Of Jobs and Houses: What's Happening?!

Whenever I am away from my blog it is usually because my life has overwhelmed my ability to sit down and reflect. Too many blogs are unreflected thoughts - which is fine, don't get me wrong. Just not my interest most of the time.

Why?! you may ask.

Answer: Since December we have been intently looking for a place to move and I have been on the job search. In the last 3 weeks all these things have come together.

First the job search. I am taking a position as Director of New Church Development for the Presbytery of the Cascades. For you non-Presbyterian types, the Presbytery has a certain jurisdiction. In this case the Cascades Presbytery is all of Oregon, the very southern border of Washington and the very northern border of California. It is a position that is funded for two years. The work of starting churches is at the center of my interests and passions. I'm excited for the opportunity to assist the Cascades in their vision and work. It is absolutely unique in our denomination, but I hope it will become more common. Click on Cascades NCD Website to find out what they are doing. I begin work on April 15th. I'll be in Portland. It is the same Presbytery that John and Gail Moody serve in (for those who know John and Gail) plus I have already taken advantage of the kind hospitality of Chuck and June Cassell (for those of you who know Chuck and June).

Second: We've found a house!

It is in the Ashton neighborhood of Forster Ranch in San Clemente. We plan on moving by April 15th. One of our goals was to get closer to the ocean. Unfortunately to be at the ocean was impractical financially. But we are now 4.5 miles from our new home to putting our big toes in the water. We think that is great. The house is smaller, but still has room for guests.

Why and how and?!? OK, I get it. We believe our long term residence is in S. California. Because the job is only funded for two years we decided to stay settled in SoCal and I would become an interstate commuter. How? Well we're not sure, but it seems to be the right thing all around. If we don't buy in this market then we may well be shut out in the future. We will always maintain a home in SoCal. Dee has moved her office out of the home and into her main office in Irvine. Lindsay is looking for a job in Orange County and Chelsea is in-between things. I'll be getting a small place in Portland for the time being. Alaska Air will be my friend. Anyone have frequent flier miles they want to contribute?! No, seriously!

Did I mention that the escrow on the house was 15 days! Kudos to Bill Rolfing our realtor, our lender, Karen Vietmeier of Los Ranchos Presbytery staff, Julie Sandler who found the loan, and I'm sure countless others. Thanks.

More in a while.

Comments

[Chris Pritchett]

If the address of your new house is 6011 Camino Tierra, then you just bought one of our best friends' house, Justin and Trisha Lavik. They're Christians. Biola grads. Justin just took a job as a worship pastor at a church called Antioch Church in Bend, OR and they've been trying to sell for some time. I'm interested to hear if this was their house. We've spent many evenings there!