We are at the time of year where we have to make plans for next year, even though we don’t know where we’ll be 5 months from now. April 10th, I’ll be here in Abu Dhabi, finishing up spring break with my sister Carrie and nephew Jack. On May 10th, I’ll be here in Abu Dhabi, not looking forward to Ramadan starting in 5 days and whining about how not being able to drink water in public during the day always makes me super-thirsty. On June 10th, I’ll be here in Abu Dhabi, happy that Ramadan is almost over, that we are in the last week of school before summer vacation, and thinking about packing for our trip to California. On July 10th, I’ll be in Southern California as Josh is finishing up his Marine Corps career and completing all of his discharge paperwork.
But on August 10? I have no idea.
Of course all the of the above plans are based on inshallah as I don’t really know the future — only the normal expected path for the next 4 months. But after July 15th, there’s a thick fog and I can’t see where that path leads. On August 10th I could be in California waiting to fly back to Abu Dhabi where Josh is working at his new job. I could already be in Abu Dhabi, moving into our new place and trying to sort through boxes of stuff and putting in hours at the ACS library. I could be looking for an apartment somewhere in the US while we wait for Josh to land a job, or planning a move to another country . . . I really don’t know. BUT . . .
The day after I wrote the post https://threejoshuatrees.com/2018/02/20/while-we-wait/, Josh had an unexpected interview for a job here in AD. It wasn’t in the field he had been pursuing and he went into the meeting unaware that it was an interview, but it’s something that is a great match for his skills and experience and hits a bunch of those “someday I’d like to . . .” dreams that he has had over the years.
So this past week I went into the school business office and put $3000 down to hold places for the kids’ school for next year (1K per kid). It’s non-refundable, so it’s a gamble, but I know that Josh is the guy for this job. They want him. If this project moves ahead I think he’ll be a part of it. Now to pray that all the details are worked out between now and August. If they don’t, we lose $3000, but I’m moving ahead as if we’ll be here. Reserving school spots, signing my contract for work next year, and planning church ministry projects. I’m gently sending out roots and hoping the dirt fills in around them. I’m willing to go wherever, but I think our future will be here.