It has been a long time since I’ve blogged. Life just went crazy. A year ago I was packing up to move for the
first time in 8 years. Upgrade to a
rented house. 3 weeks to the day after
we moved, I receive a phone call. It is
my plant manager, who just transferred to Michigan, asking me if I would follow
him. He needs my help.
Keep in mind this side of America was suffering the worst
winter it had seen in decades while sunny southern California was having one of
the nicest winters I can recall. Oh, and
I HAD JUST MOVED AND SIGNED A 12 MONTH LEASE.
So, I’ve been praying for the right opportunity to leave
California for at least 7 years. Every
golden opportunity never seemed to pan out.
Therefore, I gave up. I resolved
to stay in Cali. I am ready to settle
down for a few more years to finish College and let my son finish High School
and God lays this dream job right in my lap.
All I have to do is move to Michigan.
NO NO NO. That was not what I
prayed for. Michigan? Really?
In the end, it was my father’s wisdom that helped me make
the choice. He simply explained that if
I let this door close without stepping through it, there is no guarantee of
when, if ever another door will open. In
other words, if you want to move up, take the opportunities afforded you no
matter what.
In June, I moved by myself to Kalamazoo, Mi. As my wife said, you are moving me to a Dr Seuss
book. By the end of July, my family had
followed. It hasn’t been an easy
transition. Friends, family, church,
comfort zone, all left behind.
Last time I left California, I was young and single. I’m finding it a much different adventure
when you are married with three children.
I’ve always been a nomad so meeting people and starting over isn’t a big
deal. However, my wife and kids are not
nomadic.
I think the hardest thing has been finding a church home and
missing friends. Every day off becomes a
challenge to figure out what one does in KZoo with a family of five.
The winter, while mild by Michigan standards is brutally
cold by California standards. I’ve spent
a small fortune clothing the five of us.
The other day I walked outside, it was 30 degrees and I thought, “This
isn’t that bad”. There is something very
wrong with that picture. 30 DEGREES NOT
THAT BAD.
So we’ve become, not the nomadic family, but the hibernating
family. Looking forward to seeing what
spring brings into our lives.
On a brighter note for the first time ever I am seriously
considering buying a home. Growing up I
always thought I’d be a homeowner. I
just didn’t think it would take me almost 40 years.
That means we are going to be here a while. Who would have thought I’d ever own a home in
Michigan. Certainly not me.
Well, wish me luck, next week the house hunt begins.
