One of our goals for this six-month furlough is to help Jacob transition to life in America as a young adult. Our first priority was to get him his learner's permit and a bank account, which we did during the first week of July, as soon as we arrived in the Pittsburgh area. Not long after arriving in Pittsburgh, we visited family in Vermont and Connecticut. As soon as we got back home, Jacob left for a week in Georgia at a transition seminar for missionary kids called Transit Lounge. It was a good opportunity for him to meet other young adults going through the same transition that he is and to learn about what to expect as he transitions to life in America.
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| Jacob with his small group at the Transit Lounge in Georgia |
The day after getting back from the transition seminar, Jacob went out looking for a job. His first choice was to work at Ace Hardware because he would like to explore the possibility of working in the trades (see the video below of the beautiful TV stand he made in Wood Shop). So Jacob went to the local Ace Hardware and introduced himself to one of the managers. That same week he was offered a job and began working full time. Last Friday he received his first paycheck, which was a very exciting moment! The owner and other employees have told me what a good worker Jacob is. One of the older employees even approached our van as I was dropping Jacob off and simply pointed and said, "Great kid! Great kid!" Jacob is enjoying being at a place where they need him and appreciate his hard work.
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| Jacob receiving his first paycheck from the owner of Ace Hardware in Wexford |
In the midst of working full time, Jacob is also preparing for his future. He is now fully approved to begin his internship with Push the Rock in February. Thanks to all of you who have gotten behind him as he has pursued this internship. He will spend the first two months of his internship in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, learning more about the organization and helping out in the home office. Then he will spend four months in Costa Rica, helping with the sports ministry programs there. Besides all that, Jacob is investigating options for his future. This fall we will be visiting colleges and trade schools so he can determine what next steps to take once his internship with Push the Rock is complete. Please pray for God's guidance and direction as Jacob considers his future. Thank you so much for your prayers.
