, I've got it made. I work from home 3/4 of a normal work week (mostly) and get a director title and lots of experience in my field. But sometimes God calls us to do the hard thing. He calls us out among the waters, He calls us to trust Him to provide.
Today is my last day at my job. I don't have another, traditional job. For the first time since I was 15 years old, I'm unemployed. I'm an oldest child, and if you know anything about birth order, that means I'm overly responsible and fiercely independent. So the conversation of quitting my job has been super difficult, but it has also been me saying, "God I trust you."
So, what will I be doing? I'm so glad you asked.
Along with spending more time with my little Brighten, I'll also be starting my own business. Well, starting my own business/taking over our current video business. For those of you who don't know, Jason has been running A Morales Production (AMP), our videography business, for the better part of a decade. It's been a side business for most of that time, but he's actually gotten pretty busy, so I'll be taking over the business side of things for AMP and then enhancing it.
This summer (hopefully in June), I will be launching The Storie Co. - a consulting business for nonprofits and small businesses in the areas of marketing, grant-writing, design, and communications. We will also house AMP, and we'll be able to offer video services in addition to everything else. I'm super excited and I hope that you'll follow along and pass along my information to people who may be looking for services like this.
As excited as I am to be home with B more and to be my own boss, I'm also super nervous. This is the hard thing, not the easy thing. When I told one of my friends about it, she called me brave, and I felt nauseous. I don't feel brave, but God will give me the courage.
I'm so thankful for the hard times that have led to the good times and times of abundance. Those hard times have taught me the fine art of making the hard decisions.
Jehovah Jireh.
To everyone who I've met through Alabama CASA Network, know that it's been an honor and a privilege to work alongside you. I will always be eternally grateful for the chance to serve the children of Alabama by providing CASA volunteers. I am thankful for all that I've learned, everyone I've met, and all that we've been able to do together.
