Looking ahead

 Currently, I am busy looking ahead.

At work, we are in the throes of Summer fun.  This summer, our theme is Snapshots Across America, and each week the theme revolves around a specific place.  This coming week, we will imagine that we are at the Florida Beaches.  We have 7 more destinations following that including Hawaii, a Texas dude ranch, and New York City, just to name a few. These summer weeks are so much fun, as I get to be so creative.  It is also fast-paced, as each week I am implementing one theme while making sure I am ready for the theme of the coming week.  I am grateful for the others who help me make this all happen. And it is the excitement of the kids that keeps me going.

I am also looking ahead to this coming Saturday when mom and I head off on our big "Driving Aunt Millie Road Trip."  We have been planning for two months, and it is almost here.  We have our t-shirts, hostess gifts, hats, Pete the Cat with his backpack, snacks, and a big Rand McNally Atlas. We appreciate prayers for good health leading up to and during the trip, as well as safety for travel.  We desire that we will be a joy to those we visit, and that this will be a special time together with great memories. My plan is to journal the journey here on the blog while we are traveling.

I have to confess that I am also looking ahead in fear for Peter.  He is showing the signs of stress, which appear to stem from the full-time work, and taking responsibility for himself financially and physically.  While this is the goal for any young adult,  I do think this is more of a challenge for Peter mentally.  My great concern is his ability to get along at work so that he does not lose his job.  He has shared things with me that have me concerned.  He has made a few changes to his personal schedule that he hopes will help his stress level. And this evening, he shared that through some research, he has found cheaper car insurance.  The cost of his current insurance provider is ridiculous and causing him a lot of worry.  I am so proud of him.  He is really working hard to be independent and responsible with his money and his time.    However, we have been down dark roads that began similarly to what I am seeing now, and this is what makes me nervous. He is in the crossover of Medicare to his insurance through work, and is receiving no more SSDI financial support. I don't know how this will affect his doctors and medicine.  I also wonder if an additional med might help him handle the anxiety. Please pray for him, as you are led.  I do appreciate your prayers for him, especially while we are gone.  There has been a history of his experiencing major challenges while I am gone, which has me feeling a bit anxious. And yes, I know where to turn with my anxiety.  (Cue the sounds of "what a friend we have in Jesus" in the background.) Yet it really helps to know others are praying.

Thank you for your prayers for us as we go forward in the upcoming weeks.  I am grateful for your prayers that have supported me in the days past.