A new direction

I did not realize how long it has been since we posted anything on our website or blog. I'm not even sure if anyone is still reading this blog or not. Well, anyway, it is time for an update.
Ever since the door to Honduras closed for us, Danielle and I have been seeking the Lord's direction and next steps for us. It was after spending time in prayer about His direction that a most unexpected door "cracked open" that we have been pursuing.
I may be returning to school this fall to enter into a graduate program for nursing. The program is located in Rockford and would take about three years to finish. However, there is a possibility that I would be able to get my degree for nearly free; due to tuition reimbursements and a grant that I have applied for.
I had thought periodically about returning to school for my Master's degree for the past five years, but never felt led to pursue it. Not until recently. This would put us in Rockford for at least the next five years because I would have a two year committment at the hospital after completing the program.
This is not the direction that we would have ever anticipated three months ago, but it seems to be the direction that the Lord is leading us down right now. We have received tremendous support from our family and friends, as well as wise counsel from Pastor Scott at church.
I will be submitting my application in the next week. I am still waiting for two letters of reference that I have sent out.
Please be praying for us in this process. Please pray that the Lord makes His will clear in the matter and that He would close the door on this if it is not His plans for us. Please pray about me being accepted into the program, since there are a limited number of spots; and please pray about the grant money allocation. I can't help but feel that the grant money is my "fleece laid before the Lord" since I will really need the grant money to be able to go through this program.
Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support, it has meant so much to us.
I have been looking at our website and blog site tonight and really think that it needs an "extreme makeover", especially in light of where the Lord seems to be leading us now. Keep watching for changes in the coming days and weeks.

jdb