Where Trumpetfalcon Has Been

It has been quite awhile since I last posted, and so I thought that I would use this space to explain what has been happening in my life, and the many blessings that are now present in it.1

My tale begins three weeks ago.  I had been looking for a job for about 6 months, and the poor job market, and not to mention that every position I applied for, I was either completely overqualified or completely under-qualified, didn't help matters at all.  That Monday, I had faxed out five resumes in hopes that something would come of it.  At this point, I didn't really care where I got a job.  Wednesday, my Grandma called from MN (I live in CO) to let my family know that my Grandpa had water on the brain.  No one was especially nervous, as this is a common malady for older people and the procedure would be simple and straightforward.  The next day, I got a call from one of the companies, a surveying company, asking for an interview - I set one up for Thursday.  2

Thursday morning, I went to the interview, and they let me know that I would get a call from them on Friday, and whoever got the job would start the following Monday.  Friday afternoon, we received another call from my Grandma, this time telling us that the doctors couldn't drain the water because of a blockage . . . a brain tumor.  3

Mom and I knew that we couldn't stay at home while Grandpa was in the hospital, so that night at dinner, we decided to go up for the week.  Honest truth, the moment we made the decision, the phone rang.  "Oh crap . . ."  I thought.  "I got the job!  I know they're going to offer me the job!'   Sure enough, it was the Surveying company calling up to offer me the job.  I told them that I would be happy to take the job, but explained to them the unfortunate circumstances.  They really couldn't blame me for wanting to visit my Grandpa in the hospital, but I couldn't blame them for needing someone to start on Monday.  Regardless, we were both screwed: I would have no employer, they would have no employee."  So the gal told me that she would call me back in a few hours.4

And then the phone call came.  "We still want you to work for us.  And we'll let you start a week from Tuesday."  Basically, they gave me a week off of work BEFORE I EVEN STARTED!  I was so blessed, knowing that I could be with my family and still have a job when I returned.5

Over Saturday and Sunday, my Mom and I made our way to MN, making a brief stop in NE to visit some old family friends.  When we arrived, the first place we went was straight to the the hospital.  Because of his pacemaker, the doctors couldn't preform a CAT scan on him, so no one knew what the situation was going to be until the surgery was in progress.6

Grandpa went under the knife on Tuesday.  7

When the doctors came to meet us, the head surgeon took us into another room.  It was there that we were told the tumor was originating from the brain stem.  Since the brain stem is responsible for most of the body's primary functions, they didn't want to touch the area.  A sample was sent to pathology, and we would get the results later in the week.  And so we waited.  8

The bad news came on Thursday.  The tumor was malignant, and the cancer incurable.  Grandpa would die of the cancer.  The next day, the prognosis was a bit better in that we were told that the cancer could be controlled, and we could have him for a few more years.  9

On a happier note, my Mom and I got to attend one of my cousins' graduation party, which we didn't think originally possible, because of another trip we were taking in August for my uncle's 50th birthday party.10

Sunday, Mom and I made the two-day trip home in one day, and then took Dad out for a Father's Day dinner.11

Tuesday, I began my job, delivering title work papers to mortgage companies and construction companies around town - not a horrible job, but not exactly fun either.  As it was only 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, I left in the early afternoon.  After getting into my car, I noticed there was a missed call.  The call was from a stable asking me for an interview.  Through my Mom's encouragement, I took the interview for the late afternoon.  The interview went unbelievably was.  So much so, that the interviewer said, "I have no qualms about hiring you right now, but I have two more interviews tomorrow and need to be fair."  The job had better hours, better pay, better environment, and frankly, more fun than the job I already had.  But I felt bad about leaving the first company after everything they did for me already.12

Wednesday morning, I was offered the job as suspected, but asked them for a few hours to think about it.  After a day of soul searching and much advice (everyone suggesting that I take the second job ) , I agreed  But when I called back, I was told that the gal I would be replacing was considering staying.  But if she did stay, they would offer me at the very least a part time job.  The new problem, was that if the hours worked out with a part time job, I might not have to quit the first job, and if it were a full time job after all, I would have to quit.  But I would find none of this out until the next morning.  But the gal left, and I got a full time job (which is going very well, I might add) and I started Thursday afternoon.13

Friday afternoon, I was talking with my best friend on the phone.  Usually she doesn't like me to do other things while I'm talking with her, and I try to be accommodating.  And I don't usually open my mail until later in the evening either.  But there was a large Manila folder that was calling to me.  It was from Operation Christmas Child, a Christmas outreach where one fills a shoebox with toys, toiletries and clothes for underprivileged children around the world who have probably never received a present in their lives.  Inside the envelope, was an opportunity to go on a distribution trip to Costa Rica - I would actually be passing out these shoe boxes!  Usually, one has to request this information, but it was sent directly to me.14

Friday evenings, my friend and often go to a Bible study together.  But a friend of hers was flying in from FL that evening, and I was kind of indifferent about going to the Bible study that time.  We had basically decided that we wouldn't go.  But somehow found ourselves there.  During worship, I prayed a quick prayer: "God, if you want me to go to Costa Rica, mention something about missionaries in tonight's message."  I had completely forgotten that a trip had just come back from Morocco.  Since they had only just gotten back into the country, a trailer recap video was shown.  Rather than waiting until the following week when the entire recap video could be shown, the pastor used the entire service to talk about the trip.  I didn't realise this as an answer to my prayer until about halfway through.  During the final prayer, the pastor said, "specific people are being called to specific places right at this moment," not just generalizing with the usual we all must be missionary procalitizations.  "All right, God. I hear you," I prayed.15

Since then, I've been thinking about all of the events in the past few weeks.  My Dad said the way to see of you're following God's will, is that a series of unrelated events and situations all point to the same end.  With this new job, I will have saved up enough money to go on the trip on time, a feat I never could have accomplished with my former job.  Also, since the business relies on tourism , which will inevitably recede during the winter months, I will have the time off I need as well.  The Morocco could have been scheduled a week before or a week after, and yet they returned in time to answer my prayer.  The lady who sent me the information, didn't have send it, and could have sent it a day before, or a day after, thus not landing on the day it needed to.  I have always wanted to go on a missions trip, but the plans have always fallen through.  Over the past year, I have become extremely close to a family (ironically . . . or not . . . my dad and my best friend's dad were best friends in High School) who were missionaries.  And my friendship with her has strengthened my relationship with God.  All of the signs are pointing to one end: Costa Rica.  So please keep me in your prayers, that I make the right decision.16

But as great as all of this has been, the best news is yet to come.  The tumor that the doctors were so sure was cancerous, has been found to be benign!  Many people have been saying that this was just a misdiagnosis on their part.  But I have a different theory.  My grandpa is not a Christian.  He has had people all over the country praying for him.  I believe that he did have cancer, that he was dying . . . and that through the grace of God, he was miraculously healed and given a second chance!17

These past weeks have taught me many things.  But the one thought that sticks out in my mind, is that God is in control, His timing is not my timing, and He has a plan for our lives.18

I hope that my experience gives you hope.  Many times over last month, I have been stressed out to no end.  What got me through was prayer, family and friendship.  My seemingly stressful times were in the long-run, integral to all of the blessings that I have received.19

I pray that God has touched your lives, and I can't wait hear what He has done in your lives!20

God Bless.   21