Jobs ... What I have been up to...

I have been working for Steve Cornelius (Roger Cornelius and Darrel Sheets, too) for almost three months now. We are building duplexes in Harrisburg and developing land in Springfield. Even through the poison oak, sunburn, constant tiredness, daily muscle pain, and long hours I am enjoying the experiences as learning experiences. “Work to learn … learn to work.” I believe learning building techniques is a very valuable asset. And at the 35 acre site we are developing we have been logging which is another trade that I have always been interested in, because it’s in my genes (grandfather was a logger) and I have a love for being in the woods. I know some might ask, “then how can you cut them down?” To this I answer, “there are forests all around, there is no shortage of places to hike and enjoy God’s creation and humans need a place to live.”

My future plan is to get a good paying position as an Apprentice with an Appraiser in Western Oregon by the end of the year. I am sending out about three-dozen resumes and cover letters to Appraisers in Lane and Douglas counties, plus a couple in Portland. I am not sure who or if any are hiring at this time, but it is my prayer that I get a position with a good Appraiser who will train me to do the job correctly.

I turned down an interview with the Sutherlin Post Office today. The job wasn’t right for me at this time. The job was a Rural Route Associate. They are guaranteed only two days a month (Saturdays) but they actually work every Saturday. So I would never have Saturdays off. Plus, I would be on call every day, meaning I could get a call at 6 AM and have to be there that same day (this happens if the regular driver is sick or cannot come to work). I would have to drive my own vehicle (which I would have to buy another because the ones I have would not work). There are no benefits. There is no full-time position opening for several years, unless something changes. So you can see, not the ideal job for me at this time.

We also got a call today from the Christian Children’s Ranch in Eagle, Idaho. They called to ask if I would be interested in being the Principal of the Christian school there. It is interesting they ask, for a bunch of reasons. When I was in college I volunteered at the school a few times, formerly (in a past life) I had a goal of starting and running a Christian school, and I am currently seeking a new career. However, the schools I had envisioned starting were not at a children’s ranch, I have not seriously thought of leading a Christian school for several years, and I have a plan - I want to be an Appraiser. The hours and wages as an Appraiser are what I desire for my family at this time. Full-time ministry has little draw for me right now. Oh yeah another thing, even though I love Idaho, it is a long ways from the boy’s grandparents. Neither would be too happy about the move.

God will lead, I pray I will follow. I called them back to ask for a job description to be sent to me. I will be praying about it as well as the letters going out to the Appraisers.

Join me in praying. Thanks.