Eric first learned about this opportunity in September 2010, but God did not bring all the pieces together until recently. So, while the official decision wasn't made until this month, we'd been considering a move since last year.
What is Eric's new job title and what will he be doing?
As told by Eric--
Managed territory Klamath Falls to Pasco to Vancouver
Primary territory Wishram to Chemult
Will be responsible for safety, budget, track integrity, train velocity, local customer service, service interruption response, crew management, train make-up compliance, crew schedule planning, van service.
Will not have to work nights very often, but will need to travel extensively in order to fully cover territory and respond to incidents as needed (company car provided).
Main focus will be safety and developing quality relationships with those I directly manage.
Job will prepare me to manage supervisors; manage a broader territory; manage a larger budget
I am excited to be back in the field and out from behind a desk; this job will be a challenge, but look forward to the development opportunities.
Where exactly is Bend?
Bend is located in central Oregon. It's 5 hours from the Tri-Cities and 7 hours from Spokane.
To learn more about this beautiful place, you can watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6zSKJqalug
What about Lily?
It breaks our hearts to remove Lily from her class at La Petite Academy...she just loves her teachers and friends so much! I am purchasing the birthday party package from her school, but asked them to substitute the signs with a "Going Away" theme instead so she can have an incredible last day with her pals! We are currently researching preschools in Bend, and have identified three we would really like to tour.
Lily has truly blossomed at La Petite and we believe in the value of a preschool experience, for families like ours. She will continue to attend on a part-time basis and we are praying that we find a new place, equally nurturing, welcoming, and fun.
What about the house?
Our house is currently on the market and we're hoping to sell it in the next few weeks. We are required to list the house for 30 days and if we cannot sell it in that time, a BNSF-appointed relocation company will purchase it from us.
I can't explain exactly what a relief that specific benefit is for us...it's just AMAZING.
If you or someone you know is looking to purchase a home in our area, please pass along the link: http://www.prukc.com/HomeSearch/Listing.aspx?MlsNum=1724644
How are you going to pack everything in one weekend?
Thankfully, we do not have to pack ourselves! BNSF is providing a moving company to pack, load, and deliver our belongings to Bend. All we have to do is oversee and suggest labels for the boxes.
Where are you staying once you get to Bend?
We are renting a two bedroom place at the Eagle Crest Resort. Renting for one month, directly from the homeowners, will be less expensive than staying in a hotel for a few weeks, and certainly less expensive than booking our stay directly through the resort. Plus, after all this craziness, we'll need a vacation!! :) http://www.eagle-crest.com/
Are you going to buy a house in Oregon?
At this time we are uncertain if we intend to buy a home in Bend. We plan to lease a place for 6-12 months while we learn our way around the city and adjust to all the changes. We learned a lot after purchasing our first home, and we want to make a more-informed decision the next time we buy.
Will Sarita look for a new job in Bend?
Who can know these things?! Maybe. It's possible. It all depends...
This is something we are praying about. Of course, I want to focus all of my attention on getting settled first--Find a place to live; support Eric in his new role; provide a stable transition for Lily. After that, I am open to what God has planned.
How much is this all going to cost?
This all goes back to God putting the pieces in place at the perfect time!
Thankfully, BNSF is:
- Covering our expenses while we search for a place to live
- Paying the realtor to sell our home
- Buying the house from us, at our purchase price, if we can't sell it in the near future
- Paying the moving company
- Paying for two months of storage
- Buying our one-way tickets to Oregon
What does this mean for me?
Well, loved ones, if you've ever wanted to visit Bend, you'll have a place to stay...eventually! :)
What are you going to do next?
Try to enjoy our last few days in Kansas City, saying goodbye to the people we love and the place we've called home for nearly six years.
We are ending a very special chapter in our lives and with that comes great sadness...but the silver lining is that we get to make more memories with our families and start a new chapter in our story.
We've committed to taking this one day at a time and trusting God to reveal our next steps.
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