It’s been a rough last 2 years for our family. This dark economy has brought some very difficult financial demons for us to face. We’ve lost our house, our savings, our income, most of our investments and nearly our business. Even now that we’re in the recovery phase, there are days that we feel like we’re on the bleeding edge. The darkest days were last July, nearly one year ago, when my husband was in the hospital for a month with life threatening complications of his Crohn’s disease. We nearly lost him. I look back at those days and wonder how I got through it.
For our daughters, these last few years have brought changes. We’re renting a townhome that’s outside their school district and are driving them in to school everyday. We live in a complex that’s inhabited almost entirely by vacationers and retirees, so there are no children for them to play with or regular neighbors to get to know. The biggest change for them has been that I have gone back to work full-time. This wasn’t a big deal during the school year as my schedule allowed me to pick them up from school everyday. They hardly knew the difference. But now that we are in the summer months, they’re feeling it. Dad works from home, so he juggles caring for them and doing his work, but it’s difficult. It’s by no means an ideal situation, but we have faith that this is where God wants us right now and that He is going to see us through all the challenges that we face.
I’d been praying that God would bring something special into my kids lives. A friend, an event, an adventure. We never could have imagined what He’d do…
A big thanks to my amazing husband Mike, and his mad video editing skills! Thanks Kimberly Bee and Kimberly Jarmin for inspiring me to whip out my camera (even though it’s only a Sony Cybershot, a point and shoot with minimal video capabilities.) Thanks to Sarah McLachlan for writing and performing this beautiful song. Most of all, thank you Jesus, for bringing this adventure to us. 2 ducklings are alive and we are reminded that even though You hung the outmost galaxy, You still have a precious place in Your heart for us.
You and Mike truly have been such a wonderful example of faith and God’s glory being shown through suffering. I’m glad you’ve raised girls who can find joy in the little things…they get that from their parents.
I’m in love and so blessed by this post.
Thank you for your transparancy!
Just in case anyone was wondering, we found a great permanent home for the ducklings! After we saw how hearty they were and that they were going to pull through, we knew that our townhouse was not a permanent solution for them. Plus Louie the Wonder Damnation (Dalmation) loves ducks! He loves them with some Hoisin sauce and dumplings!
Our brother and sister-in-law have a neighbor who raises ducks and chickens for eggs and she was thrilled to have the ducklings! She even said that if they turn out to be males, that its ok and she will breed them with her females! Yeah! No duck soup in their future!
That was absolutely beautiful!! So glad that you found someone to take care of those precious little wonders! You are an amazing mom, such beautiful girls, and Mike, BRAVO!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!
I love your heart, my friend. I really really do and I’m so glad your sharing it with the world. Oh man, kiss those sweet girls for me.
p.s. Please come move next door!!! I’m serious. Sigh. I miss living close by =(.
I’m an old friend of your parents’. Beautiful blog, great writing, terrific video teachable moment. Thanks!
Okay, is it cool to cry over ducks? I’m not sure but I just did. Not full on weeping mind you but a little misty eyed. I love our God. What sweet gifts he gives to His children because He is a perfect Father. Thank you Karis for sharing this. It sounds cheesy but I think I needed those little fluffy duckies too.
Great Video! this is the year for our family’s trial. Thank you for your honesty. Our story is very similar, very challenging, lots of doubting, lots of praying, lots of faith, lots of Why?why?WHY?HELP! help.
Such a precious video, I loved it! Thank you for being so transparent, and sharing your story. My family has been rocked by this economy too (unemployment, lost homes, bankruptcy) and I’m so sad to hear about what you guys went through with your husband’s health, I can’t even imagine how scary that must have been.
It is amazing how resilient children are (often, much more then us), and it’s invaluable for them to watch you and your husband’s faithfulness during your hardships. What great life lessons, yeah?
What a great post Karis! It’s cool to see the video after hearing all about it in person. Your girls are very sweet and the pics and video totally capture that. Nicely done!
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Karis,
I just saw this blog and am so glad that we helped to inspire you to take pictures. Wow, it looks like it’s been a rough time for you and you will be in my prayers. Keep going strong and trusting that God will provide.. HE WILL!!!
Kimberly Jarman