I figure it's about time I started a blog... :)

Just over two months ago, I got in my car (loaded completely full with the majority of my earthly possessions) and started the 2,000-mile drive to Michigan. For the first week I felt a little homeless, but within a week of leaving Idaho, I was hired and started my job at Jackson Coffee Company and received the keys to my new home.

I am a barista at Jackson Coffee Company, a locally-owned coffee shop in downtown Jackson. I love my job (and I mean that)! Yes, there are difficult days and many challenges, but I really do enjoy working there. Unfortunately, I am not able to get as many hours as I would like/need, so I am looking for another part-time job.

I have continued volunteering once a week at the Center for Women. I started last January and have been welcomed into the "family" of staff and volunteers. At the Center, most of our clients come for Learn and Earn classes where they watch video lessons on pregnancy, prenatal care, and parenting. I know it sounds crazy since I am not a parent, but I lead some of these classes. By watching the lessons and doing homework, the women earn "dollars" to spend in our "store" where they can buy necessities such as diapers, wipes, formula, clothes, and baby toiletries. This fall I have also been working on organizing a Baby Bottle fundraiser that will rotate churches throughout the year.

Kathy, one of the directors at the Center for Women, knew I would need an affordable place to live if I was going to return to Michigan at the end of the summer. She spoke of my need to some supporters of the Center, and I was offered a house by a wonderful couple who live near Jackson. When I saw the house, I was pretty much speechless. I live in a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath farmhouse with a beautiful (huge!) lawn and access to a lake! My landlords are generously allowing me to live there for the cost of utilities. I am so very thankful to them and God.

The house was a little lonely though, so I got a little kitten to keep me company. His name is Mole and he is very active. :) But, I am gone a lot and after a month decided I had to get another kitten to keep Mole company! Mordecai is a lot more laid-back and affectionate than Mole. For the first week, Mole ALWAYS wanted to play with Mordecai and frequently attacked him. Mordecai would rather be curled up on my lap, which made Mole try even harder to get him to play! But after a week or two, they became good friends.

This week I finished a class on Job at New Tribes Bible Institute and started one on Ruth, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. I am planning on returning as a full-time student in January, Lord willing. I've also been taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (a financial management class) at a local church.

Between work, school, volunteering and keeping up with my house, I've been staying really busy. I miss my family, friends from home, and the mountains, but I love living here. Michigan really feels like home to me now. I even got a Michigan driver's license last week (it's official!).

As for the future, that's up to God. My short-term plans are to finish my degree at NTBI and take the two classes I need to finish up my A.A. degree. I am definitely open to going overseas as a missionary, but I also love the work I do at the Center for Women. I have been so blessed by God with a great place to live, a job that I enjoy, people who love me. I am content where I am now and simply want to take each day as it comes.

Sorry for the long post... There has been a lot going on in the past couple months. Staying in touch has been challenging for me because I have poor cell phone service at my house and no internet access (not to mention the fact that my computer turned off this summer and won't turn back on!). I'll try to update my blog regularly so ya'll don't think I fell off the face of the earth! :)

Goodbye for now.
Jessie