Great is thy Faithfulness

God is soooo good. The hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" really applies to this testimony that I am about to give, so pay attention...

             AUC (Atlantic Union College) closed down due to financial issues and as a matriculated student of the institution, I wasn't sure what to do. Literally, at the beginning of August, AUC told their students to go to WAU (Washington Adventist University) for the following semester and the cost of tuition would be brought down to just about the same tuition rate we paid at AUC. So in my mind, I’m like “that's great.” My independence from my parents had just kicked in for my FAFSA, so I was getting enough money from the government to cover my school fees, but then, something happened...

When I applied to the BS program in Nursing at WAU, they told me that because I received a grade of a D in a course three years prior at another institution, they weren’t sure if they would be able to put me into their Nursing program. I kindly reminded WAU that they had already promised to transition AUC students into their program and I also added that I retook the course in which I received a D grade and obtained an A in it the second time around.  I explained to them that I was an outstanding student within the Nursing program at AUC and I was very capable of doing the coursework. After speaking with them, WAU agreed to place me into the program for the Fall 2011 semester on the condition that I take a standard reading exam and receive good grades my classes this semester. Everything was going smoothly until the middle of October when I was asked to meet with the secretary from the Nursing department.

The secretary informed me that the Nursing program was now denying me from the program for the same issues that they had expressed when I initially applied to the program.  I broke down in tears because everything was already going so wrong in my life. I had no job, I was getting into fights with close friends and the only thing I was really looking forward too at that point was now crumbling before my eyes. I asked the secretary "Why did the department make me waste my money and take these classes if I wasn’t going to receive a fair shot in the first place?" The secretary expressed her apologies and then kindly dismissed me. I was sad and began to doubt that God wanted me to even do nursing anymore. I spent so many years with this dream and still I hadn’t gotten anywhere.

Eventually, I started looking to change my major. I had a few friends that told me to stick with my dream and not to give up but I didn't want to listen to them. I was just going to go my own way. Finally someone got through to me and recommended that I fight for an appeal, so I did just that. Last week, the Nursing department informed me that I could start the program again this January! God HAS given me one last chance. He’s so faithful, when I am not!                                -ZW

God's Got A Plan

(forgive me in advance for grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.  focus on the message)

As some of you may now know, I am moving to Maryland this weekend.  I know it seems fast and abrupt but when God says move you move.

At the beginning of July, I volunteered to help my mother by bringing my nephews back home to Maryland. Every time I visit Maryland and the Restoration Praise Center SDA Church I have an amazing time.  While sitting in church, I was having a full blown conversation with God.  I told Him how I really didn't want to be in NY anymore but i didn't want to make any decisions without His full permission and instruction.  After church a friend from MA was speaking to me and telling me i should move and be apart of this church.  He introduced me to His girlfriend and we exchanged information and she said she would be in contact for my resume if she hears of anything.

When i got back to NY, I created an online profile for 3 different county school websites where you have to upload your resume.  The only way to get a job is to actually apply to the specific job opening.  I said, "God, I'm not going to apply to any of these jobs.  If it's for me to be in MD then You need to have a principal contact me."  That's next to impossible but I know the God I serve.

Weeks have gone by and I have been traveling back and forth to MD.  In the midst of the traveling Pastor Graham asked me to join the praise and worship team once a month. On my last visit to MD, it rained like crazy in NY and my street flooded.  I didn't know until I got back to NY and went to get in my car and water poured out of it.  I had to get the car towed to the dealership, and the tow truck company dropped my car off of the tow truck and crashed it.  The insurance company threatened to deny the water damage claim, and the tow truck company has been trying to weasel their way out of paying for the damage they have done.  At this point I'm convinced they are going to deny my claim and drop my coverage.

Here's where it gets good...

On Monday morning at 11:00am I got an email from a charter school saying they got my resume from a referral source and would love to speak to me regarding a career opportunity.  90 minutes after the email, I had a phone interview.  2 hours after the interview, they called to say they wanted to meet me in person.  2 hours later, I was on a bus to DC.  The next day at 1:00pm, I had an interview with a panel from the school.  10 minutes after I left the interview, they called to offer me the position.  In the midst of that phone call, the earthquake happened. ( I honestly believe the atmosphere couldn't handle all the blessings and favor God was throwing my way and the earthquake was the result.)  The very next day, I had to go downtown to get a background check and fill out paperwork at the HR office.  On the drive to downtown, I get a phone call from the insurance company about my car.  They said the check is in the mail and my car will be ready on Friday.  So now I'm shouting in the car...seriously.

So now I'm at the HR office and I still don't know how much they are going to pay me.  I had a number in mind that I asked God for.  They offered me more than what I was thinking and gave me a signing bonus.  LOOK at GOD!!!!

Since school was already in session, they need me to start on Monday.  I didn't have a place to live up until 6:00pm yesterday.  I was chatting with a friend from RPC and I was telling her my story and she said hold on.  I have a friend who just bought a house and is looking for a housemate.  I spoke with the young lady and she is allowing me and my little dog to stay at her house until I can find a place permanently. (I have goosebumps just typing this)  Then I started thinking about my landlord.  Even though I don't have a lease I felt bad leaving on such short notice.  But then I remembered that God is orchestrating this whole thing.  She will be fine.  This morning I got a message from an old friend of the family who is a traveling nurse and she is  looking for an apt in NY.  (come on somebody!!!)  The prayers of the righteous availeth much...

I know God is not even close to being done with blessing me. I'm starting to believe this hurricane is a result of more blessings and favor coming my way and once again, the atmosphere can't handle it.

Thank you to those that have been praying for me and playing small roles in this great blessing!

God's got a plan,

He's workin it out,

no matter what it looks like,

there is no doubt

For my God, He can do anything!!!

-DB