Letter of Rejection #2

Well, let's see...I got a rejection letter today. Initially I thought it was for the job that said not to rule out working from home, but I don't think it is. The letter is from the Publications Specialist II...and I think that is the one that I couldn't get ahold of the person to ask. So anyway, I'm not worried about not getting the job. I know God has a place for me. I'm trying to find that.

Vickii mentioned to me about a week ago, maybe I should think about Before & After School care. So, I started thinking and praying about it a couple days ago and yesterday it was like a fire was lit beneath me. I looked at some rates of a lady in Wasilla that provides the same service, along with full time day care from her home. I put together a spreadsheet with times, activities and guidelines I would have for my business. And then it hit me that I would need a name. First, the question was: would I be just a B&A care provider, or would I be a Christian based B&A care provider. I settled that I would do Christian based B&A care because God deserves the recognition for His work.

So with that I wanted a name that was clever and referred to or tied together children and my beliefs. I was searching online Christian dictionaries, hoping to find the word and definitions on one page so I wouldn't have to go through word by word. Well, I didn't find one, but I was about to hit the back button and I saw it! It hit me, the way a "God thing" hits me. The name of the site I was on, that listed quite a few dictionaries was Crosswalk. Brilliant!! My God is Brilliant! It's a perfect fit. Crosswalk...like how kids get to and from school...via the crosswalk. AND...the Cross Walk...like the Christian Walk. I love it! So today I spent a lot of time looking for graphics that have the tweaking potential to become a logo.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I brought this up to Mike last night and didn't get much support or enthusiasm. He first questioned the need for the service. It's a legitimate question to ask, I agree. Then at the rate of which I would charge, how much I'd make a month. (When you break it down, it's not that much per hour, but I'm ok with that, if I get to impart something to the younger generations, including my own kids.) And not to mention, that if I had 1 kid for less than 20 hours a week, that would equate to what I make a GCI in a month. But again the payoff is much greater because GCI could really give a hoot if I update fax contacts, where as parents will be greatful for my dedication to their children, AND the fact that they are able to go to work and not have to worry about their kid at home after school. I was really excited about this new passion I seemed to have acquired overnight. I was even looking at cool learning toys and things I would have for the kids to learn with. This is all of course under the assumption that we moved to the house in Big Lake that I've liked since January. Well, it's safe to say that I really love that house. I'll blog about that later or tomorrow...and why it is really the perfect house to turn into a home for us.

Ok, so after all that, if I were to get a "real" full time job, then I'd be the one paying about $1000/month for someone else to watch my kids, along with about $300/month for gas. That's $1300 out of whatever my total montly salary would be. $15/hour * 8 hours/day * 23 max days/month is $2760 before taxes. Take the $1300 off the top, so that leaves $1460, minus taxes...is I don't know how much...we'll say...I think a high estimate would be maybe $1000 left. So now the logistics of the B&A school care rates. The lady in Wasilla does $500/month for 20 or more hours a week or $300/month for less than 20 hours a week. So...if I had 2 kids after school, and 1 before and after school, I am ahead of the game, plus with my children as well.

I'm just praying that if this is the way we're to go, that God gives us confirmation through Mike, and Mike is humbled and sees it for what it is. I have so many ideas for bringing in an income that would enable us to live in the house in Big Lake. Another idea, I think would still be a good idea is to have a small cabin at the end of the property to rent out. Since it's right by an airstrip, I think it would be a HUGE hit during the summer.

We'll see where God leads us.