I'm warning you, this is long, but if you love me and want to hear about a complete miracle, read on!
I have to give my babies major credit, though, because they were "my little troopers" today. Albeit a very rare occurrence, I was taken back by their tranquil behavior and thought-provoking conversation during the midst of my panic attacks, scurrying and anger spouts at either the University or the drivers of the wonderful 495 highway...honestly. The didn't fight, which was my biggest awe, they were not running amuck while I was talking to people, nor were they walking like turtles when we were running across the University trying to get in and out of buildings before mom got more than one (yes, I did get one) parking ticket.
I started out at the Education building where a signed letter of completion was promised by the Dean to be left there for me to pick up this morning. She emailed me that Tuesday. I'm sure you have guessed by now that the letter was not there waiting, and because I didn't go in the morning as planned - honestly fearing I'd crash the car if I didn't get a little bit of sleep, she was caught up in a meeting for the next two hours. I waited for about a half hour for someone to come in the building who could help me, of course only paying for 15 minutes of parking, then she finally came in but "couldn't do anything." My only choice was to go to the registrar's office to beg and plead for them to put it on my transcripts today, hashing their 2-week rule of putting the statement on there. When we walk outside, I was already flustered, then spotted that bright yellow envelope with a parking ticket on my window (I've gotten at least about 20 or so in my 3 years there).
So, because the buildings are quite a hike apart, we drove down to the building but there is only one parking spot, with a change meter that I had no change for, and then there is a service parking space behind it, which of course you get a $75 ticket for parking in. I scooted my car behind the car that was already there, hoping they would leave soon and that they would at least leave a couple minutes on the meter. Instead, they (2 women) were just "chillin" in the car with no money on the meter and sitting there reading a paper - then began a makeout session. I was seriously considering going knock on their window - my temper was flaring at this point. So, after begging God to please give me parking ticket mercy, I told the kids that we needed to get out the car and run as fast as we can in the building so we don't get a ticket; of course, this appeared as a fun game to the children. They were running down the sidewalk screaming, "Hurry, mom is parked illegally, she can't get another ticket!"
We get into the building, and the person at the desk obviously observed my dismay and frustration, and actually was willing to do what I was asking for (of course, after I broke down in front of him), but there was a hold on my account. This means that the VA did not pay my bill on time and yet another drive and hike to the cashier's office. So, we run back to the car, and with a sigh of relief did not see another ticket on my window - by the way, the two were still locking lips. So we drive to the next building and what was there? Only a service parking space again..."Ok, God, one more time?"
We go in and I was actually going to pay the balance of which I thought was only my leftover parking ticket balance, but the guy said my balance was like $3800!!! So, now I have to do more begging. All the while, my kids and I were rushing through the building to the various offices and they were chanting, "Go Mom, we can beat the cops!" Oh boy. I am panicking at this point, and basically begged the lady on hands and knees to please allow me just ONE printout of my transcript - just one and assured her that the VA pays my bill, not me. She said Yes!! We got the slip, walked out, and to my utter surprise, no parking ticket again. Score.
However, now we had to go back to the other building for the registrar to print it out. Drive back there, and guess what?? Those two were STILL MAKING OUT. Get a room people! Jeez! So, again, I park in a service spot, beg God for mercy, encourage the kids again to race, and we went back in. There was a HUGE line of freshman all waiting to take their ID pics. The guy saw the red slip in my hand and said, "You don't have to wait, I'll give it to you." Wow, thank you God!!! Feeling a little risky, I decided to go to the VA's office which was located right next door to where I was. Got that fixed too. We walk outside, NO PARKING TICKET AGAIN. By this time, the kids are elated and are pretty much thinking mom is a super parking ticket hero at this point.
Finally we can go to HR. We battle the wonderful 495 traffic for a hour to go 14 miles, but when we do get to HR, we were in and out in 15 minutes. I am now and OFFICIALLY licensed teacher!!!
I finally spot a McDonalds to feed my very hungry and patient children, and then we head home in the traffic again...This time though, there was a peace that came over me and I somehow did not notice my hour-long drive home. I was caught up in a worship moment. The kids were scarfing down their meals, and I was listening to this song, which randomly popped in my head:
"You" by Hillsong
I began to weep, and weep, and weep, which I really don't do during worship, but after such a day, I had so much to thank God for. After all these years in college, He finally gave me the exact job I asked for. Let me just tell you a little bit about my college journey because you can't truly understand my thankfulness and weeping if I don't tell you the story. So, here it goes...
It was a dark and stormy night - HAHA just playing. I started college when Catalina was about 6 months old and about a year later Charles went to Iraq. During his Iraq stay, Catalina caught this deadly bacterial infection in her blood (God healed that), and I was diagnosed with cancer...again. Through doctor appointments for her and I, radiation treatments, and a wonderful set of friends, I got through the school and graduated being tied up for valedictorian. Then we move here, and after my college in Hawaii on the verge of losing accreditation, I had to repeat many of my courses at UMD. Okay, got through that. Then, started in the Ed department, and got cancer...again. This time, God outrightly healed it. I didn't do ANY treatments - it just disappeared. Started student teaching with an amazing mentor Judy who God definitely blessed me with (and she fought for me tooth and nail when two of the administrators were trying to get me kicked out for missing too many days) - but had another health scare and a grandpa threatening suicide, so I had to quit the program, and go to LA. Then came back, and had to do student teaching ALL OVER AGAIN. However, God blessed me with another mentor, Cynthia, who was a pastor and someone who I just naturally synced with (she's also offered me lots of things for my classroom). Got through student teaching - again, had a WONDERFUL class of students, but I still was not finished. Owing the university one more class, I took it while substituting here at Walt Whitman - again with wonderful students. Then after I THINK I've completed all I have to complete, the program director says that I owe YET ANOTHER CLASS, in which I'd have to take during the summer...and another cancer scare. So, I took the class and was finally done, at least for now, with college.
I get offered a job at Whitman, but I wasn't licensed yet, and they were not willing to wait. I applied elsewhere, but nothing. Out of the blue, I got an email from the principal who I've been begging for a job from for the past 3 years asking If I could come in for an interview. Got the job the next day. God had TRULY answered my prayers. And today, that prayer was officially answered, confirmed, and well, licensed!!
If we are only faithful to Him, and believe in Him when we want to give up and when the odds are stacked up against us, He answers. He always hears us, so today, when I heard that song, and really listened to the lyrics, I couldn't help but weep and thank God for all He's given me.
With Charles' irreplaceable support - and I have to give him credit for taking care of the kids, being mom and dad, and even helping with projects, shopping, or driving an hour away to give me a paper I forgot at home to make a deadline - thank you so much. I will ALWAYS be grateful for the support you gave me. My kids, being troopers when mom was all wrapped up in school, wow. I feel like I can finally relax and just be mom. To all my friends who dealt with the "ghost Brandy" who never answered her phone and couldn't hang out as much as you wanted to - thank you. And always, thanks to all of you for your prayers and support through this journey. Its been quite a ride, but today, I've just began a new one.
"Indescribable...You are amazing, God!" It is ALL because of you.
