December 2009
SHAHEENUPDATE
This update is for you who, we have found, really care for us. Some of you we may have met once, others, we have known our entire lifetime. We understand that we could just as easily use facebook, twitter, or email to write you individually. However, we want to offer a more personal touch in updating you about how our lives together, by the will of God, are progressing.
A Series of Unfortunate Events The occurrences of this past month have me comparing the past few weeks to the Lemony Snickets movie where everything seems to be going wayward. It all started when Amanda and I were thinking about where I should attend grad school. It seemed as though our days were burdened with this stressful decision, and each day brought a new obstacle. The first occurrence was on the way to work. Amanda was driving to Starbucks when a semi blew past and caused the car to shift into some ice. The car fishtailed and smashed into the guardrail, spun twice and ended up in the ditch. The day after that we noticed a diamond in her wedding band was missing. The day after that our cat began losing strength in its back legs, causing him to fall when walking. The day after that we both worked long hours and barely saw each other. (these are only a few events) However, it all ended with the best type of medicine, family. We drove down to St.Louis where we hung out with old friends, spent quality time with family,
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and attended Harvester Christian Church’s annual Journey to Bethlehem. These experiences had the best of us at first. We felt drained, stressed, confused and misguided. It wasn’t until mid week that I sat down and realized how beautiful these frustrations were. In the midst of the arguments, the calculations, the adaptations and solution seeking I saw how human and how loved we are. Even though all this happened, I was able to experience it with the love of my life. How much worse would we have felt if dealing with these things on our own. How beautiful it was to see that we are living out our vows of perseverance. I promised that I would lead our lives into a life of faith and hope in Christ Jesus. Ever honoring God's guidance by His spirit through the Word, And so throughout life, no matter what may lie ahead of us, I pledged my life as a loving and faithful husband. It was a very humbling moment to realize this. It shut my complaining and opened my understanding. I am still learning to be appreciative of even the worst of times.
December 2009
HELLO KITTY, BYE BYE When we first moved into our apartment, Amanda and I decided to get two kittens. The White one is Barnes, and the black one is Noble. They are brother and sister cats and were great to raise and love. Since we got them about 6 months ago, Noble has gained tons of weight and Barnes became anorexic. We took Barnes to the vet and found out he was born with some sort of chronic illness. Barnes can now barely use his back legs. He tries walking and just falls over. We have tried everything to fix him, but it seems as though there is no solution. We didn’t know what to do, so we made a pro’s and con’s list. The list was to decide whether or not to keep them. Here is what the list looked like. As you can see, the decision was clear. Obviously it was more than just this pros and cons
S PRO -
We love them
- fun to play with
Baby Noble Barnes Cat list that swayed our decision. Our future plans, the overall negative effects of having pets, unforeseen expenses. The issue with Barnes was the biggest situation to deal with. We are going to take them to the animal shelter in Peoria IL. Although we have grown very close to these two, we also can see the situation from a practical lens. We have learned many lessons through this experience. We are sad, but believe this is the right decision.
CONS
- Costly - stressful to deal with - too much poop - barely get to see them - they break things - apartment layout not beneficial to cats
- illness will eventually kill barnes :(
On a lighter note
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- I am applying to a few grad schools
- Final grades look good
- Relationship with the Owls Roost owners is deepening.
- College Israel trip is looking great - Christmas is next week!
SHAHEENUPDATE December 2009
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.” Proverbs 4:1 NIV
What’s to come... our future Merry Christmas! * Jiryis: - Preparing for next semester classes. - Preparation work for College Israel trip 2010. Please pray for prospective students to commit. - Application for grad school. - Relationship building with local business owners. - Buidling up the LCU radio show ‘The Guiding Note’. Started by Chris Nelson and myself. * Amanda -Continuing search of full time job that incorporates degree. - Constant ministering through Starbucks. - Christmas Eve dinner at the Shaheen Abode.
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Prayer Requests * Rest over Christmas break, and good fellowship with friends and family. * Job opportunities * Newly-wed obstacles * Living life together with our culture. * Continued relationship building with people in the community of Lincoln. * Wisdom in leadership as we begin team building in preparation for our trip to Israel next summer!