Road Block

Well, we ran into a slight road block in everything. As many of you know, Jonathan has received his master's degree in clinical psych. He applied for his temporary license for Michigan a while back. There was some confusion then because there were two different licenses he could apply for. The one that he wanted to apply for most, he apparently didn't qualify for (why, we're not sure--but he was denied it). So instead he was issued another kind of temporary license. Under this license, Jonathan will have to be supervised one hour a week for a year by a licensed psychologist (at a doctoral level) before he can receive his full degree (which hopefully will mean more job opportunities and a little more moola!). Where Jonathan is working now, however, there are no psychologists--only master's level social workers. Jonathan wrote a petition to the state of Michigan asking if he could be supervised by a social worker instead, as that is what is offered at his job. He received a call yesterday that he had been denied his request. As it turns out, Jonathan must be supervised by a psychologist. This means, he must hire a psychologist to do this. Basically, it would be like Jonathan was going in for an hour session once a week. And yes, he has to pay just like a client because he is using the psychologist's time. Psychologists generally charge anywhere from $100-200 per hour. So this means that (potentially) for the next 52 weeks we may have to pay that amount every week! To top it off, Jonathan found out that this particular license he is working toward requires him to be supervised by a licensed psychologist for the rest of his career. Basically, he will always have to meet with a psychologist at least once a month for the rest of his life (or at least as long as he practices). He was so discouraged last night, it really was hard to see him like that. We know that God did not bring us this far to leave us. Jonathan is really questioning, though, what God's plan is. If Jonathan were to have a job at a counseling center with psychologists, he could just be supervised there for free. So, we are praying that he can find someone who will be willing to supervise him for a sliding scale fee (or for free!!). Please just keep this in your prayers as it is something that is weighing heavy on our hearts. We still have not made a decision about a house. We have an opportunity to buy a new house for a decent price, but money would be super tight on our budget as it is now. We don't see how we can afford to pay anywhere from $400-800 per month just so Jonathan can be supervised. It doesn't make any sense! We can't figure out how counselors with this license make it! How do you afford to live when you are making next to nothing and paying someone to supervise you?! We're just really frustrated right now and appreciate your prayers. The good news is, Jonathan loves his job so far and we are having a great time being so close to family. I'm sorry all our posts have been so long and wordy lately--we have no access to post any pictures yet. Hopefully soon, though!