Proof (to me) that God Exists

Hi.

I need to say "hello" because I haven't seen most of you in a month, literally. Sure, I have posted a couple of times, but ask my best friends when they last heard from me and you'll probably get, "2008," or, "Carolyn who?" Or better yet, "She's dead to me."

Sorry, kids.

Here's what happened. I took a freelance graphic design job that was supposed to be completed over the holiday break; a nice little filler for those two weeks when I wouldn't be subbing. At first the schedule looked promising... and then I was sick in bed for a week.

And then subbing began again.

And then I started dating a man... who lives 200 miles away.

And then I added those 9 little graduate hours.

All this, and I still had the graphic design job, requiring me to come into an office (NO!), work at a desk (NO!!), and attend meetings (NO!!!). The job that was to be done by January 19 was completed yesterday at 4pm, just in time to make the last FedEx truck to Florida. How's that for pushing a deadline? Yeah, I'm ridiculous.

The thing is, I really didn't procrastinate THAT badly. And surprisingly enough, finding new love, subbing occasionally, and studying Vigée-LeBrun didn't have much of an impact on my ability to get the work done. VASTLY underestimating the scope of the job and the hours needed to complete the task impacted getting it done... so much that I didn't go to bed 2 out of the last 5 nights.

But it's done. And this is where God comes in. (Not like He was missing before.)

Because of my VAST underestimation of the job requirements, my initial quote was VASTLY insufficient for the amount/quality of work I provided. Still, you can't exactly go in and demand to be paid much more than your quote. Your quote is your quote, and it's pretty firm. At least it should be to maintain a reputation as a designer whose fees are fair.

Now let's skip back to the aforementioned graduate hours. Classes started on January 20. It's two weeks later and I still have not been contacted about financial aid. I have called, and the response is that they are still processing my request. I only have until tomorrow to decide whether I take a leap of faith and continue my classes, or if I drop 6 hours because because I only have the money for 3.

For the first time in my life, my parents can't help. They don't have the money; I don't have the money.

Well, yesterday at 3:50pm - 10 mins before deadline when I am still pleading with the Xacto for a few of more trims - my client stops me, hands me a post-it, and says this:

"When you are finished I am going to need an invoice for this amount. Make sure you put this exact amount in, because I have already turned in the PO and the numbers need to match."

I looked down and almost had a seizure. A good one, if there is such a thing.

There, on that post-it, was a number $1400 more than what I requested- enough to cover all but $240.50 of my tuition. With this money (plus the $650.00 emergency loan I have already been awarded) my graduate school is paid in full! There, on that post-it, was God. :)

I understand. Some people won't see it. But this is so much more than "someone up there looking out for me." This is God, my Lord and Savior, taking care of me; providing. I love Him, and I am forever grateful.