Ok, this is a post asking for thoughts and opinions NOT money, I want to be clear on that.
Paul and I recently began Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. It is great and we are on the path( a long path) to being debt free. Like most people who turn to Dave Ramsey’s programs for help, we carry a fair share of debt with no savings to speak of. The good news is that we see a very clear light at the end of this long tunnel. We are committed and excited.
Here is where I need your thoughts. We were just asked today to sort of lead a group of families down to visit our kids in November (20th to 24th). I won’t go in to details but suffice it to say it would be another glorious 3 days hanging out with our boys in PAP. If we use airline points to get there (which we believe we can) than the cost of the trip would stand at about $1100.00 for everything for the 2 of us. Staying on track with our budget, NOT skipping ANY bills and eating a poor man’s diet, we still can’t come up with all of it.
Here is where I need wisdom. Is it God’s direction that we NOT see our boys because we don’t have the funds? Do we take that as a “sign” that we should not even try to go? Do we once again put out a plea? I hate doing that. I also hate the thought of not going. The next trip will not be until spring so we are talking about 8 months until we could see them again.
It’s funny, just a few days ago I was feeling like I did not want to go and visit again. I dread the end when we have to say goodbye, but now the thought of not seeing them again for more than half a year is killing me.
I do know this, we will NOT take on more debt or screw up the path we are on to take this trip. SO, do we answer yes and pray that God provides? Meanwhile what do we do to help with His provision? Do we say no and not even try? What to do??? I am and will be praying so that need not be an answer, what else?
Is this what “blind faith” is all about? Would appreciate your wisdom!!!
Struggling with all of this and yet still faithfully praying them home
Filed under: Adoption
As someone who has been where you are with Dave Ramsey’s plan, I strongly encourage you not to loose your gazell intensity. That’s the only way this works. Don’t loose focus and start to compromise on expenses and purchases. Clean up your mess first, then you’ll be able to visit family as often as you’d like. If you stick with the plan, your financial situation is only temporary, but if you justify trips like this, you’ll never get out of debt. My wife and I paid off $21,521 in 15 months on a typical youth pastor salary because we did a tight budget every month, canceled all unnecesary services like subscriptions, TV, gym memberships and didn’t go out to eat.or see a movie or unnesesary driving for a long time. By your own admission, you can’t afford this trip but are trying to justify it. That may be why you got in a financial mess in the first place (it was for me and my wife). Gotta change that way of thinking, man. Right now you “live like no one else so later you can live like no one else,” just like my wife and I are doing now. It’s totally absolutely worth it! I promise.