Last Spring I went to a women’s event with a very dear friend. While driving, she asked me how long it would take me to become an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). Since I already had a master’s degree in school counseling, I told her maybe a year or two for the classes. I honestly wasn’t sure. She encouraged me to pray about going back to school and so I half-heartedly said I would look into it.

If I’m being honest, I had given up on any dreams I had of being a professional counselor after Gideon’s birth. As morbid as it sounds, I thought if I ever did go back to school, then it would need to be after he goes home to be with Jesus.

Nevertheless, I began looking into course work and I contacted my former university. As it turns out, they said I could finish the degree in less than a year. My husband and I sat down and talked through the pros and cons of journeying down this road. We sought prayer and counsel from friends, and in the fall of 2015, I went back to school.

It was a crazy time, as we were selling our house in October and trying to move. We’ve faced all kinds of ups and downs since then. After our house sold, the apartment we had been promised got flooded and we have since stayed with my brother-in-law while looking for a new place.

Nevertheless, in the midst of all that, God has been so faithful. In February, I got a random call from Garland ISD asking me to sub part-time for a school counseling position at an elementary school. They basically needed someone to come in and run the tornado relief counseling groups for the kids affected by that horrendous storm. This job was a blessing for two reasons. First, it would allow me to fulfill my hours needed for my practicum classes that would begin in March. And second, it meant that we could pay cash for my classes. I cannot stress this statement enough… God’s timing is incredible.

About 3 weeks ago, I passed my NCE (National Counselor Exam). Now I have to finish my practicum hours, which I’m set to do before baby Josiah arrives in July!  Then I will graduate in August.

There will still be intern hours to fulfill (3000 total), but I have 5 years to complete those. Call me crazy, but I feel zero stress about meeting those requirements. Every step of this journey, God has more than provided for us and I’m confident that He will continue to do so. It may take me all 5 years…but I’m okay with that.

To my friend who suggested I go back to school, thank you.