The Fust Family: December 2011

I can assure you that 10 years ago I never dreamed I would be where I am today.

10 years ago, I was 6 months from graduation with no aspiration for college. I always thought that shortly after graduation from High School, I would be married and begin a family! That had been the deep-rooted desire God planted in my heart from childhood. However, as I watched my senior year come to a close without prospect of marriage in sight and teachers encouraging me to pursue college, I began to pray and seek God for direction. Through much council from parents, pastors, mentors, and friends, I applied to a few local colleges, one being Brewton Parker, a private Baptist school only an hour away. Within a few weeks, I had an acceptance letter from Brewton Parker and an offered scholarship to cover most of my tuition expenses for my four year studies. Seeing the Lord’s obvious hand in this, I made preparations to begin Brewton Parker in the Fall of 2002.

The summer following graduation, I had an incredible and life-changing experience as my dad and I went on a mission trip to Bryansk, Russia together with several other members from our church. Sparing minute details, my decisions made in the Spring were confirmed over and over again during that trip. I knew people needed to hear the good news of the Gospel. I knew God had given me a heart for children and an ability to teach. And I knew God was calling me to devote my life to sharing Christ with those He placed in my path.

My parents understood the importance of raising independent children and encouraged us very early in our teenage years to start taking responsibility for ourselves. They were very supportive of my desire to attend school and did help tremendously but it was understood that it was my pursuit. I worked full-time through school to support myself and pay tuition (most of that time was spend at ChasMar where I gained an entirely separate wealth of knowledge…hey, where’s my degree for that, Dad?!). I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It was hard work, taught me much of God’s provision and faithfulness to me thereby strengthening my faith, prepared me for life, and has blessed me with many lifelong godly friends. In the Spring of 2006, I graduated first in my class with two BA degrees, one in History and one in Christian Studies. Glory to God!

As that milestone was reached, I once again found myself prayerful about my next steps. Seminary had been a lingering and persistent thought, though I can honestly say I had no desire for MORE education (more papers, more tests, more deadlines, more all-nighters…eck!), nor had I the desire to move so far from home (Kentucky and Texas being my two options). I spent the summer and early fall praying and saving and finally decided to apply to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. In January of 2007, I began my first semester of classes—jobless and in an environment where my living expenses had more than doubled. Being confident of God’s calling me to Southern and having witnessed His faithfulness and provision to me in college, I just trusted Him to provide. And He did.

He provided me with an instant church family at Parkwood Southern Baptist Church in Clarksville, Indiana. I don’t know what I would’ve done without Todd and Teresa Crosby and the many friends I met there. I am so thankful of the Lord’s leading me to that place. Such sweet memories.

He provided me with a job (more like JOBS!). After applying ALL over Louisville and being discouraged from not hearing from anyone, I attended an on-campus meeting for women at Southern. I met a girl who shared with me about a babysitting agency called Family Tree who were always hiring and loved hiring Southern students. I called that day and applied. Not even a few days later, I began receiving calls and started babysitting for families all over the Louisville area. I learned the layout of the city, met some great families and kids (some not so great…ha!) and finally had a little income to put towards living and tuition expenses. To supplement my sporadic babysitting evenings, I began working at UPS that spring, loading packages from 12-4 in the morning (all while attending a full load of classes and babysitting during the day). So busy, but again, God provided. I had the opportunity to meet and share the Gospel with many at UPS and loved getting to know a few families I regularly sat for.

God provided stability. As summer approached, I began to work with Family Tree to find a permanent family to sit for. I sat for the Bates’ for 6 months, watching their little newborn boy. I finally had a steady income, fun family to see day-to-day, and the pleasure of holding and caring for a child as a mom would. It was such a sweet way for God to provide me an outlet for mothering since I was unmarried and did not have children. I loved it!

God provided me a home. In the summer, I found out my already too-high-for-me rent was going up. Being now more familiar with the Louisville area, I began to think about moving…but I will admit the thought concerned me. I remember very clearly walking my trash out from my apartment one night praying that God would give me direction as to what to do. Did I need to move? Find a roommate? Move to the on-campus dorms? I had no idea. Teresa walked up to me the next morning after church, eyes gleaming, saying she had a solution to my housing dilemma. That “solution” has been one of the greatest delights of my experiences in Louisville. Truly. An older woman in our church had a fully-finished basement, complete with two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room. Mrs. Joyce took me in and I lived there with her for almost 4 years. Not only did I have a roof over my head, but I had someone to share life with and be a companion to. I was able to quit my UPS job and focus more on my studies at SBTS that next fall. We had many wonderful memories together…cooking, playing games (poker was a favorite!), watching our favorite shows together, quilting, crafting, dealing with our crazy Ohio River Valley weather (including Ike, lots of tornado warnings, and that huge ice storm a few years ago!!)…oh the fun we had! Love her. Couldn’t have made it through Southern without her!

God provided me with a sweet Kentucky family and a husband! Unfortunately, my job with the Bates’ would only work for the summer due to school scheduling conflicts. After many tears over leaving my sweet Jackson, I began working with Family Tree to again find another permanent home to sit for, this one preferably Monday, Wednesday, Friday so as not to interfere with my school schedule. After several placement tries, I landed with the Rutherford’s. I had the pleasure to sit for this family with three sweet (most of the time) boys for almost 4 years. I got to know the grandparents well and they have all become like extended family! And now they actually are! Thanks to a whirlwind of circumstances (trying to finish 3 classes at Southern and wrap up my first semester of teaching at Dorothy Sayers), I was unable to head home for Thanksgiving as planned in November of 2009. I ended up having Thanksgiving dinner with the Fusts’ and met my husband that night! Talk about provision and providence! J

God provided me a job serving on staff at Highview Baptist Church. With my graduation approaching, I began to seek employment. Patrick and I were both so excited when a position opened up in the Children’s Ministry at Highview where we were already established and serving! It was perfect timing and has been such a blessing to us!

God provided me with a wealth of knowledge to further His kingdom. All while this ‘life’ stuff was going on, I had the privilege to sit under the teaching of some of the godliest men I have ever met. I am thankful for the opportunity and recognize the value of that which has been entrusted to me. I pray that I am faithful with what God has blessed me with and accomplish all of the purposes He has planned! My graduation last Friday was a monumental milestone—the end (YES) of my formal education and the beginning to something new…termed ‘something’ for now as I don’t yet know exactly what that ‘something’ will be. J

Believe it or not, these are only a few of the ways God has worked in my life over the last decade. And while this may indeed be a lengthy blog, I believe it is right and worthwhile to recall and share God’s faithfulness to His children. We should tell of His great works in our lives more often! It gives me great confidence in what the future may hold! And great excitement as I anticipate the next 10 years! Praise God for the works He accomplishes in our lives…and the blessings of peace today through remembering His faithfulness of the past.

Thank you to all who have been with me through this season. You mean so very much to me and I am so very thankful for every encouraging card, thoughtful word, and sweet prayers.