A New Adventure Part 1: Getting Ready

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 

As many of you know I am on a new life adventure. The adventure began in earnest earlier this year when I retired from a state job. The job was getting too stressful and was no longer fulfilling.  The past couple of winters have taken their toll on my mental health, and it was time to find warmth and sunshine. My mother is at a stage in life where my brothers and I felt it was time for me to move closer. Enter Las Vegas! 

 I thought moving was going to be a fairly simple thing. I'd be able to work my (two) part-time jobs, play one more summer in Alaska, and pack to move with no trouble. Boy, oh boy did I think wrongly about that one!

Fortunately, it rained all summer - not wonderful for going out and exploring my favorite places but great for clearing out excess stuff and packing. My goal was to only take the essentials, those things that really meant something or would not be easily replaceable in Las Vegas. I posted a lot of things on Marketplace, donated a lot, and made several dump runs. I whittled a three-bedroom house into two UHaul pods. I am starting from scratch with a plan and a purpose!

My first task was finding a good church. Have you ever looked for a good church in a city of 3 million people? It is not easy. I looked for one that offers an AWANA program, knowing that such a church would have good Bible teaching. I have attended one service and have not found anything that stood out as a red flag. I will attend a four-evening seminar next week and see how the teaching goes. This church offers three Sunday morning services and a Spanish evening service every week and boasts around 3000 members. 

My second task is finding a home in the same community in which my mom lives. It is a nice condo complex, with around 110 units. Each is single story with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The complex has a pool, hot tub, gym, and clubhouse. The area has large, mature trees and great walking paths. Duke is not crazy about the heat but he likes taking walks. I have liked this complex ever since Mom moved in nearly 30 years ago and have dreamed of living here for nearly as long. I need to sell my Alaska home and start working a second part-time job again before they will consider a mortgage. (prayers are coveted!)

I plan on getting my Master's Degree and work in a crisis pregnancy center or a church as a counselor. I hope to do the two of them at the same time. Stay tuned for Part 2, in which driving the Alcan with a friend, a dog, and two cats is described!

Heavenly Father

You are so good to me. You have brought me through

so much as I have grown and learned to really trust You. The 

adventure you have laid out for me is exciting and frightening at the same time.

You have taught me to step out of my comfort zone and into

Your comforting arms.

You have brought the right people into my life at the right time. 

You have given me a great family and amazing friends. You have 

taught me to acknowledge You in all things, to trust You in all things, 

and to turn to you in all things.

I love you, Lord Jesus. It is in Your precious name I pray,

Amen