The beginning of the summer...

Well, subbing is done!  All of the local school districts are out for the summer, so Summer (haha) doesn't get anymore subbing, at least until August (if we're still here).  After her experiences with it (which were mostly positive!), Summer has decided that, while she enjoys the classroom, there's an itch for something more.  So, while she is ok with subbing at this point, the question has been answered - she won't be pursuing a teaching certification!

Well goodness, what now?  She's really been thinking about child advocacy, which she can do in any state where Jon ends up with a job.  We'll see where this goes...

Speaking of Jon, we now have a few leads all over the States - one in either Nebraska or Michigan, one in Oklahoma, one in his home state of New York, and one in West Virginia.  No telling yet which way we'll go - but those are a few places that we're looking at right now!

Other than that, nothing much is happening here.  Jon continues his job with LeTourneau custodial, and Summer has begun working full-time at LeTourneau Summer Camps (haha - come on, you know you were thinkin' it!).  One more week before camps begin, so we're in the craziness of getting ready, while Jon and the custodial crew have begun what is affectionately (or maybe not so much) called "projects" - as in, deep cleaning every residential building on campus.

Please pray for us as we consider our next moves in this great journey towards Home - pray for wisdom, open doors, and (more) wisdom as we make decisions.  Also, praise God with us for financial provision (we've been able to pay off several student loans in just a few months!) and pray for His continued provision (cattle on a thousand hills, anyone?).

As always, thank you for your prayers and encouragement :)

Graduation and Life After...

Wow, we haven't updated in a while!

We both officially GRADUATED this past Saturday!  A HUGE STEP!!!  We were excited to spend time with Summer's family who came to Longview for graduation - we love you all!

We both have our diplomas now, and are ready to jump headfirst into "the real world" - which means that Jon is looking for work out of state (while still working full-time for LeTourneau custodial), and Summer is now working full-time (as in, 5 jobs, 40ish hours a week).

Summer has been substitute teaching for Pine Tree ISD.  So far, she's subbed for 2 3rd grade classes and a 4th grade class.  Part of the reason behind subbing is to discover whether or not she should pursue a teaching certification in whatever state we end up.  At this point, still not sure...

Jon is seeking to apply for an aviation mechanic position.  If you happen to know of any positions out of state, feel free to let us know - we're searching!

In the meantime, we will continue to chug along here in Longview - Summer has started working for LETU Summer Camps while finishing her work for chapel (a job she's had for 3 1/2 years - so sad to be leaving soon!); she's finished working for First Presbyterian Church's nursery, has started subbing (as mentioned above) and is still selling jewelry with Premier Designs (if you're interested in getting FREE jewelry, let us know - she's willing to travel, and would love to see family and friends!).

Since school let out, Summer has been fighting exhaustion and illness - it looks like the semester is finally catching up!  Please pray that recovery will be swift and thorough, and that we will continue to be well in the Richards home!

Well that's all for now, folks!  As always, we covet your prayers - and thank you for praying!