In 2015, I felt called to begin my Ph.D journey. I began searching schools that would fit my family’s schedule and that would meet the educational needs for me. I found a school that not only has a wonderful educational plan for me, but also allowed me to dig deep with my passion to become a social change agent.

Little did I know that was just the beginning! During the coursework, I began researching and diving into what was needed to help children with all kinds of different needs, whether academically, emotionally, behaviorally, socially, or preparing to live as independently as possible without parents constantly advocating for their children’s individual needs. “Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.” -Proverbs 30:8 This was what I had prayed for for so many years, but wasn’t sure if this was even possible. If I was even smart enough to go through with it.

During this time of researching and problem solving, I chose to begin my day by getting up earlier, reflecting and praying in God’s Word. During year two, our (then fourth grader) oldest son asked for more family time. This hit me hard and left me speechless, which if you knew me you’d know that doesn’t happen often! Ha! So, I did all I new to do and was to continue to pray of how we could meet our sons’ need with everything going on. My husband is a Football and Golf Coach, I a Special Education Teacher who had a caseload maxed out with Annual IEPs coming due. So I prayed, “LORD teach me what I cannot see” – Job 34:32 God put in my path the right plan and the right people to see my research and educational mission come to light. I founded and implemented our educational mission that embodies Micah’s words as our Vision “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God”-Micah 6:8

I felt God asking me to hold his hand and step out of the boat. Not sure of where we would begin in the fall. Not sure if I would be able to cover the bills that were my responsibility. Scary and hard as it has been, I wouldn’t trade this calling for anything in this world! My relationship with God has grown and it has been a long time since I have felt like my true-self. My family has more quality time with me. We have mended where were needed to mend as a family. We laugh and are excited for the future as a family. I am able to be present at home, at school, as a staff member, with my friends, and most importantly during my quiet time with God as I have learned to be just be.

-Em

“Blessed is she who has believed that the LORD would fulfill his promises to her!” -Luk1:45