As I mentioned in last month's post, our job situation is more than a little rocky. When I blogged about our situation in October, I felt certain that our job uncertainties would be worked out by early to mid-November. Unfortunately, we know no more about where we will be after December, than we did in October. Since our lease at our current apartment ends in one month, the uncertainty is beginning to get a wee bit unnerving. Despite all of the frustrations regarding the job search, we are still trying to trust that God has a greater plan for the both of us. We are hoping that this situation, which seems like a huge deal now, will turn out to be just like those roundabouts that I mentioned earlier. What seems so scary today could potentially turn out to be just a little detour in the greater picture of our life together. I pray daily that God will help us to keep everything in perspective, as opposed to dwelling on our current misfortune and inconvenience. I would much rather take our problems over many others that I see in the lives of those around me.We are truly blessed.
Since Matt and I are desperate for work, we have decided that no location is off limits for a move. In the past month, Matt or I have interviewed in Decatur, Enterprise, and Tuscaloosa. Between traveling for interviews, and trips for various functions with friends and family, we have kept the roads hot! Our month of road tripping will continue as we visit family for Thanksgiving, explore other job opportunities, and take the trip down to Auburn for the Iron Bowl. While we have enjoyed the traveling, it will be nice when things finally calm down. Now that the holidays are upon us, however, I do not expect that things will slow down any time soon!
One upside to my out of town interviews this month, is that I have been able to catch up with many of my college friends. While in Enterprise, I crashed at the Casa de Hatcher in Dothan. Due to distance, I had not seen Nick and Laura Hatcher since my wedding. It was so great to be able to spend a few days hanging out and catching up with those two! If either of you guys are reading this, thanks for opening up your home to me for a few days! A week after my Enterprise interview, I took a quick trip to Tuscaloosa to interview for another position. Many of my college friends are still living in the city as they finish up master's programs, so it was great to be able to break bread with several of them while in town. Tuscaloosa is virtually my second home, so it is always a pleasure to return.
Though Matt and I have spent a lot of time focusing on job prospects, we have also had time to squeeze in a bit of fun as well. Below are pictures from a few of our activities during the past month:
My best friend got married! I was so happy to stand beside her as her Matron of Honor as she made a lifelong commitment to Brent. Congratulations, sweet friend, Matt and I are so happy for the two of you!
Matt and I at Brent and Brittany's reception
The end of October brought forth Matt's first experience in pumpkin carving. We had a blast spending time with our wonderful Sunday school class and celebrating Halloween. For those of you who are wondering, our pumpkin had an Alabama football theme. I know, I know, shocking. Overall, Matt enjoyed his pumpkin time.
Both the girls and boys cross country teams at Bob Jones made it to the state meet! Though neither team ended the season with a championship, the girls did manage to hang on to third place. Thankfully, the weather was beautiful for the final meet, and despite the outcome, it was an enjoyable day for everyone. Check out Coach Staggs on the far left :). I am a very proud wife! Congratulations to both the boys and girls teams!
As a way to give back during the holidays, our Sunday school class decided to take part in Operation Christmas Child. Matt and I decided to fill a shoebox for a young boy, and we spent a lot of time in Target looking for gifts to brighten the Christmas of a child halfway around the world. Matt took the toy search very seriously, as you can see in the above photo. He was sad that we did not purchase the Captain America get-up, but he cheered up when I allowed him to pick out legos and a football to place in our box.
Looking ahead, Matt and I have a lot to look forward to. Thanksgiving is this week, and though we are sad about missing out on the holiday with his family, we are very excited to spend the day with the Parker/Schlangen clan. The morning after Turkey Day, we will be heading to Auburn with my brother for the Iron Bowl. Ethan decided to buy us the tickets as early Christmas presents, and Matt and I are pumped about our first game in Jordan Hare. Hopefully Saturday's game will catapult Alabama to the national championship game. Either way, we are excited to visit yet another SEC stadium. ROLL TIDE and HAPPY THANKSGIVING from the Staggs!
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