"It Was God Who Chose Me for You!"

Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."

I did not realize how true this was when I decided to reference it on my cap when I graduated from Western Oregon University.

My College Career

I started my college career in the Fall of 2007 thinking I would become a nurse. In 2008 I "re-met" my now husband, Garret (Complete story here: http://ascherls.blogspot.com/). Then in 2009 I followed him to Oregon and started at George Fox University. After this I decided I wanted to get a degree in American Sign Language (ASL). I married Garret and moved to Corvallis, OR. I took a year off school and then went to Western Oregon University (WOU). 1 year before graduating WOU changed the degree requirements for graduating with a BA in ASL. The change would make me have 2 more years of school. This was not an option because of the chance of my husband possibly getting a job in another state after he graduated the next year. There for I changed my degree to a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Special Education (main focus), Humanities, and Social Science. I graduated in June 2014 not knowing how important this change would be.

A realization!

In September the importance of this change started to come into focus. Bradyn was born. We were told he had Down Syndrome on September 21st, the day he turned 2 weeks old.
When Bradyn was almost 2 months old we went to a Play Group through Northwest Down Syndrome Association. It was there that I realized that my degree will be helpful. I realized that I had been educated in Special Education and many things that my be helpful for Bradyn.
I have been educated in Early Intervention (special education for children under 3). I have been educated in Early Childhood Development. I have been educated in ASL, which is helpful for children who have Down Syndrome to learn to communicate.

I am BLESSED to be Bradyn's Mom!

Over the last few weeks I have realized that it was not chance that I am Bradyn's Mom. God chose me! He designed my education to help Bradyn throughout his life. God gave me resources to be able to advocate for my little guy.