24 weeks......

That is how many weeks are left in my school career! It is amazing to think that the journey is that close to being over. I have such a calm about it, even though working with my chair and IRB is a bit hair raising at times, I finally feel like it is worth it! I feel like the dissertation is no longer bigger than me, and that it truly is just another paper. It has finally become calm. I feel like the journey has been worth the struggle. I am glad my doctoral partner through this process has been the support I need when I needed it, because you just don't know how hard it has been at times to juggle this mess! She has truly kept me balanced, (as I have her!) and helped me to see the light at the end! It is one of those things that when we are both older and she is still raising kids- and mine are gone that we will laugh for hours at some of the situations we have found ourselves in with school! My family has also helped out and endured countless "meals on the go" without too much complaint! And the house, well you might not be able to eat off the floor anymore, but as D says... it just looks lived in! We make do, so that this journey can finally be fulfilled for me! And then, who knows what our plans are. But I am looking forward to no more deadlines, or grueling weekends and late nights cranking out papers! The ability to just relax and hang out is something that has me excited! I still can't believe that I have managed to do this and survived!
This last week was just nuts... It just seemed like everything was coming up, and kids had to be in multiple places, and the family had obligations,- it was just crazy- but we survived without - a major trip to Publix for groceries (no one starved!)! It was one of those weeks where the to do list just became almost laughable! I kept going back to these scriptures:
"We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience, and patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts." Romans 5: 3-5
I know that God is good to us, and I chuckle thinking about the good plans he has for us - you know the one that calls for a majorly stressed out doctoral student trying to raise 2 kids while shopping, cooking, and cleaning and keeping D organized! It is truly quite funny at times! But well worth it!
We still have our house up and know that God has a plan for that as well. We are excited to see Franklin at Thanksgiving. In researching TN for teacher certification I have found that my transfer of license will be just fine, and the great state of TN has no certification fees! Plus, they like FL will pay more for National Boards and advanced degrees! We know it will work out and truly believe the timing will be right for all of us.
I can see when I have time to sit back and reflect how God has placed the right people in front of me at the right times! Those that give support, those that enhance my personal and spiritual beliefs, those that make me laugh in spite of myself, and those that truly care about my family! Again, HE is just so good to US!