The last year-plus has been tough for us financially. The biggest setback came when we lost access to a generous grant for Joanna that covered about 80% of our health insurance premiums. The grant organization changed their guidelines, excluding our type of insurance plan from using grant funds for premium assistance. The grant is now for medication co-pays only, which our insurance plan keeps very low, so the grant is almost useless. 

 

We’re so thankful for the blessing of selling our home in Texas last year— it’s kept us afloat, covering the premiums and other expenses. But using those funds for the basics has erased the margin we worked hard to build up over the past decade. 

 

On top of that, the Buick we bought in Texas has proven unreliable. Last year we invested in some major repairs, hoping it would carry us for years to come, but problems kept popping up. 

 

During all this, I (Kristen) secured financial assistance from two hospital systems so we don’t end up with medical debt, and this fall I found a part-time job as a patient service representative at a small integrative health clinic. I’m putting my “medical mom” skills to good use, helping patients schedule appointments and communicate with their providers, and we already feel some relief from that additional income. 

 

Meanwhile, Mike was walking his own path of discernment. After a year of financial uncertainty and a lot of prayer, he’s stepping away from vocational ministry in a big leap of faith. In short, God’s leading, years of weariness, and the desire to simply go to church instead of going to work at church all converged. We both feel peace about the decision, and plan to stay rooted in our current church and in the western suburbs of Chicago. 

 

The biggest piece of the puzzle still hasn’t fallen into place: Mike’s next job, which we need to begin in January. He’s not looking for anything specific right now, just anything that pays the bills. He recently submitted his 115th job application, and we continue to pray and trust that whatever's next is on the horizon, beyond our view but within God's.

 

And then... last weekend, the Buick finally gave out, stranding me in rural Iowa as I attempted a quick visit to my sister. The local mechanic confirmed what we feared: the car isn’t worth repairing, and is headed for the junkyard. I’m glad I was safe after the engine failed… although in hindsight, I would have preferred a small fender-bender with insurance footing the bill for repairs. ;) 

 

So as it stands now, we don’t have a second car, and aren’t able to buy one. I need to get to work every morning, and we hope and pray that in January Mike will, too. Without a second vehicle, that becomes nearly impossible. 

 

It’s an uncomfortable ask, but we’re sharing our story in case anyone feels led to help. Your prayers, sharing this page, and any support mean more than we can express. 

 

Thank you for reading, caring, praying, and for walking with us. Every little bit helps. 

*A technical note: we are using the SupportNow platform because we already had it set up, and will continue to use it occasionally after this need is met. However, we are unable to start a new fundraising goal, so the $850 in gifts from our move in 2024 is lumped in with our progress toward this new goal. Confusing, right?!? We will do our best to share accurate progress as we go.