ONE MORE DAY!!!!

Tomorrow is Jamie's last day working at Verizon Wireless. This job has been hard on our family in a lot of ways, but in more ways than that, it has been an over-abundant blessing! Though we've been praying to get out, practically since Jamie started, we've come to realize how God has used this particular job not only to teach us a lot, but also for our good.

I think it was May 20 of 2007 that Jamie started his adventure as a Salesman. We quickly realized this job might not be all we'd hoped for when Jamie's first six weeks were spent away from home, 5 or so days at a time, in a different city for his extensive training. Let me tell you, those were six LONG weeks for Sophia and me. She was 2 1/2 and really starting to test boundaries and rules and discipline. It was SO hard to live life with our sweet girl, essentially alone those six weeks.

For over two years now, Jamie has worked almost every Friday and Saturday, and most Sundays, he's worked mostly middle shifts, which means he leaves before lunch and doesn't get home till after supper, maybe before kiddos' bedtime, sometimes not.

For over a year, he commuted 1/2 hr. both ways, working for a manager that was less than cordial, shall we say. Once Riley was born we were blessed beyond measure for Jamie to be able to move to our local store, though he took a demontion in position and pay to do it. For us, at the time, it was worth it, and we haven't regretted that decision!

The past 10 1/2 months have been much better, what with a 2 minute commute, Jamie being able to come home on his lunch breaks and the store he works at now closes earlier than his old one did. For all those reasons, and more, we are so thankful Jamie's been able to work here.

As tomorrow approaches it almost feels like Christmas. The anticipation is palpable and we couldn't be more thankful that God has finally not only called us away from the world of retail, but into the world of missionary work.

This job, though so hard on our family life, has provided an income that allowed us to buy a house and do things to our house we'd not have been able to afford otherwise. It's also taught us a lot of lessons, like what's really important to us - i.e. no amount of money will ever be worth sacrificing the type of family and community life we feel called to (not that the money was why Jamie originally took this job, but still, we'll never be tempted to think that way!). God has also used this job to build some great life skills into my husband, and for me, I will never take for granted my husband's presence and help. Jamie's also been able to build some great friendships and make some awesome connections through his job with Verizon. We've also saved a ton of money on our cell phone bills!!! :) That deal will be so sad to lose... :) God has also used Jamie to be a light amidst the darkness, and has used him to be the token guy that helps all the International students when they come in with cell phone problems.

Jamie has felt really beat down many times in this performance-oriented environment. BUT! He has won numerous awards and is often asked for by name. Many customrers will only work with him. He has worked so hard and done an amazing job at applying himself in a job he has simply tolerated. I am so proud of him. Though he's no "salesman," he's worked so hard to better himself to perform as he's been required to and has done so well. I just love my husband and am so happy to see the calling God gave to him some 10 years ago coming true at the close of tomorrow!

To celebrate the end of his run at Verizon, Jamie has been plotting for a long time now (almost since he started!) to wear an aweful tie that doesn't match his outfit on his last day. He's been given permission to invite the other employees to join in the fun tomorrow and they are holding an "Ugly Outfit" Contest!!! :) I'll make sure to get some pictures. His dreams are coming true, one ugly tie at a time. :)

I love him so.