Some of the largest area’s of stress:
1) Financial problems: A few weeks ago, we needed to find a place to live as our temporary housing was about to run out. We had moved to California with a fair amount (in our eyes) of money in a savings account. Here’s to Dave Ramsey. After starting the leasing process, we began to feel uncomfortable with the management at the new apartment complex. When we asked some questions, we were threatened, demeaned, and talked down to. We decided that wasn’t the best place to live, so we paid the money to get out of the lease. Good bye savings.
2) Workplace stress: I recently took a new job, which moved us here to Santa Clara, CA. Part of this transition was an attitude of “he’ll figure it out” with respect to how to do the actual job. Previously, I was able to work in a very steady rhythm, where I’d be up to work at 7:30, home by 4, nothing more. New job requires a bit more “stretching” of the standard 9-5. It was also difficult to work from home as it would almost turn our apartment into a trap. Still haven’t quite figured it out.
3) Personal relationships: Just about all of them have changed. We are growing at this crazy rapid pace (it’s amazing what moving will do to a marriage). Lots of learning, but we’re figuring it out. Our entire network of loving, caring, friends is still in Wisconsin. That’s tough, as in tough as nails. My brother moved to Raleigh, which is cool because it’s close to my sister and bro-in-law so family vacations together are easier, but hard because he’s not as close to me anymore. Turns out, I still look up to him.
4) Health: Mine is OK, but my Dad just had open heart surgery to fix a hole in his heart. He’s 58. No big deal. Before the surgery, he sent me a letter that I would receive after the surgery in case things didn’t go well. Turns out, I’m still wickedly dependent on my father.
So to sum it up, it seems as though 2 weeks of not posting what I’m seeing God do in our lives here in California says He hasn’t done much. When you tally it up, I think the amount of pressure and stress we’ve been under is a testament in and of itself that He’s at work considering we are still stable, alive, kicking, and have some life in us. We’ve met some new folks, Orchard Community Church, who are of like mind and seemingly similar beating heart. We’re looking forward to seeing Him work more.