**You guys thrill me - every one of you that commented made my day. Though I was feeling somewhat vulnerable with this post, seeing the unique passion you each have is inspiring. We all truly have incredible dreams!
We all have dreams, don't we? Mine is this - to attend culinary school. At times my dream feels buried in my heart, but sometimes it is at the forefront of my mind. At times this dream burns away inside of me and my mind whirls with how I could possibly turn it into a reality. But, I can't. It just isn't possible right now. My focus needs to be on my children and my husband. They take precedence over my dreams; and while I know that some people may think that mindset is ridiculous, I am peaceful and happy in this deliberately chosen way of life.But, that decision doesn't take any of the fire from my heart.
The whirling started again from a simple contest announcement on our radio station's website. A drawing for a cooking lesson with one of the chefs at the New England Culinary Institute. Oh, how I wanted to enter - to win. I am so thirsty for knowledge.
But, I didn't enter. I just can't fit anything more in my life this month. And it hurts just a little bit. The chances of winning would've been slim, but the idea of entering, of pursuing my dream - even in this small way- would've been fulfilling.
I have searched for cooking classes or anything having to do with preparation of food - you would think with a major cooking school located close something would be available. Nope. Nothing is going on that I could get involved with. My hope is that wherever we move to next there will be opportunities for me to get involved in some sort of cooking classes.
I don't have huge aspirations, I don't desire to open a restaurant or a cafe. I simply, but deeply, desire the knowledge. I desire to know that I could do anything. To know in my heart - I could do great things.
If I could pinpoint a calling and use for the skills learned in culinary school, it would be to have younger women come into my kitchen primarily to teach them how to cook and how to bake. I would also like to give them the know-how when it comes to preparing menus and shopping lists. All set in the context of normal life. Nothing fancy or lofty; to just love on them and impart a skill. And that time will come, I know it will. Right now I am certain that I have my priorities straight and I am doing the most important job of my life.
As I work on settling the whirling down - having a new baby will certainly help - will you tell me what dreams you have? What makes a fire burn in your heart?
37 Comments:
I'll be praying that someday you can follow your dream. You should - you seem to have an extraordinary cooking ability! I get tired after making ONE loaf of bread (LOL!)
I really want to be a writer. That has been something that I've longed for my entire (almost) life. But, like your dream, it has been put on hold. Until God helps me to decide if it's worth pursuing.
I hope all of our dreams come true.
oh, andrea. you're so beautiful. inside and out.
that's a beautiful dream, and i pray one day God fulfills it for you. but oh my goodness, in the meantime, you have stated so beautifully your calling...to be the best wife and mommy. and you are. you just have a way about you, and it's good.
I love your dream! :) God has a plan for you....so don't lose hope! :) Just remember...some of the best cooks never went to culinary school. They played around with and did lots of their stuff at home! (not to take away from your dream though!!!)
Honestly, my dream has always been to be a wife and mother! With the white picket fence etc....LOL..we don't have the fence...yet! I love to paint and decorate and cross stitch and all. i guess my ultimate dream is to be the best homemaker i can be. And luckily...i am right where i need to be to accomplish that! :)
Animals. I want to love nurture and care for our furry friends that God gave us as friendly companions. I have such a deep deep passion for animals. I see so much beauty in them as great creations from God. The similarities, differences, personalities. I love them.
My other dream is of being a SAHM. I want to nurture and raise my children in a Godly home and make growing up a wonderful experience for them.
I hope that you get to experience at least a part of your dream Andrea. I love the idea of a cooking and baking class for young women. God calls us to take care of our husbands and children. This is one of the major ways, we as women do that!
What a fantastic dream! I can attest that having someone mentor you in the kitchen is a blessing beyond compare. And you would be so wonderful at it Andrea! Im excited to watch as your dream unfolds in the years to come. And I hope to benefit slightly through the yummy recipes that will come from your education:)
That is a wonderful dream, Andrea. I also, will pray that your dream comes to fruition. I love reading about what people are so passionate about. It really makes me realize how big God is to create such vast desires in all of us.
My dream right now is to find what I'm good at. I know that may sound weird but I have so many things I do that I love: baking, sewing, etc. But, I'd love to take one of the things that I love and really become excellent at it and allow God to use it for helping others. Eventually, I'd love to open a coffee shop with fresh baked goods (that I made from scratch...starting with grinding my own flour!) and have it in a small college town. A place where people come to stay for a while and fellowship.
And, for Katy's dream....have you ever heard the Caedmon's Call song "Sacred"...it's on their new album and it is beautiful and reading your dream reminded me of it!
Andrea,
I echo the sentiments of many...you seem to already be headed in the right direction for your dreams to come to fruition! I haven't even sampled your meals, but they look incredible!!
I have many dreams...my two biggest passions are writing and singing. I've actually started a book about my life's beginnings and even have a title..."Then Hope Came." As for singing, I would love to sing for a praise team that travels the globe leading people in authentic worship of our Creator God! I do currently sing with our church praise team, but I believe God has so much more in store for me. I also enjoy photography and would love to have a studio...but how many dreams can you pack in one little life??
I believe that we can have it all --- just not all of it at the same time. And you are putting first things first. I also have a desire to mentor younger women (I'm 52), only by intertwining it with my sewing. I absolutely love to sew. I wish I could sew for a living.
I believe that if it's in your heart there's a reason for it and God will put a way in front of you to get to that. I think it's wonderful that you have such an aspiration and I know you can achieve it when the time is right.
My dream is to work with children. I have a passion to help the needy children of the world. My heart aches when I see little one's in situations that they shouldn't be in. I wish I could adopt all of them and give them a loving home. Unfortunately that's not possible. So, someday I would love to work where I will be able to at least make a difference in some of those children's lives.
Hi!
I may be able to help (a little).
I am the senior accountant for a commercial restaurant supply. I happen to know that many Vo-Tech Schools, specialty shops and even restaurants offer single meal classes. That means that they may offer one class a week, or one a month, to learn how to make a single dish, or several dishes to make a full meal. I don't know exactly where you live, but may I suggest that you dig a little, you will find one. It is the latest rage to offer these classes and you just might get lucky.
I realize that it is not culinary school, but it's a step in the right direction, and you can fit it into your schedule.
Good Luck!
Oh, and PS..... check the Taste of Home magazine issues. They have traveling classes all across the country.
Andrea, I took a culinary class at the local junior college. I received college credit for it and learned so much!! Maybe you can do something like that soon.
I just want to go to school forever and ever. I understand your struggle to accept where you are now. Because, of course that dream doesn't go away. We who have chosen to care for our husbands and children understand that the time to do that (at least where the children are concerned) is such a short time in the span of our lives, but sometimes in the moment, it can feel like so long.
What a wonderful dream. I have often been afraid to share my dreams- not quite sure why but, one of them would be to go to music school. I didn't have the opportunity to go after high school and similar to yours, I would love to teach young people how to use their musical gift to glorify The Lord.
I'd also really like to meet Stevie Wonder. He's the best. :)
It will never be too late to realize this dream, Andrea. This is something you can do when the kids are a little older and in school. (Unless you home school.)
Actually, this is something I'd really love to do too. I'm a good cook but self-taught and there are a million things I'd love to learn.
Right now, I think my dream is to relearn knitting. I did it years and years ago and have forgotten everything I knew but I'd love to start again. I have the book so realizing my dream is just a matter of making the time.
Andrea,
First of all, I'll be praying that your Culinary dream will come true.
I was going to suggest what Michelle suggested. I've seen places like that everywhere I've lived.
My current dream is to be the best wife and mother with God's help. My long-term dreams are many. I'd love to do many things in this world, and I seriously have my doubts as to whether any of them will come true, but all in God's timing.
Hugs,
Eden
Wow, what a dream. I could totally see you teaching young girls how to cook for their families...kind of like you are already doing for me!!
My dream is to go back to school and get my master's degree in reading and literacy and go back to teaching. I loved teaching and having so many hours a day to have influence in many chldren's hearts! I also think it would be great to teach in a Christian school and bring K with me...so that I can be an integral part in his education too(because I don't think I would ever homeschool!!!)
Sorry so wordy!
By the way, the pic of you is beautiful!!!
Well...i went and made my toffee and i burned it :( I did everything right though..but the thermometer i used must have been off..cuz i let it get to 300 degrees like my recipe books says and it burned it a bit..it isn't horrible...but not totally yummy either! :( oh well...at least i know that for next time!!! :) good luck with yours! i can't wait to hear how it turns out!
My dream is to be a SAHM. Right now I'm a nanny, which is good preparation, I think. I pray that God will change my heart about housecleaning--I love to cook, and I can handle laundry, but cleaning, not so much. And I know that is part of keeping my home. :p In the meantime, when hubby finds a better job, we'll be able to start a family.
What a sweet post Andrea :) My dream is in photography. Or, a writer for a magazine. I guess that's why I like blogging too :)
Blessings my friend...
My dream is to be a photographer. This Friday there was a seminar for sports photography, our head coach from our sons football team recommended it, He has seen my photos and thinks I have talent, which means a lot because he is a military teacher of photography.
But like you there was just no way to go. It was an all day thing and I have my baby to take care of. I know he should be on the top of my list but just ONCE I would like to be there, if only for a day.
But in time, Right.
When it's Gods will he'll let the doors open to our dreams, after we have nurtured his children because we are the best at that.
Wow, you stirred something up, girl! Thanks for sharing your dream.
Sometimes I dream of traveling all over the world. Sometimes I dream of just having a spotlessly clean house. Mostly I dream of living on the beach! :)
But the truth is, my dreams' come true are currently at work, and taking a nap, respectively. You said it beautifully- being a wife and a mom is priority number one. And I have no regrets!
P.S. That picture of you is GORGEOUS!
I found your blog by visiting Casey's blog.
You are a beautiful gal!
It is fun to think about dreams. With 2008 upon us I have a bunch of aspirations. Some simple, some not so much. As already stated, being a wife and mom do take priority.
I am going to start preparing my list. Something that has been on my heart for awhile now is to actually lose this extra weight that I have been carrying around for much too long now. I want to learn how to honor my body better.
I would also like to finish college.
Thanks for getting me thinking about some big things :)
What a great photo and a well written post. You never know what the future may hold. I strongly believe that God puts those intense desires and dreams in our hearts. We feel incomplete without them, as if there is more to life for us. And there probably is...just in a different season.
My heart aches for desperate, hungry, abandoned children and widows around the world. In fact I was attending nursing school and had plans to leave for Romania afterward for missions work. Then I met Tim and everything changed. Marriage. Children. I know it was God's plan so I am surrendered to it. But, my heart still has a wide open gap for these children/widows and I'm certain that it is still part of God's plan for my life. It just looks different than it did before. I can't wait to bring my children overseas for their first mission trip. In God's timing it will be just as it's supposed to be.
I think it is wonderful people have dreams...without them we wouldn't have much. I think one day you will get your dream. But right now you have 3 little ones that will help you strive for this dream....don't ever quit dreaming....if you want it bad enough dear Andrea you will receive it....keep dreamin hon.
Wow - your post definitely struck a chord. It's funny, Jordan and I stayed up much too late last night having this exact conversation. I want to be a teacher and a life coach. I want to help people discover what it is that is holding them back from reaching their dreams and them implement tools to move forward. I LOVE that. I love helping people find the missing link. I love seeing the light bulb go on when their eyes get opened to something. And how do I move forward with that? I was registered to begin taking classes at a school in VA (online of course) that trains people for this exact thing. And then I got pregnant (I can't do pregnant AND work AND classes AND mom at the same time right now!). I'm so glad that I'm pregnant! I am at peace that if this dream is of God, He will make it happen. But still, the desire doesn't stop. Jordan and I were having the conversation of "Looking at our lives now, should we have done something different? Should we have pursued these dreams somehow? Taken opportunities that we missed?" And, at the end of the conversation we came to the point of saying "looking back, there's not a major decision we'd change, we know both of our children were timed of God, so we have to trust that that means we've followed the right path. And that means that the dreams that are untapped now are just waiting their time to come to the front." I was also encouraged, though, to do what I can now. Like take a psychology class online, or read some books at home. And to focus on how what I'm doing now is preparing me for the next thing. I can be a life coach and teacher to at least 2 little people :)
I know this is so long, but it obviusly hit right to where I'm at now.
My dream is to have a strong family and to have the type of home where everyone feels welcome and loved. I want to make others feel good about themselves when they are around me. I want my children to grow up and be self confident and successful and know they are loved.
I want to be a Speech Pathologist. I once heard a mother of a little girl with down syndrome say that her Speech Pathologist opened up the world to her by giving her language. That is what I want to be able to give someday.
Don't lose sight of your dream. In fact, I dare you to start a blog with those ideas. I, for one, would definitely benefit from your wisdom and ideas about organizing shopping lists, menus, and cooking good healthy meals for my family.
Have you checked the community colleges? I took Thai cooking when we were stationed in Washington State. I loved it!
Keep dreaming, you'll get there. You are a great writer, so while you wait for the right time to attend culinary school, you could always write a book or a children's book on healthy eating. With your skills, I know you will succeed!
Andrea:
I believe you are doing what you need to do now, and the time for your dream may be in your future (although some of those small classes in the mean time may be possible).
I have a dear friend who is an excellent cook; she even catered her own wedding, which completely blows my mind. She had a recipe published in the Southern Living cookbook last year. She has 4 children, from 6 - 12 years old. Whenever we attend a wedding, she looks around at the spread and says, "I can do this!" and I have no doubt she can. I truly believe she will one day cater the weddings of my children and many of our friends' children, but for now she is raising and homeschooling her kids, and continuing to develop her cooking skills through study and experimentation.
You are an excellent photographer, too!
My dream is to actually take some web design and graphics classes, and photography, too. I have had a little voice whispering in my ear that other people take classes to learn these things, and that I'm limited by relying only on books and what I'm able to learn on my own (because of course I'm in the same situation as you - staying home and raising children). I was quite encouraged recently when I realized that the man I consider to be my computer mentor - someone I think knows everything there is to know, from running a server, to graphics, to building websites, etc. - has a high school education and is self-taught beyond that. He has 5 or 6 computer certifications in things I don't even begin to understand.
I think sometimes we shortchange ourselves because we think there is a certain way to go about learning these things, and that our own efforts aren't enough. I'll bet you are more capable of attaining your goal - teaching younger women - than you think. It is a worthy goal and much-needed; I hardly knew how to cook anything when I was first married. You may have an opportunity to mentor in a way that goes beyond cooking.
BTW - the triplets were born yesterday, 2 girls and a boy! The mother was supposed to have a c-section at 9 a.m., but her water broke at home when she got out of the shower. I've seen pictures of the babies, but haven't heard details of the birth.
Blessings,
Dawn
Look at all these comments... wow! What a wonderful dream... I know exactly how you feel about wanting a dream but being happy where you are doing what you're doing. You have a wonderful outlook on life and your family.
I would love to take nutrition classes and pursue teaching others about nutrition. I would also LOVE to put a lot more time into my photography. But now is not the time. I'll have plenty of that later. :)
Have a great night!
I had always wanted to be a photographer...like paid by a magazine or something. I took one class at a local college, and attempted to do a through the mail course with the NY Institute of Photography (it was through the mail as this was pretty much before internet!) I found out I'm just not very good at it! Now I'm just not so sure what my dreams are, I feel stuck in a rut...I wish I had aspirations, but I guess motherhood has become the most important thing to me too right now.
Praying that one day you'll realize your dreams!
I would love to write a book someday, God willing. Blessings!
Great post. I havevn't commented until now b/c you really got me thinking and I almost wrote a post myself - but didn't for some reason. Anyway, I hope that someday your dream will become reality. I can totally see you helping young women learn how to cook and care for their families. Thanks for sharing your dreams!
I always thought I would enjoy being a nurse and after being in the hospital with Gideon I would love to one day be a NICU nurse. All of Gideon's nurses told me I would be great at it. It would be hard but I would love it and I would be able to relate to the parents in there. I definetly couldn't handle yet but that ok because I plan on being busy with my own kids for the next few years but when they are grown I plan to go back to school to become a nurse a NICU nurse.
I hope you will be able to live your dream. God plants those dreams and hopes inside us for a reason!
You are a smart woman to prioritize your family.
My dreams are on hold as well. :)
I would love to take photography and photoshop classes.
I LOVE that picture! WOW! Just had to say that first of course:)
My dream is something that I haven't been able to figure out yet. I don't think it's going to be any one thing. Actually, I think it will be a bunch of things! I think about it alot, I just can't figure it out but I'm ok with that for now. I know I will find something to be excited about!
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