Chicago? Less than 6 weeks? Snow? Two-bedroom apartment rental? OK God,- we can do this!
But only, and we mean ONLY through you and with you and by you! We are placing our trust in you because we have no idea what we are doing!
The conversation was simple, casual, non-specific. "How's work?" she asked Michael. His answer, "tough!" Her reply, "Well, you should talk to my husband ~ he's hiring."
That's it- there really wasn't much more to it. Michael surely didn't believe it would turn into anything substantial... and DEFINITELY didn't believe it would result in our moving to Chicago. But it did, and we are.
In a whirlwind of God orchestrated emails, interviews, phone calls, and brief conversations at home, (I think our silence spoke louder than any words would have....) Michael has accepted a position with the New York Stock Exchange's IT department located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Her husband, yeah- he works and lives in San Francisco. So Chicago wasn't even on the radar when Michael sent off his unrefined, unedited, sketchy at best, resume. So clearly- this is of God!
Michael begins Monday, September 26th. For the first few weeks, he will be able to work remotely from home. That will be so required as we pack, sell, give away, or throw away the components of our 4+ bedroom home and prepare to move into a 2 bedroom apartment- less than 1/2 the size of our current place. We don't have a final moving date as of yet- but are expecting to be in Chicago before Halloween.
And- now we are left to prepare, not only our home, but also our hearts. All of our immediate family lives within an hour of us. And our three your old son is just now at that age where he is forming relationships independently of Michael and I - connecting to cousins, cherishing friends, seeking out grandparents, clinging to his aunts and uncles, and desiring his godparents. Choosing to move this precious, sensitive, and amazing little boy is the hardest decision we've had to make. Leaving our home doesn't mean leaving the house we live in- but leaving the people! The family and friends that make each day of our lives full and rich.
We know this is of God- we know He desires the best for us and that this is to glorify Him. But that doesn't make it easy.
We are literally Stepping Out in Faith.
What an exciting and so unexpected path to be discovering! My wish for you and your family is the move goes well and that the Exchange provides well for Michael and your family! We will be with you along this journey and look forward to visiting you after your all settled!
ReplyDeleteMay this opportunity be all that your hearts anticipate it will be! :)
Love, Alicia, Chris & Liam