The New Normal

      I like a schedule.  I like knowing what I am doing and when the next thing is coming up.  Having grown up in Alaska, I live my day based off what time it is, not how bright it is or what it looks like outside.  On days like today, with the -44 degree weather and year-low 3 1/2 hours of sunlight, it just makes sense.  However we have introduced a new element into our lives that does not work with a schedule or care what time it says on the clock.

     Introducing Analucia Linnae Menaker, the cutest little pink polar bear ever.  Lucy was born November 23 (Black Friday) after 51 hours of labor and procedures in the hospital.  At 8lbs 13oz she is the runt of our litter, but is much adored by brother, sister, mom, dad and everyone who meets her.

     This being our 3rd child, the changes to our lifestyle were expected:  less sleep, more work around the house for dad and the kids, lots of people wanting to visit and meet the baby, did I mention less sleep?  All these are welcome costs  for the joy and privilege of having a new Menaker in the world as our family continues to grow.  However, life now looks a little different and I am struggling to define and adjust to our new schedule...our new normal.

     The first step is being more intentional with the two older children about what needs to be done around the house and how they can help out.  The next step is figuring out what is falling through the cracks and either making time to do it myself, asking for help or letting it go because it is not important.  Need to do several load of laundry?  Find the time.  Need to cook meals?  Ask for help.  Need to send out Christmas cards?  Let it go this year.  We are adjusting, I am working from home more, and we are filled with joy at our new gift.

     Joel's Place is also adjusting to a new normal.  This has been an immense year of transition for us.  First and foremost there has been a change in Executive Director for the first time in our 12 year history.  That would be enough, but we have also done major renovations to the facility (both indoors and outside) and had lots of staff turnover.  In addition, we are ending our run as AmeriCorps sponsor after five years.  AmeriCorps has been providing local non-profits with invaluable hours of service and giving high-risk youth an on-ramp into higher education and full-time employment.  It has been an immense asset for our community.  However the program had grown to a scope that was not sustainable for an organization of our size and we were faced with the choice of ending our participation or closing our doors for good.

     So as we move into a new year, we are looking at new leadership and new programs.  This new normal will include more utilization of our facility with school field trips during the year and camps over the summer.  The new normal will include partnering with the Youth Shelter in finding safety and support for those who have none.  The new normal will include financial stability and being proactive instead of reactive.

      Quick side note:  Did you know that we are only a few thousand dollars away from ending 2012 with no overdue bills?  None.  Caught up on our mortgage, all payroll and bills paid, ready to enter 2013 with a fresh slate.  For those who were with us during the financial crisis this past summer, you will join with me in my excitement if we are able to pull this off.  If you are interested, would you be willing to give a special year end

gift to help us put the financial woes of 2012 behind us and move into the new year?

     Thank you all for your support and encouragement over these past 6 months.  This is the best job I could have asked for and I am eager to see where we go from here.  Have a joy-filled Christmas and may God pour his blessings upon you and your household.

With much gratitude,
James