Nursery news

We've had quite the time finding the perfect nursery setting for our little Lucy bug since we've been here.

We found a great one back last September, when we first arrived. But then, issues ensued and we moved from there to a much smaller one that was run by two great friends, M & F, both local ladies. Both of them have amazing experience with kiddos and they have grown to become precious friends of mine! I've spent lots of time with M, especially, but also with F. And when you see someone every single day as you pick up and drop off your kiddo, you can get to know them - if you want to.

The 2nd nursery setting was very small. So small, in fact, that there were only 4 kiddos (including Lucy Bug) who were regularly there. A few days a week, there would be anywhere from 3-5 extra ones, but mostly it was just those 4. And Lucy did great with her sweet friends and with M & F, my sweet friends! We knew, though, that this next school year would pose some issues for M & F because 2 of those kiddos moved away and the 3rd one is going to a local school...so that left Lucy. All alone. And, well, there's no benefit to Lucy being there by herself and M & F wouldn't make enough money off 1 child to stay open.

SO... That's where we were at the end of the year. Even just 2 weeks ago.

But when we got back from vacation, there was this brand new nursery open 2 doors down from where Brad and I take classes. Awesome, huh?

But, remember M & F? I helped them open their place and I feel loyalty towards them and Lucy LOVES them! (as do I) So, what to do?

I went to visit the new place and it's wonderful! They've got a big outside area - which is Lucy's favorite place - and they have several classrooms, a computer room (not that Lucy is old enough for this), a nice kitchen, a big playroom... it's got the potential to be amazing! And the location seriously cannot be beat! As I was talking to the director, R, I told her about F. (M got her a big fancy government job and won't be working as a nursery lady anymore. Sad for us. Great for her!) I asked R if they were hiring - they're not open yet and still working on things, repairing stuff, replacing carpet, painting, etc. She said she needed to meet F.

I took F (& M) over there last night. *Remember, it's Ramadhan here and their schedules are completely backwards! Lots of business happens at night and during the day, it's dead everywhere!* We were there for 2 hours! The 3 of them seemed to get along quite well, praise the Lord! I was able to understand a few words here and there, but they were all talking so fast and it was late (there from 8-10:15 PM) and so I just sat and listened. I had written F a recommendation letter, as did the mother of the 2 kiddos who've moved. So when M & F got up to look around the place, I stayed with R and further explained my love for them and when F would be an amazing hire.

*There are some significant cultural differences here when it comes to interviewing and getting a job. 1. It's not so much about your resume - she didn't even take one - it's about who you know and if you and your family have a good reputation. Yep. That's the major difference!*

I wanted to come right out and tell R that if/when she hires F, we will immediately - that day - sign Lucy up for the year. But I didn't. I know the got the gist of my love and recommendation of F.

As of today, we're not sure what's going to happen. I'm not sure if F will be offered the job. I'm not sure if she'll take it, if the salary isn't what she asked for. I'm not sure of a lot of things...

One thing I'm always sure of: God has Lucy's best interests in mind. He knows her better than I do. He knows what she needs and will always provide for her. He also knows F, whether she knows Him or not. And I will keep sharing Him with her and with M and now with R and with all of my friends here! And with Lucy!

Tomorrow, I will go with F to her former nursery (the first one we went to) to get a certificate of her employment with them. Their parting wasn't on good terms - not F's issues, but theirs - so F is understandably nervous. But R wants this certificate, so we'll go and try to get it.

Pray with me about this situation. Pray for F. She needs Jesus and a job! Pray for Lucy, who needs somewhere to stay for the year while we're in class. Pray for me and Brad, as we seek God's will in all this. Pray for me as I share with my friends and navigate this culture!