We believe the move from Chicago to Clearwater in July 2006 was part of this preparation. We moved here away from the familiar and stable to a different "familiar" and a different "stable". While here, we've experienced many highs: quality time with family parents and rekindling of old relationships, plugging in to a great church, Shane working as a high school Principal and Sarah being able to stay at home with Simi; and lows: basement in our Chicago home flooding, that same home not selling, and our miscarriage in August have all worked together to bring us to this point.
In September of 2007, Sarah joined a Bible study that actually put her in contact with an old friend of mine from high school. This relationship was timed perfectly as this family was in the midst of preparing to go and serve in Guatemala right when we were seriously considering going overseas.
As we started to look into possibilities, Shane investigated teaching abroad. He posted his resume on sites and sent it directly to various schools as well. On Friday, April 11, 2008, we received an email from a Christian school in Seoul, Korea. We exchanged several emails and were pursuing that as a very strong possibility. The next day, we called Sarah's parents to give them an update and get advice on how to pursue with the offer in South Korea. They asked the question they always ask when we talk, "Why don't you come here?" Instead of chuckling like we usually do, this time it made perfect sense. We could teach abroad and our desire to live near family would be a reality. They called us back within 24 hours, and told us that this August, there were not only positions available but these openings would be a Principal position for Shane and Sarah would be able to provide counseling as well as assist in teaching English as a second language. All of these God-incidences have worked to confirm in a tangible way what we have been feeling in our spirits.
Yes, trust us; we know that this has happened extremely quickly. It's the right decision, but please understand that our heads are still spinning as we process everything! In less than 4 months, we plan to be living and serving in Israel. However, due to our status, we are required to leave the country every year so we plan to be home in the summers and will be able to see all of you on a regular basis.
Again, please know that things are falling into place even as we write this so as we know more and firm things up, we'll send more updates! We are just anxious to share this exciting and challenging opportunity with our friends and family! Please know that we covet your prayers throughout this process. As time goes on, we will be sending more details of how you can specifically pray for and support us in the future.
We love and think of you often and fondly!
As He leads,
Shane, Sarah, & Simone
In September of 2007, Sarah joined a Bible study that actually put her in contact with an old friend of mine from high school. This relationship was timed perfectly as this family was in the midst of preparing to go and serve in Guatemala right when we were seriously considering going overseas.
As we started to look into possibilities, Shane investigated teaching abroad. He posted his resume on sites and sent it directly to various schools as well. On Friday, April 11, 2008, we received an email from a Christian school in Seoul, Korea. We exchanged several emails and were pursuing that as a very strong possibility. The next day, we called Sarah's parents to give them an update and get advice on how to pursue with the offer in South Korea. They asked the question they always ask when we talk, "Why don't you come here?" Instead of chuckling like we usually do, this time it made perfect sense. We could teach abroad and our desire to live near family would be a reality. They called us back within 24 hours, and told us that this August, there were not only positions available but these openings would be a Principal position for Shane and Sarah would be able to provide counseling as well as assist in teaching English as a second language. All of these God-incidences have worked to confirm in a tangible way what we have been feeling in our spirits.
Yes, trust us; we know that this has happened extremely quickly. It's the right decision, but please understand that our heads are still spinning as we process everything! In less than 4 months, we plan to be living and serving in Israel. However, due to our status, we are required to leave the country every year so we plan to be home in the summers and will be able to see all of you on a regular basis.
Again, please know that things are falling into place even as we write this so as we know more and firm things up, we'll send more updates! We are just anxious to share this exciting and challenging opportunity with our friends and family! Please know that we covet your prayers throughout this process. As time goes on, we will be sending more details of how you can specifically pray for and support us in the future.
We love and think of you often and fondly!
As He leads,
Shane, Sarah, & Simone
