We're Moving to England!

To our dear readers:

Andrew and I want to share with you an update on our lives.  Since returning to the states in December, we have been considering what we want our lives to look like and what changes we'd like to make given our recent experiences.  We have recently decided, after much prayer and consideration, to move to Carlisle, England.  There are many details that still need to be figured out, but here's a synopsis of what we know:

1.  We're planning to move in January 2016.  Given our vacation plans with the MacLeod side of the family in July, our desire to be home for the fall, and both of our overseas siblings and their spouses (and our niece!) coming home for Christmas 2015, this seems to be the most practical time to move. 

2.  Andrew will be continuing his work with Operation Mobilisation (OM).  This is really why we've decided to go back.  They have made it clear that they want us back and are willing to help us significantly throughout the process of moving back.  I will soon begin the lengthy process of trying to transfer my nursing license to the Nurse and Midwife Registry so I can find a job and practice as a nurse in the UK.

3.  Financially, we're hoping that my salary (assuming I find a job, which is likely as there is a nursing shortage in the UK) will cover most of our living expenses.  However, we will still need to raise support.  OM has offered to financially assist us if we are unable to raise enough support.

4.  We are making a two year commitment, with the possibility of extending our stay by a 3rd year if things go well.

5.  We hope to keep our house.  We'd like to rent it out through a property management company.  Our prayer is that we will break even on our mortgage while we're away.

We covet your prayers as we move forward with this big step.  We're anxious but also very excited!  It helps that we do know quite a bit about where we're going.  However, things will be different this time around as we seek to make Carlisle our home instead of a lovely place for an extended visit.  

We would love to talk to you more about our upcoming plans and answer any questions you may have.  As we progress towards this move, we'll do our best to keep you updated through our blog.