Choose like your life depends on it

It's September 8, 2011. We have lived in Harrisburg for about 1.5 weeks now and I have been working for 3 days. One would assume I haven't developed too many opinions or haven't really gotten a taste for it here, but that's just not true.

I am currently working for the most fantastic hospital system with the nicest and most helpful people ever. They are beyond understanding of peoples' life situations and how work is not, in fact, all an employee should ever focus on. (People have LIVES outside of work??? WHAT???) Anyway, seeing what was happening yesterday and today just blew my mind--in a good way.

As you may know, a large portion of this system is right on the Susquehanna River--I'm talking fewer than 50 yards away. Naturally, since Lee decided to dump lots of rain on us and since the river is now at nearly 29', parts of the system have been flooded. People didn't panic. They didn't run away. They *helped* each other get the essentials out of the way and got people to go home and into safety. Wow. People that care about people. Amazing.

Don't get me wrong, here. I have been working for the company for only 3 days now. I know I will have good days and bad days. I know that people will upset me and probably rearrange my books just to mess with my OCD-like tendencies. I am just really happy that I have not yet encountered ONE mean/uncaring/dramatic/self-loathing person. Not one.

Needless to say, we have been much happier out here. Sure, money's beyond tight. We're struggling to sell our home. Adam's trudging his way through school and trying to find part-time temporary work to help with the bills that are piling up. Jabber has no room to run around or be outside "by herself." The flood waters are dangerously close to our temporary home and we have had to stock up on water and other essentials since we can't access our own supply. We don't care. It doesn't matter. Peanut is developing perfectly and moving around like a little monkey. Adam and I have been able to spend time with each other. I love everything about my job. Our families are significantly closer to us. God has done nothing but take care of us, and I know He will continue to do so.

I continue to pray for the things that trouble our hearts--primarily the sale of our home in Canonsburg, Adam's school and finding a good church home. But one of my biggest prayers has been answered. . . I "chose like my life depended on it" . . . and I'm happy.