Our Taste of the Recession Pie

I don't think there is a person in this country who is truly immuned from the recession, however people are effected in different ways. The last two weeks, Justin and I have had a different perspective of this recession as we realized we may be directly effected. 

The Gresham/Barlow School District has been hit hard by the lack of state funds, just like every other district in the country. Unfortunately, they are having to cut back on their already severely trimmed budget. Of course, this means first year teachers and electives such as music are effected. And, of course, this means Justin falls into both categories. 

As soon as we learned this, we began to pray. As you know, we believe in God. He is ultimately in control, larger than all our "big" situations, and has promised us that He will provide our daily bread. We know that never in those promises that God has promised our life to be "easy", but we can rest assured that He is sovereign and our provider. Seems like we have been in this situation a lot in the past couple of years, but God has proven Himself over and over again, so we are trying not to worry. Believe me, this is SO much easier said than done and is a daily battle. 

Today was the big day that the district was going to announce their first set of budget cuts. Unfortunately, there could be more - so nothing is truly finalized until June 3oth. Although we didn't learn much that we didn't already know, we did learn that they are not going to cut middle school or high school band. Praise the Lord!! Unfortunately, they are cutting elementary music to half time, which is so sad. Also, several probationary one teachers are losing their jobs. It is bittersweet that Justin teaches a speciality subject that can't be filled by just anyone. However, our hearts are breaking for all the teachers who are being laid off, in addition for the principals who have to deliver all of this bad news. It is so hard. 

We are praising God for the peace we have right now and continuing to trust in Him. By no means are we "out of the woods", but as of this moment - Justin still has a job. We are still trusting in God that He will provide for us - where ever we are next year. We are just hoping it is still in Gresham.