I love reflecting on this past year, not just because it was our first year with Spencer, but because I am amazed and humbled by the ways God provided for us.
Last January, I was set to return to work when Spencer turned 8 weeks old. I was a sobbing mess over this and couldn’t even leave him long enough to go to the store, let alone work 40+ hours a week. I wanted to stay home longer but there was no way we could afford it. My income was over half of our income and we were already living paycheck to paycheck. I asked if there was any way I could cut down to part-time and there were no positions that would allow that.
I told Jordan I wanted to quit and that I would sell things on eBay and get a part-time job instead. I wanted to work eventually, just not full time. We were both anxious about me leaving a good, steady job, but I felt God leading me to do it and I walked in on my one year anniversary with Emmaus and turned in my resignation.
With some creative restructuring of the budget, and cutting out all “extra” spending, we had enough to coast on our savings for four months. It was hard and put a lot of pressure on our relationship but we got by. My anxiety was so high though and it was difficult to feel happy when I felt like I was ruining things for our family.
My eBay sales didn’t exactly take off; I worked at it every spare moment of every day, but it wasn’t nearly enough to make up my previous income. It was enough to get by, but barely.
When we reached our literal breaking point and were cashing in spare change to pay bills, I started looking for another job. I had two interviews with a local pregnancy center and started getting excited about that potential opportunity… but they didn’t select me, and I felt crushed. I found a job washing dishes and helping in the kitchen at a restaurant behind our apartment, and barely got any hours there, but again… it was enough to help us squeeze by.
I found another potential opportunity and felt very confident about it. I was definitely qualified, and again had two really strong interviews. It felt like a good fit. I started feeling hopeful that there was an answer to prayer coming soon. When they called to tell me they chose the other candidate, I cried.
Don’t get me wrong – I was absolutely loving spending so much time with Spencer, and he was clearly thriving and happy. But we were financially struggling… badly.
I got a text from my former boss in July saying that they were hiring a part-time position in the department I had worked in. It was basically my dream job. I applied as soon as it was posted and prayed nonstop about it.
I interviewed and by the end of August I was offered the job. I’ve been back at Emmaus for almost five months now and I absolutely love my new job, plus it is flexible enough to give me plenty of time with my baby. I feel so fulfilled in my work and also in my life at home.
I don’t know why I ever doubted. I’m so thankful for the way God took care of our needs all year and provided for us.
Kristen Stewart, Writer 