(This was originally going to be an IG and a FB post, but it was too long for IG, so I figured why not write about it here!)

Testimony Time- A lot has happened in the past couple months and the last 2 years. James and I left our jobs in 2017 on faith to pursue our dreams. Initially it was for a year, but God allowed for 2 years. He also put me on the heart of Anasthasie during that time. She is the Associate Director of Literacy Education for University of Notre Dame. Make a long story short I am so glad she reached out to me, because I left my job in August of 2017, and in February 2018 a signed contract with The University of Notre Dame to help create SEL books for kids in Haiti was executed. I was able to work from home, while pursuing my dream with Peacebe. I also got to work with the best illustrator in the world, my brother. Anything I’m a part of I want there to be a higher purpose, and this opportunity was hand-picked for me. Just like Anasthasie’s role was hand picked for her. (There’s a testimony there also.) My position focuses on literacy, social emotional learning, helping kids around the world, and working from home at my own pace?!? I didn’t know a job like that even existed, but God knew. It literally is ideal for me. My brother and I have truly enjoyed working for her on this amazing project. We know it will have a phenomenal impact on thousands of kids. Anasthasie and this opportunity were answered prayer for my family and I, and the beauty of it all was God put me on her heart before I took that leap of faith. His timing is perfect. There are so many God moments in this journey. (That might have to be another blog post.) Our work is almost complete for this contract. I pray if it’s God’s will there will be many more contracts, but just thankful for the blessing this opportunity has been the past year and a half.

Which brings me to the present. I have dreams, but so do my kids. I’ve decided to go back to teaching for many different reasons. I let my teaching certificate expire, because I thought by now for sure Peacebe would’ve been a cartoon. However, I learned God isn’t moved by my deadlines. I also learned the importance of going after my dream but being grounded in my reality. The dream continues WHILE I teach. The past 4 weeks I studied for my Subject Area Exam so I can get my certification renewed, and thank God I passed the test last week ????. I’m so thankful to be able to go back to teaching. My principal whose been very supportive of my dream journey, knows that I will do my best and give my all to my future students. I learned a lot about myself and my business during these 2 years. I’m excited to continue pursuing this dream at a pace that works for my family and I. My goals right now are eating healthier as a family, getting Leniya in gymnastics, Niko in drumming, and giving James the opportunity to create some meals for us. (He was inspired after watching Top Chef Kids edition)

I share my journey to hopefully encourage others, and here’s my encouragement to anyone who read this far. 1. When God puts someone on your heart reach out to them, you could be their answered prayer. 2. Go after your dreams. It might not happen when you want, but do the best you can with the cards you’re dealt. 3. Pastor Ricky always says, humility hears what truth reveals. My decision to go back to work came after prayer, heart to hearts with some amazing people, testimonies from others, sermons, and scripture. After all that I was able to hear, and moved accordingly. I wasn’t defensive just humbly listened to others who I knew had my best interest at heart. 4. God will put some amazing people in your path. Don’t take that lightly. Treasure them, because they are treasures. I’ve met so many amazing, encouraging, talented, and kind people in this life journey, and I’m beyond grateful. Life is all about relationships and it’s wise to build positive relationships with others. 5. Go to your graves with memories not dreams. (Saw those words on a shirt a few days ago. Things might not work out exactly as you envision in the exact timing you thought, but one thing is for sure you will create memories and learn many lessons going after your dream. However it’s also important to enjoy your reality in the process of chasing your dream!!! 6. Always remember your dream is bigger than you! That took a lot of pressure off of me. I realized my dream is to help kids and families. For many years I was stuck, and didn’t do much with it, but once I realized my dream could actually help others it motivated me to take action. It’s been many years, but I know it’s been a blessing to many in its only little way. So whatever your dream is…GO FOR IT…It could be the exact thing someone else is waiting on!!???? ? Hopefully, this will encourage someone, somehow <3