I haven't blogged in quite a while (hope someone's still out there reading!) Part of my lack of online presence is the absence of much interesting to blog about, and the other is general busyness around the holiday season, including my new part-time job.
Many have asked about our search for new employment. In the short term I have been continuing to substitute teach in Pine City and Hinckley. I also have a part-time job at Walmart in the electronics department evenings, weekends, and holidays. It makes for long days when I am doing both, but it at least helps us out a bit financially for now. Not a long-term solution or plan by any means, but it puts food on the table.
Ministry searching is especially slow this time of year. The state of the economy doesn't help any, either. From talking recently with other youth pastors who have been unexpectedly "employment-free" it seems that finding new ministry placement is averaging eight to 12 months or longer. We ended up having to start the job search in the exact worst possible time of year. The other thing that factors into this equation is that most churches have a long, extended search process that goes on for several months, so even if I found a church tomorrow that was a good fit for us the process would likely not be finalized until 3 or 4 months down the road at the earliest. So while I am trusting God to provide in His time, I'm not anticipating much happening before spring or early summer (I'm hoping I'm wrong, but we'll see.)
Nothing new on the house sale, either. We're into our third month on the market but yet to have even a showing. Our Realtor says nothing at all in our price range is moving in Pine City right now. I have mixed feelings on this as I don't want to have to move twice and since we don't have any place to go anyway right now it's nice to be able to stay here. Best outcome - it sells right after we have a job offer! We'll see and pray for the best.
Thanks for all the e-mails and encouragement from so many of you! Keep us in your prayer and we'll keep you updated!
