Update from Jared

Hello, to those who may be reading about our adventures since departing Saturday for the grand ol’ — actually “Queen” — city of Charlotte, N.C. Our new apartment here in nearby Mt. Holly is cozy, roomy and just plain dandy. Though I must admit it’s difficult at times to find time to completely unpack since the numerous errands that come with uprooting are still many, we are settling nicely into our new place — which feels like a castle compared to our apartment in Blacksburg. One of the perks of living here is that we have anything we could ever need it seems without even getting on the Interstate or going into downtown Charlotte. That being said, I still look forward to spending many days and nights with Jennifer exploring a city that is unarguably one of America’s finest. A couple things for anyone who is reading to pray about: We want to find a church that meets our needs and we want to immediately establish connections with 20 and 30-somethings of similar interests. During most of our stay in Blacksburg we lacked in both of these areas. In fact, it was only in our last two months there that we found a church that we felt completely comfortable and satisfied in. Ironically, just about the time that happened, God decided to move us. As for our jobs, Jennifer has amazed me with her ability to snag interviews seemingly at the speed of light. Please pray that God puts her right where he wants her and that He will give her a divine peace in the meantime. My job is going great, inasmuch as it is safe to make inferences from one day — actually less than half of one full day. It looks like I’m going to possibly have more opportunities than previously indicated to actually be out on the road and cover races. It’s going to be very refreshing, I believe, once I settle in enough to really be able to do some writing. I missed writing so much during my last two months at the Roanoke Times when I moved into a position concentrated mostly in copy editing. Well, I can hear my lovely bride singing in the background and that brings a smile to my face. It’s good to know that she, too, is completely at peace with our decision to head south. Until next time, God bless.

I hate goodbyes...

Sad. That’s how I’m feeling right now. I said goodbye to half of my coworkers today and will say goodbye to the rest of them tomorrow. It’s hard to believe that just over three years ago I walked into that place and thought to myself, “I’ll be here for 6 months tops.” Ha. Today I realized that leaving my job is the hardest part of moving.

On to happier news. My job search is going really well! I believe I will have two interviews on Monday. I am really hoping that I get one of the positions. I don’t want to say too much about it right now, but one of the jobs would be amazing! We shall see what happens!

Only two more days till the big move!! Two more days till Jared and I turn the page and start a new chapter of our life. I can’t wait to start writing it!

What a difference a day makes!

Eight days ago, Jared and I were beyond frustration because our job schedules (and my school schedule) were completely clashing. We were only able to eat dinner together six nights the entire month of January. Anyone who knows us, knows that we love to spend time with each other, so to us, this was a huge deal. Seven days ago, we found out that Jared got his dream job in Charlotte - or at least the job that will position him for his dream job. I am so incredibly proud of him and excited for both of us as we start this new adventure! We have dreamed of moving to Charlotte, and to see that dream become a reality is amazing, but admittedly, it is a bit scary, too. When the fears come rolling into my head, I think about the way God has already worked in this situation and I begin to feel better. Jared also helps calm my fears...I have yet to figure out why men are typically so much more level-headed than women!

We both turned our notices in on the day that he found out about his job and both of us will be leaving our jobs on February 20th. I am really sad about leaving. I am going to miss some of my coworkers tremendously, and I have grown so much since I started working there. However, I know that God has the perfect job, with the perfect coworkers, out there for me. I can't help but hope that I land a job on one of the highest floors in a skyscraper! :)

On Saturday my wonderfully patient Mom ventured to Charlotte with Jared and me to help us find a place to live. The first place we looked at was a townhouse in Concord - which would have meant that Jared's commute would have been at least 45 minutes. The second place we looked at was in Belmont. We fell in love with the community (it's actually Belmont/Mount Holly) but did not fall in love with the townhouse. By this time, I had grown anxious because I knew we needed to find a place and Mom and Jared were probably tired of hearing me say that I was anxious! Finally, after much debate between Jared and myself, an argument between me and the GPS device (technology is a little too technical sometimes!), and a prayer (thanks Mom for suggesting and leading it!) we decided to go to an apartment complex in Mount Holly. The apartment complex is AMAZING and I knew as soon as we walked into the apartment that it was where we were meant to be. Thankfully, Jared knew it too and we found out an hour after viewing it that the apartment is ours! :) We will be living in a modern Mayberry type community and Jared's commute during the week will be 20-25 minutes. On weekends we can get to downtown Charlotte in about 10 minutes! There is so much to do there and we are so excited!!! God has truly blessed us with a tremendous opportunity to experience life!!!

If you think about it, please pray for us as we pack, leave our jobs and church here, say goodbye to our friends, etc. We plan on moving on Feb. 23rd. Please also pray that I find a good job there. I am extremely nervous about not having a job yet. I've never left a job without having another one lined up, but this is just another chance to watch God work!