It started out as just a simple road-trip vacation to Phoenix and it turned into a job interview, a second trip to Phoenix and a job offer. That's the short version. The longer version is as follows:
At the end of January we loaded up our car and took our first long car trip to Phoenix with the kids. It was fun! Rand didn't have a "job" so we went with no specific plans to return..although we were planning on coming back at some point. Before the trip,we had been going through a time of change since Rand quit his job. His heart was for ministry, so he had been pursuing Thoughtlife (his non-profit ministry) as a full time job. As it turns out, although this ministry is well liked by many and a very good idea, it costs more to operate than we can afford without some other means to support ourselves adequately. (My Arbonne business supplements some, but that's another story) So, something was going to have to change, and we knew that before we left for our trip.
Meanwhile in AZ, a good friend of Rand's had been interim-pastoring a small church, but was heading off to the east coast in the fall and the church happened to be looking for a new head pastor. Rand's friend suggested he apply. So he did. The search committee interviewed him and loved him. We went home and the church flew all of us back down for a second interview and an "audition". Rand passed with flying colors and the church voted unanimously to hire him. The job seems perfect for him and I think he is going to love it. The church is REALLY small, but they want to grow. They are ready for change and want Rand to come in with ideas and a plan to implement them (exactly what he's good at).
Needless to say I am so sad to leave home because I love it here. My family is here which is the main reason I love it, but I also love the scenery, the weather and the atmosphere of a small town, a simpler life and the slower pace. I mean, we are going from wet, cool and green to dry, hot and brown. It's going to be quite a shocker. Who moves to Phoenix right at the beginning of summer? And who would leave here? We just survived winter. We're leaving right when it's starting to get good!
So, we blast off April 14 with a big Uhaul truck with our entire house on board. We have a For Sale sign on our house and we're starting to pack.:( Here we go. Ready or not. We're off to the desert!!
At the end of January we loaded up our car and took our first long car trip to Phoenix with the kids. It was fun! Rand didn't have a "job" so we went with no specific plans to return..although we were planning on coming back at some point. Before the trip,we had been going through a time of change since Rand quit his job. His heart was for ministry, so he had been pursuing Thoughtlife (his non-profit ministry) as a full time job. As it turns out, although this ministry is well liked by many and a very good idea, it costs more to operate than we can afford without some other means to support ourselves adequately. (My Arbonne business supplements some, but that's another story) So, something was going to have to change, and we knew that before we left for our trip.
Meanwhile in AZ, a good friend of Rand's had been interim-pastoring a small church, but was heading off to the east coast in the fall and the church happened to be looking for a new head pastor. Rand's friend suggested he apply. So he did. The search committee interviewed him and loved him. We went home and the church flew all of us back down for a second interview and an "audition". Rand passed with flying colors and the church voted unanimously to hire him. The job seems perfect for him and I think he is going to love it. The church is REALLY small, but they want to grow. They are ready for change and want Rand to come in with ideas and a plan to implement them (exactly what he's good at).
Needless to say I am so sad to leave home because I love it here. My family is here which is the main reason I love it, but I also love the scenery, the weather and the atmosphere of a small town, a simpler life and the slower pace. I mean, we are going from wet, cool and green to dry, hot and brown. It's going to be quite a shocker. Who moves to Phoenix right at the beginning of summer? And who would leave here? We just survived winter. We're leaving right when it's starting to get good!
So, we blast off April 14 with a big Uhaul truck with our entire house on board. We have a For Sale sign on our house and we're starting to pack.:( Here we go. Ready or not. We're off to the desert!!
8 comments:
Kaylee, I am sad that you guys are moving, but you need to do what God wants for your family. It's been good getting to know you better these past few years. We need to keep in touch. I will pray for you, Rand, and the boys. I know God will bless your ministry as you endeavor to do His will. He knows the desire of Rand's heart and He will honor you for being willing to go where God is leading.
We love you Kaylee -- and will come to see you when we are in Arizona! And, you can come to Lake Havasu City to see us! This is becoming a "little Shelton" to us. Lots of friends are coming to visit and some are actually staying! Even though it's different from the Pacific Northwest, the desert will grow on you. It has a beauty all of its own! We won't be home before you leave, so we'll miss you, but we'll be back in the Fall. If you are looking for family at Thanksgiving, we'll be here! Keep us posted! Love -- Auntie Pam
Kaylee,
I am so excited for your adventure. What a great job, spreading the good word of Gods plan. You wil learn to love the Sunshine. coatless days, and hopefull less of those darn runny noses the NW brings. Jay and I have thought about Arizona so often durning the dog days of winter. We leave for AZ on Tuesday for a week for Spring Break. I thought I recall your parents go for visits in the winter. You will do just fine. I will come visit you.
MIss you,
Cassie
No! I refuse to accept that you are leaving!!
Kaylee,
Well, I am so excited you are coming to AZ! I know it will be tough leaving your loving family and friends, but know that you will have lots of loving friends here to welcome you. I can't wait to show you around and get the boys together, all of them. We can let Rand and Derek discuss theology and we can go shopping! I know it will be a huge adjustment for you, but you are such an amazing woman that I know you can do it! We love you and can't wait to see you!
Love,
Ashley, Derek, and Jake
Sorry your not leaving... i not going to allow it
Kaylee,
I am sad you are moving too! I had really hoped to get to know you better now that things have slowed down with Addie's health stuff. We will be following your great adventure with Jesus as your tour guide. What a great adventure he has set out before you!!
Im having trouble letting go... Knowing that those boys wont know me like I so desperately want them to. Knowing that I wont get to watch them be boys, or grow up to be men. Im having trouble letting go of the things I "would have" done different if I would have known they were moving away. Im having trouble letting go of our relationship and the house I have come to realize as my second home. I will miss all of you so much...
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