Tuesday, September 4, 2012

First day of school :)

It's been crazy these past couple of weeks. Crazy good.

Nathan got into the Head Start program this year and we're really glad because it's perfect for his transition from  a faith based pre-school to Elementary school when he turns 5 next year. He wasn't picked last year and even though there was a long waiting list, he made it. God keeps showing up for us and we are so grateful.
See how excited my baby is?
He's been looking forward to "real school" all summer. I tried explaining to him that Kindergarten doesn't start until next year, but as far as he's concerned, not going to his regular daycare for pre-k 4 is "real school". Why rain on his parade? 
                           
He's wearing his "I will make history" shirt :) 
As other kids cried and clung to their moms, I was pretty chuffed to see him so independent. The tears we had to wipe were those of Alexis'. She didn't see why she couldn't stay.
She had already claimed her own seat in his class :')
As I watched them, I was reminded of how blessed I am. I do not take God's blessings for granted. This  verse of scripture expresses my heart's desire. I don't ever want to lose sight of how important my job as a mom is as I pursue my dreams.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.                   3 John 1:4                     

My first day of school
Unlike Nathan, my first day day of school started off pensive. Thankfully, it didn't stay that way and I tweeted this picture in the middle of my first class. Teacher was teaching, Gbemi was tweeting. See my life? :P
By the time classes were over, I was sure that going back to school was the right choice. I wasn't afraid anymore. Errr.. that is not entirely true... I'm still afraid of Algebra. So afraid, I didn't register for any math courses this semester at all. The fear is reeeeaaaallll!!!!

In the weeks leading up to resumption, I was afraid. Thankfully, all that fear served a good purpose. My fear drove me to my knees and as I took time to reflect and ask God for direction, I closely examined my career choices and realized that while Fashion Merchandising was a good career option, I wasn't passionate about it. It was familiar and wouldn't be hard to study, but as I tried to answer the question:
"what would you be doing if financial reward wasn't an issue?" 
I knew I wouldn't pick fashion. I would not do it for free.

What I would do, which I am already doing for free and which I absolutely love, is being there to listen and offer encouragement when people share their cares and concerns about love and marriage. It gives me a lot of pleasure to see people find love and to see marriages thrive, especially if the couple had given up before. Watching God restore marriages, praying along with those who need it and just sowing seeds of love. I love researching possible solutions to issues, so that I can do more than pray or say "it is well". If you follow me on twitter, you already know I can go on and on and on, talking about love, God's way. I have since been named "Aunty Ifesowapo" by Atoke. @gbemisoke is a Love Ambassador. No shame. I often get DMs and Emails with requests for prayers, questions or advice and I find myself carrying burdens of people I barely know because I have come to realize that beneath the strong facades we try to put up, we are all the same, we want to love and be loved. The reason a lot of people suffer in silence is that we think our problems are exclusive to us, so we plaster on our practiced smiles and say "it is well". Jesus did not die for us to endure such pain. I am not ashamed to say that I struggle too. I have issues, questions, imperfections and it bothers me when I cannot do more than pray. I like searching for answers and I love to share them.

I have since changed my major and I'm studying to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. A Psychology degree is a requirement for a Masters in MFT, which I need to be licensed to practice. I studied Business Administration back home, so I'm doing Psychology first. It's going to take me so much longer to finish school, but I don't mind at all. I'm so passionate about love and how to make it work, I don't mind putting in all the years of study, just so that I can move beyond empathy to helping people find solutions. One part of me thinks I'm crazy. Debola is convinced I am on the right path and he has been very supportive, patiently listening as I went on and on (and on and on and on), trying to clarify the random thoughts in my head, praying with me as I asked God what He really wants me to do with my life, and just being there... I do not take all of that for granted. Having a supportive partner is such a great blessing.

When the day comes that I am weary, I will come back to this post and hopefully, I will be reminded of this joy and immense sense of gratitude that I feel and I will find the strength to keep going, to keep smiling as I did on the first day of school :)

I've stopped taking on sewing projects so that I can focus on my family and school for now and I'm hoping that as soon as I settle properly into this "adult education" thing, I'll  be able to blog more.

Thanks for coming by again and again,
May your dreams come true
xxx


35 comments:

  1. All the best Sister Gbemi!! Rooting for you!

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  2. Very nice. All the best to you mama!

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    1. Thanks Ngozi :)
      I loved the little boy in the ad in your last post :')

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  3. Wow, just wow. U don't stop amazing me with the way ur mind works and ur thot processes. Alexis stays tripping me with her mischeivious looks, hehehehehe. U are a peculiar person and I am excited to virtually be on dis journey with u. Wishing u nothing but the very best Aubtie Gbem Gbem.

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    1. Awww.
      Thanks HD. I'm blessed to have you in my life, dear.
      xxx

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  4. Aww, Gbems, you jsut keep making me want to be the best me...God bless you real much darl and give you the strength to conquer all....even Algebra ;)

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  5. All the best with school, u are really an inspiration. God bless!

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    1. Thanks "Mrs timekeeper" ;)
      It's 3 days since I read your story and I'm still inspired. May God perfect all that concerns you.
      xxx

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  6. I love that you are following your passion and are back to school. This is really an inspiration to me and many. May God see you through and crown your efforts with success, Amen.
    Loving the 3 John 1:4 scripture. Reading it for the first time.
    Many blessings.

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  7. Way to go girl!

    We only live once ...great you're pursuing your dreams,
    May lines fall for you in pleasant places on that course.

    More grace to you!

    And thank God for a supportive partner...priceless!

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    1. Amen!
      Very priceless. I try not to take it for granted.
      Thanks dear.

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  8. you'll do good. God has done all things well.

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  9. AWWWW... the babies.. awww....they make me smile. Ha! aunty Gbemi e fine gan ooo... please DM the secret to your skin ooo. Congrats on school, I think you selected the perfect major (considering your tweets). Good luck with the semester!!

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    1. Thanks babe.
      You're the reason why I'm giggling like a teenager right now :)

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  10. Oh Wow!! Didn't know you were going back to school! Well done!! Super Mom! God will reward and strengthen you all!! I am so so impressed! How do you do it?! No sewing?! At all??!! :-(

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    1. Amen!
      It's only week 2 of school and it's been cool so far. I'll probably still sew, but right now, something has to give. Thanks dear.

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  11. i am really impressed that you are going back to school. I have only just decided that i will follow my passion no matter what. reading this has also encouraged me.
    take care of yourself and have a lovely experience in school. Good luck and keep up the good work.
    www.secretlilies.blogspot.com

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  12. Yah to Psychology, I also want to go back to school to study that...mummy and son are back in school...your kids are so adorable. God bless you and your family.

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  13. oh no,no more sewing. when i was just going to buzz about a project. :(. All the best with your education. :D

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  14. Your boy looks so cute! And you do too. All the best with your new degree. I'm sure you'll succeed with flying colors!

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  15. Congrats! I'm sure making that decision must have been a little difficult. Wishing you the very best.

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  16. Your kids are too cute. I love your daugther's name. I always said i'll name my child Alexis, hoping God will bless me with one.

    You really are supermom o. All the best with school and the homefront too xo

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  17. well done girl..there is nothing like following your dreams and passions...I admire that

    May God give me the strength to follow my passion and fufil my purpose 100%.

    All the best dia

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  18. Good to hear about the blessings of GOD in your life..HE is faithful as always. Lovely kids you have..awww, Alexis,,...what about David?
    Wish you the best also, greetings to yours.

    p.s stopped sewing??..hmmm...ok, pls still send me your e-mail.

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  19. Wow Wow Wow! Need I say you are such an inspiration?
    I wish you all the best.

    Meanwhile, Alexis is so cute. They are both cute, but I just can't stop smiling at Alexis :)

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  20. Great job my sister, I believe unfulfilled dream hunts us for the rest of our lives . Way to go girl . I wish you all the best and God's guidance . Don't worry being madam Kofo is a good thing and before you know it you are already done , time goes by so fast and whatever you don't start , has no end time. Take care and love to the lovely wee ones

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  21. Wow!!! What a touching post, I'm so proud of you! You're following your dreams by seeking God's face for direction! Amazing and you're a mom of two and a great wife?? Superwoman things!!! Happy 4 u :)

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  22. The sky is your limit Gbemi and may God keep you soaring with success. I love your boundless excitement for things. Its Inspiring!

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  23. Gbemi dearest! I just stumbled on your blog when I was looking for the contacts on top bloggers in Naija for our latest EWS xmas project.
    I was surprised that it was listed under the marriage and parenting category in the Naija bloggers award. Way to go girl! It took me by surprise especially after all our fashion strategy sessions wink!

    I am genuinely happy for you that you have found something you are totally passionate about. I just remembered you quirky relationship advise in our OSU days and your way of talking about Love matters. Just remembered Reboshke!

    Way to go girl. email me your contact abeg. God bless and strengthen you thru this Journey.

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  24. Aunty Gbemiiiiiii, am so so proud of you. i jst stumbled on your blog today and am beyond impressed. I am encouraged,proud to be associated with you and I miss u sooo much.Well done wit the boys and I hope I can balance marriage, motherhood, and every other thing the way you are doing when the time comes. Thanks again and please don't stop writing

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