Back to Work for Daddy

When we came to France just over two months ago, we had no set plan for the future.  Our only plan was that we would for sure stay until February, but that all depended on a job for Dad and how things were going here.  We arrived in France on a Monday morning, and on Wednesday we headed up the mountains to Camp de Cimes to visit Mamie, Papi, and Uncle Joe.  While we were there, dad was talking with a friend of Aunt Anna's named Caleb and half jokingly said, "Come on man, don't you know a hook up for a job for me!?"  And Caleb thought for a second before responded, "Actually I do!  I know a guy who owns a couple business both here in France and in Germany, that is looking to open an office in Chicago in the near future.  You should give him a call!"  The following day Dad took the man's number out, dialed it up, and began a conversation that would seem almost too surreal to fathom.  The guy was interested from that first, nervous conversation, and a week later planned a meeting to interview your dad.  The following Monday evening, dad got dressed in his best and headed out the door for an interview.  THREE HOURS LATER!!! he called me to tell me things went great and he was on his way home.  The two of them hit it off immediately, and talked for three hours with no real mention of past work experience or any of the normal, to-be-expected interview type questions.  At the end of their time together he looked across the desk at your father and said, "I like what I see.  I will shoot you an email in the next two weeks with a tentative contract."  WE HAD A JOB!  Well, not quite yet, but it seemed more than promising. 

The company was closed for "holiday" the entire month of August, but dad was in contact and was told he would most likely start September 1st.  We liked that thought, as that gave us a whole extra month together before reality set in and we were back to the real world.  When the boss man returned from holiday, he called dad and set up a meeting to discuss the contract and all the details that went along for the job.  Dad will be in charge of implementing a plan for the Chicago branch, contacting costumers and interested buyers, helping find an office and legal team for the company, and being a part of the already existing sales department here in France starting October 1st.  OCTOBER :) You know what that means?  We get yet another whole month together and I couldn't be happier!! 

People thought we were a bit crazy for packing up and moving across the ocean with you sweet girl, and your brother on the way!  We felt at peace and full of excitement.  Dad knew in his heart of hearts, that the Lord would guide us and show us where it is we were supposed to be.  At this point in our lives, being here in France where dad grew up seemed to be the best place for our little growing family.  When all of this talk about the job, the Chicago factor, the comfort and kindness that came in talking with his boss, Hubert, we had no doubt that this was all in God's plan and constant provision for our lives.  How could it not be with the way it all worked out?  Dad will be making just about the same as he was at Porsche, receiving the French benefits which are worth so much more, five weeks vacation (5 WEEKS!), and 2 weeks paternity leave just a month after starting to be home with you, me, and your baby brother when he decides to join us!  We are beyond blessed.  Our God is so good and has given us far more than we deserve. 

I have always said your Dad is a man of wisdom and a faith much greater than I have ever known.  He is a man that exudes peace into every circumstance, and prays without ceasing.  Every day I learn something from him when it comes to prayer, faith, and just simply trusting that the Lord will provide.  I pray you will find a man with a love for our Lord, as I have found in your Father.  It is the best and most important trait to look for in your future spouse, I can promise you that! 

Today I am thankful, sweet girl, for you, your healthy baby brother growing daily in my belly, and your father and his love and affection he has for each of us!!  We are so proud of him and all the hard work he does for our family.  I couldn't be more blessed with the life I have been given.  Now, let's soak up these next few weeks before your dad becomes a working man again, and it's back to just the two of us baby girl!!