Jimmy and I have been married for 9 1/2 years. When we got married he was working at an alluminum plant and I was working at a local bank. Four months after our wedding, on the day of Tina and Jamie's wedding to be exact, we found out we were going to have a baby. We were both really excited! As the pregnancy months went on we started looking at our different options for childcare. The thought of leaving my baby in the hands of someone else tore my heart to pieces. For as long as I could remember I've had the desire to stay home and raise my children. Even before I was married I had this desire. However, we weren't sure at the time if we could afford for me to stay home. So as the pregnancy drew nearer to the end, we started looking harder for a daycare provider. It wasn't until I came home from the hospital with our little girl that we decided to give it a shot. I think it took seeing her, holding her, and bringing her home to make us decide that she made it worth trying. So, with hubby and baby in tow, we went to my work and gave my boss my resignation letter. I felt good about this! The desires of my heart were being fulfilled! Within the next couple of days Jimmy came home from work with devastating news. His plant was shutting down.
I knew in my heart that it was God's will for me to quit my job and stay home. I knew it because if it wasn't, He would have reversed the days. Instead of me quitting and then Jimmy losing his job, we would have found out about his job first. I don't know anyone that would quit a job to stay home to raise a family if you just found out your husband was losing his job. But I knew it had to be God to do it in the order it was done. We had peace of mind. Jimmy, being the hard working man that he is, worked side jobs until he got a new job at the paper mill. It didn't take long. And before that next year was up we were buying our first house and planning for baby girl number two! It was hard, especially for Jimmy. There were times that he was working one fulltime job and two part-time jobs to keep us afloat, and he did it for us, our family. He has worked hard for years to allow me to stay home with our (now 3) girls. When Hannah was 6 months old I started babysitting and did that for years. Homeschooling my girls was a desire, just recently in the last few years, put on my heart and when I eventually quit babysitting I started homeschooling. We are now in our second year of homeschooling.
On Thursday we, along with countless others, heard again devastating news. His plant will be shutting down. Again. Deja vous. Round two. With good reason, I was very upset initially. But I had my little pity party and have since moved on. I don't know what exactly this means for us and the girls. I don't know what our future holds. Jimmy has to start all over, again. But he will, and he will work as hard as he can for our family. Will he find a job close to home? I don't know. Will I eventually have to go back to work? I don't know. But I feel strongly that this will work out better for us in the long run. I have an amazing, loving, healthy family, great friends, and I'm holding on to God's promises. I know that greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done...!
There are a lot of people that will be affected by this shutdown, and I am praying for them. I can't imagine those who both the husband and wife work there, or those that may be in the process of building homes. How about those who may not have family to lean on for support? The trickle effect will be tremendous for our small area. Please be in prayer for all of the families affected.
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All of the families that are being affected by this closure are in my prayers. I can't imagine, but faith will bring you through. I am in awe of what a great father and husband Jimmy is. You are one lucky person to have him for you and the girls, but it is obvious you know that. Jimmy has always been a hard worker and I am sure God has a great plan for all of you. I wish him much luck in finding another job and you being able to continue your dream of being a stay at home mother and homeschooling your kids.
Oh Donielle. I had no idea your husband was affected by IP's closing. All of you will be all right because you've got your sight set on the Lord. Stay strong in your faith and it will all work out. God doesn't promise us every day will be easy, but with His strengh, we will get through them all. I'll be praying for you and your family and all the others affected by IP's closing.
You are right about something else too--the trickling effect this closing is going to have on our area. I think all of us not even directly connected to IP will be affected.
I was so sad to hear of IP's closing and I knew it would devastate the area. In already such a rough economy and rural area, it will be such a blow to many. I am so sorry your family is one of those that are affected. Thank goodness you don't have to rely on your own strength, but you know that God is looking after you. When you go through the tough days, remember Matthew 6:25-27. I will be praying for you guys.
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