The Plan

Here's all the nitty gritty about Josh's new job--
He'll be teaching chemistry and physics.  Even though he will be certified 7th-12th grade natural sciences his love is chemistry and physics.  He's not really a biology and earth science guy.  He was really hoping he would be able to stick to the area of chemistry and physics.  He also is taking on the duty of head wrestling coach--which he is SUPER excited about.  (Josh was a state champion wrestler himself "back in the day") ;o)  Other fun facts . . . Arapahoe will completely pay for our family's health insurance--nothing will come out of our paycheck!  Lincoln does not even do that.  In the end, Josh can make more money working in Arapahoe than he could in Lincoln (which is kind of crazy).  With a lower cost of living we're hoping to be able to save more and accumulate a nice little down payment for a house.  Arapahoe has also promised Josh "whatever he needs" for his classroom.  I found him giddily poring over a catalog of chemicals yesterday . . . In other words, this job seemed the perfect fit for Josh, and the needs of our family.

Instead of moving to Arapahoe we're hoping to find a place in Holdrege (so Kathy, Arapahoe will have to hover at 993 just a wee bit longer). ;o)  Trying to find suitable housing for a family of seven in such a tiny town was going to be really tricky.  Holdrege is bigger (kind of a Crete size) and has a lot more to offer.  It will give Josh a half-hour commute to work each day, but will also put us a half-hour from Kearney.  Kearney is a nice sized community which has many of the same things Lincoln has (like a grand Valentino's buffet--a huge selling point with the kids). ;o)  We're hoping that being closer to a bigger city will make it easier to find a good church and also with Kearney being a college town, a violin teacher for the girls.

What's going on the prayer list?
--Housing--we're hoping to continue to rent for at least a year.  We figure if this little expedition ends up a dismal failure we cut ties and come back.  So, we need to find a rental--preferably a house to rent . . .  with a fenced in yard . . . with four bedrooms . . . and a covered porch?? ;o) Holdrege currently has some awesome 100 year old houses for sale (LOVE old houses).  Maybe one of them would enjoy renting to a family of seven? ;o)  I realize five kids will not be every landlord's biggest dream . . .  So, that is a definite prayer request.
--Finding a church.  Enough said.
--Finding a violin teacher

We're hoping that August 1st will find us setting up house in Holdrege, giving us a spring and summer to enjoy with all our family and friends.  And we're hoping that once settled we might average a trip back once a month.  Arapahoe has a neat school schedule, many three day weekends already built into their calendar as well as every Friday they get out an hour early.  Perhaps we'll find that a lofty goal, but it is comforting to know we're only a few hours away should homesickness descend with a vengeance.  We would greatly appreciate prayer as God works out all the details . . . or changes the details . . . ;o)