This may seem harsh but you might just have to go get a job, even a part time job for a bit. We're coming into the holiday season and retail jobs will be hiring soon. They're not great jobs but they pay a bit and they have flexible hours. Church funds, in my opinion, are for people looking to cover rent or basic food. They're there for the single parent who's ex has just decided that they're not sending their child support the next month - something I read that happened to one mother on this board. It's great you want to stay at home with your child and that your husband supports your plan (they don't always) but you still have to be able to support yourself.

That is weird. I can't seem to view the second page of responses. Maybe I can after I post another reply.

Anyway, I didn't know that student loan lenders would offer payment deferments... I should look into that. Thanks for the tip.

Yeah, the solution would be to bring in more money, and we're trying. I'm trying to get my home-business going, and DH is working 2 jobs (probably 60 hours a week) plus selling on eBay. It's a really tough spot because when we conceived last summer, we were sure DH would be making enough money by now that this wouldn't be such an issue when I was home. I can't really get a part-time evening job because DH needs all his evenings free to be able to schedule with his students (he's a flight instructor). So that's why I really want to get this home-business up and going.

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Trust God. Whatever risk there is in doing so, the risk of not trusting in him is far greater. - Spurgeon

Again, we're not in a situation where I can really work outside the home. But I think that if I can't get some business by next month then I might apply for West At Home Agents or something.

Well, in our church, the funds are there for those who need it. If a church member comes to the deacons with a need (say, emergency car repair) that they can't pay right then, then the deacons decide if it's disbursement-worthy. We have generously contributed to the fund in the past when in times of plenty, knowing that the Lord would bless our giving. So now in our times of need, we thank the Lord for the help of others. And that is the attitude of everyone in the church congregation... always helping each other out in whatever ways we can. And I do pray that the Lord will bring us to a position (soon!) that we will have more than we need so we can help others again.

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Trust God. Whatever risk there is in doing so, the risk of not trusting in him is far greater. - Spurgeon

Sounds like a wonderful church family to be a part of, that they can all help each other, no strings attached. That's usually very rare to find. However, I might just be being nosey, but I'm curious why you aren't "in a position" to work outside the home?? Would it just not be worth it as far as daycare costs go?? Think about going back to school? Although, that wouldn't get you the cash you need NOW, but it's an idea. An any fashion, wishing you good luck in your home based business, here's to hoping that really works out for you and yours!

Yes, our church family is absolutely wonderful.

Right, it wouldn't be worth it to us to pay someone else to care for DS for 20 hours per week so that I could work 15 hours per week (figuring in extra travel time there... we live in a rural area), and maybe come out on top $50. And I do not want to go back to school to chase a career, since I left school and then a career-position at the post office so that I could be home! And I can't work around DH's schedule since he pretty much needs to be available all evening hours for his flight students. So that is why I am trying to be able to pull in a few hundred bucks a month from home.

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Trust God. Whatever risk there is in doing so, the risk of not trusting in him is far greater. - Spurgeon

You can usually make payments on medical bills. As long as you send some money to them they will not send you to collections.

Maybe you can start keeping a couple of kids in your home for extra income. Then you're at home with your son and making money at the same time. I used to live in a rural area and I would have LOVED to have someone local keep my son.