Why am I doing this?  Okay, so I just turned the big 5-0 and I'm learning how to blog.  Don't laugh too hard, it truly gets better! What brought me to this current challenge, you might ask?.  Well, I put myself through college earning a bachelors in Finance and a masters in Accounting.  I waited tables at night and did college during the day.  Good times, especially working with others my age who were on their way to some bright new future.  I was fortunate enough to get a job at Tropicana, made right here in my town, right out of school.  Worked in corporate a few years, then decided I needed a more rounded education so went to work for a CPA firm. During those 10 years I had two sons and honestly went to work to rest.  Boys are VERY active, at least mine are/were. My sons grew up and are headed in their own directions.  I'm very proud of them!  Suddenly I found myself facing an empty nest and my marriage of 24 years ended.  Wow!  It took me a year to take all that in and process my emotions, and allow the Lord to heal those deep hurts.. I spent a lot of time in prayer and submerged myself with my "board of directors" (bff's) and in a small church. Two months ago I woke up one morning and had this amazing revelation...I'M FREE!!  Now I get to do what I want, even if it's eating cheese and crackers for dinner.  I love it!  I've spent more time with my family than I did the entire 24 years of marriage. I'd always said if I lost my husband (thinking death) I would go into the mission field. Well, it was a death alright, so I decided praying for where the Lord wanted to use the many talents He'd given me throughout the years. Ask and you shall receive!! Two weeks later my bff told me about a ministry she served with two years and they were looking for an accountant.  Bingo! I applied, was interviewed and approved.  Awesome!  We have not because we ask not. I was ready to go in June, but the CFO couldn't take on an intern until January.  Turns out I needed that time to heal. God is so good and He is sovereign! Guess what month it is? Yep, you're smarter than you know.

I'm now getting my household in order, so to speak, while I'm away.  I'm getting everything lined up to fly out of Sarasota January 31st, arriving in Athens February 1.  I've found a lovely flat on AirBnB two blocks from headquarters and have adopted the young man who is handlingthe flat to be my Greek son. Steve is even stocking the place with basics for me. The last time I flew into Athens, it took me 3 days of solid sleep to get my feet under me. Steve has arranged to have coffee, tea, and other staples on hand in case I need to hibernate for my body to adjust. Not only is Steve stocking up the place for me, but he's also picking me up at the airport and will take me to the grocery store once I'm functional again.  Kudos to you Steve and thank you Lord for providing him!

FYI, I tried blogging before but didn't have anything I wanted to share so gave it up.  This time I'll be writing at all hours of the day and night (my sleep is really messed up).  I plan on writing from my heart and sharing what God is doing in me and my favorite part, what He is using me to do!

Blessings, M