Newsflash: school isn't cheap. In fact, it is downright stressfully expensive. When we/Brad started grad school, we had to figure out how much this was going to cost us in the end. We got our loans and found out we didn't have any "extra". And we needed that because grad school is a full-time job. Brad puts in at least 40 hours a week into his studies and classes. No time for a job. We got an extra loan (thank you!)... which barely covered the minimum of our monthly expenses. We (meaning I) was starting to feel the pressure of our budget. It just felt like it wasn't working and we needed just a little extra loan money from the school. Brad was going to ask for more loans, but instead he went to the head of his department and asked for a GTF spot. A GTF is like a stipend- they pay your tuition, you grade and/or hold discussion groups, get an office, and get a nice little paycheck each month. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but this would be a huge blessing and a definite answer to prayers. We heard back from them a day after he asked for it last week and- he got it. I cannot even express how grateful I am. This is such an amazing blessing and will help us out more than words can say.
I'll be honest, I've been feeling a bit down on and off since we've moved here. What with a new baby, juggling two little ones, husband gone a lot, stuck at home sometimes, new area, no family, money stress, hard time making real friends, Gavin starting to be randomly fussy these past few months... it was getting to me. And I felt alone. Like alone. I have quickly learned that I am not. Heavenly Father knows me and He knows our needs. Just because He doesn't answer every plea right away doesn't mean He isn't listening or caring. Yes, I have learned this lesson before and apparently I will continue to learn it. This blessing has really humbled me and I am grateful for it. Everyone needs a wake-up call and a reminder, right? Even though this was "only" an answer to our financial needs, it speaks volumes of how much Heavenly Father cares for me and my family. Hopefully I'll remember this when dealing with everything else :)
Thank you for your post! :D That was what I needed to hear! You are wonderful and I hope that you feel Heavenly Father's love always! :D :D
ReplyDeleteoh sister...i love you. i'm SOOO grateful that you got that stipend. real blessing, eh. i miss you.
ReplyDeleteYep. Feel ya on this one. hang in there. This whole experience (I still have 2 more years to learn more!!! hahaha) has taught me to really live within our means and to say often, "We can't afford it." It SUCKS. It does. Being alone, stressing about everything, but remember, this is a BETTEr alternative than NOT having an education or a better future. At least that's what I tell myself often.
ReplyDeleteWish we lived closer to hang out. That's awesome that Brad got that - I know we've seen lots of financial blessings from our Heavenly Father especially since having kids. It's tough!
ReplyDeleteTrust in the Lord, hon...it's what we all need to remember. I think that is why we have these experiences, so we become better at remembering. It's a process.
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful you have received this blessing - you needed it for many reasons.
I love you, Sweetie.
I know what you are going through. Just in a different environment. My husband isn't even aloud to have a job, but he couldn't even manage one if they let him. Too, too many hours of school. It will all be worth it in the end. You can always email me if you want to talk about the woes of graduate school. And your right heavenly father is watching over us and he wont let us fall.
ReplyDeleteChello!!! CALL ME!! I live like right across town. :)
ReplyDeleteI may be large and no fun...but that will change soon! (I hope)
And grats on Brad's new job thing! We should go to lunch again...eating and sleeping are about all I do anymore until baby gets here...