Boredom is bad for me; it gives me time to think, and thus time to worry. Isaac worrying is really bad for me, because then I worry a lot. What are we worried about? Money; what else? We had the first of many roof replacement estimates yesterday. I'm hoping we started out at the high end, because this one was $5350. Also, Isaac found out that his school loan is due ASAP because he hasn't been a full-time student since February. That's $2700. The tree removal was $850. That's nearly $9,000 of our not-much-higher-than-that savings down the drain within a month or two. And here I was proud of us for finally having 3 months' worth of income socked away just in case.

It seems like every time we finally build up our savings, something huge comes up. Last year it was the A/C, which nearly drained us. We built it up again, and now this. The roofing guy did say that the roof has a year left on it at the most, so we will probably put it off for a few months. Maybe their prices will go down after hurricane season. That's our hope, anyway.

I'm telling y'all this because we could really use your prayers. No, we're not going to be eating rice for every meal or anything, but it is hard to keep seeing our savings drained each year. Isaac has decided to postpone continuing his seminary classes till next summer, possibly, or next fall, because we can't really afford it now. He's probably going to switch to a less expensive seminary anyway, 'cause the schedule works out better for him.

As for how this affects our potential trip to Europe next summer, we don't know yet. That's a high priority, but not a necessity. But I would stop eating out completely and stop buying anything at all if it will mean we can still go. Also, this may continue to postpone starting to adopt our kids. I know there are grants out there, but probably not enough to cover the whole thing. So maybe it will be a few more years instead of starting next year.

And yes, I am fully aware that we could be in a worse position. We could have more debt than a few thousand dollars of school loans and a mortgage. I am grateful that we don't have any more liabilities than that.

But we'll see. God has always taken care of us, and I know he's not likely to stop anytime soon. I'm just really wishing for a rich uncle right now, ya know?

Actually, it's only 9 hours till we leave Jax, and 12-13 till we get to San Salvador. It is absolutely insane to me that it's time already, and also that it's been a year since we went last time. Anyway, we are all packed and ready to go. We hope. Hehe. I guess we'll find out if we forgot anything once we get down there.

If you're wondering how you can pray for us, here are a few things: safety and good health (it has been about 10 years since I had a tetanus shot, but I completely forgot to make an appointment. All I know is that I last got one when I was 15, but that may mean I'm a month overdue or still have 10-11 months left. So obviously, I would like specific prayer that I will not get tetanus!) for the team (there are 12 from my church), great opportunities and open hearts,  and knowing what to say, if only through a translator. Pray also for team unity and good attitudes, as it will be HOT and buggy and humid and everything down there, and the food gets monotonous. And pray that we'll have a blast. Which, unless I get tetanus, I am pretty much guaranteed to have, 'cause last year was amazing, and this year I know quite a bit more Spanish and we have a real puppet stage. I'm excited.  =o)

Now, I'm off to bed, because I have to wake up around 5:30 tomorrow morning. Have a great week, all!