"David, what is your schedule tomorrow? This is [name of one of the head administrators of the Church Educational System]."
He responded and after a few texts, we were set to meet this individual in about 8 hours.
As we talked, we figured David's expertise in online education might be used in the upcoming online emphasis of the organization.
We opened up the computers and found the two options for public transportation to Salt Lake City, then went to bed without any understanding of what would occur in the next morning's meeting.
We sat down to meet the next morning, and the administrator immediately explained the purpose in meeting. The individual who is currently the coordinator over the New Jersey North area of the Church has been called as a temple presidency member and they want David to fill the position.
It is interesting to look at how the Lord has prepared him for this opportunity, through advanced degrees, opportunities to work with individuals who have experience in this type of assignments, along with leaders and callings that have provided significant preparation.
His assignment includes the following opportunities: He will mentor and train the stake-called instructors of the Seminary & Institute classes in five of the six stakes in New Jersey, working with Priesthood leaders to administer the Seminary and Institute program. He will be the institute director and instructor at Princeton University. He will work with full-time CES missionary couples who teach institute throughout the region.
After the meeting, we performed some work for the dead to consider the option. More specifically, to let David consider it, because this is basically my dream assignment: east coast where my husband can do what he does well (take care me and the family, train teachers, teach the gospel, respond in faith to philosophical ideas, and drive). Plus! depending on where we live, we may get to be part of the new Philadelphia Temple district! Exciting.
We sat down with the children and had a family council. We started to talk about the families in the Book of Mormon who moved; how the Lord stretched them, how things were hard at times, how their faith grew, how they were blessed incredibly, and eventually their lives became far better.
In the middle of the discussion, Susanna asked, "Do we get to go to New Jersey?" No joke.
Once the children and David were in, we informed the company we would like to proceed with the move. There are still some things that will need to fall into place before everything is finalized (i.e. we need to sell our home), but we are excited for the next adventure. These moves are often decade or career-long moves, so we expect we are saying good-bye to Utah (of course, we also thought we were here for the long run, so what do we know?)
That evening, David put on Disney's "Inside Out" and we talked about the various emotions he and the children are feeling as part of the move. We will miss the regular contact with some amazing family members and friends, yet this seems to me to be where we can grow next.
"Adventure is out there!"
P.S. We are selling our home. We built it to last, as we planned on retiring in this location. If you know someone who is looking, please feel free to share this information with them:
Come see an Ivory-built custom family dream home overlooking
Utah Valley. Turn into a friendly cul de sac to see this four-bedroom,
two-and-a-half-bath home, loaded with extras.
The two and three-tone painted interior is warm and relaxing
with complimentary hardwood railing and gas-fireplace mantle. A tile walkway
connecting the front, rear, and garage entrances allows guests to take their
shoes off on the bench by the coat closet and half-bath before walking on the
plush, upgraded carpet. An office/conservatory and living-dining-kitchen
effectively fill the main floor, in addition to the three-car garage that
includes over 240 square feet of built-in storage shelving and a motorcycle/ATV
bay. The kitchen has high-end GE stainless steel appliances including a gas
stove and fridge with water filter. The kitchen and bathrooms in the house all
feature Hanex® countertops. A walk-in pantry, additional food storage, and
hanging pan rack allow the most appliance-happy home chef plenty of storage
space.
Head down to the basement that was finished as part of the
construction of the home to find two storage rooms and a large, naturally-lit
entertainment area. Put a ping pong or pool table up for entertaining before
moving to the theater area, pre-wired for seven-speaker surround sound.
Children can play in the additional carpeted storage space and child area under
the stairs. The water softener system and built-in passive-radon-prevention
system are significant comfort and safety upgrades. One of the storage areas
can be divided in two to create a fourth full bath in the future, for which it
is already plumbed.
Upstairs are the four bedrooms, tile-floor laundry room, and two tile-floor, full bathrooms with integrated sinks. The master suite includes an enormous 19x13 room, bathroom with separate tub and tile shower, and walk-in closet. Another large bedroom features a walk-in closet.
Upstairs are the four bedrooms, tile-floor laundry room, and two tile-floor, full bathrooms with integrated sinks. The master suite includes an enormous 19x13 room, bathroom with separate tub and tile shower, and walk-in closet. Another large bedroom features a walk-in closet.
Exit the backdoor, or go through either of the locking side
gates out to a professionally fenced backyard. The fence is rated to gusts of
120 miles per hour. Walk around the nearly 1/3 acre of property on five hundred
feet of custom cement path. You will pass the bar-b-que and picnic
area, large enough for two picnic tables. At the high point of the property you
will find a 20x30 foot stone area, with a metal fire pit in the center,
surrounded by large sitting stones. From this view, one can see over eight
different major fireworks shows on the 4th of July and dozens more personal showcases! Continue on the path
past the concord and red Canadice grapevine custom stainless steel tresses and
see this year’s harvest growing. The backyard features two cross-pollinating
pecan trees (Giant and Sure-Crop), an Elberta peach tree, a Stella cherry tree, along with Honeycrisp
and Red Rome cross-pollinating apple trees. Over twelve thriving raspberry
bushes of various varieties line the back fence next to the Russian sage and
Rose gardens. Between the paths are a clover field, a wildflower meadow, and a
hollyhock patch. Four raised garden plots are currently growing tomatoes,
watermelon, pumpkins, and basil. The twelve large pots surrounding the home
contain various herbs including multiple types of mint and sage. At the bottom
of the yard is the outdoor trampoline, built into the slant of the hill, and
secured to the ground with stainless steel anchors. An area was reserved for a
future chicken coop near the gardens if the future owner desires. The home is
currently a fully-functioning Apiary with three large beehives. Two hives
include Italian honeybees, and one Carniolan honeybees. These bees are
extremely docile. When properly cared for, these hives produce between 100 and
300 pounds of medical-grade local honey (which can be sold for $8 a pound or
enjoyed personally to combat allergies and satisfy taste buds). Keeping bees only
requires about 30 hours of work a year outside of the honey harvest. Learning
to keep bees is easy, rewarding, and productive. If future owners are not
interested in beekeeping, the current owners will arrange for the sale of the
hives, as established hives are incredibly valuable.
The house is pre-wired for internet and has a satellite
connection hub directly below the East roof to prevent unsightly wires and
holes in the house. Other upgrades include LED can lighting throughout, Satin
nickel faucets and fixtures, egg-shaped door knobs, toilets are upgraded,
elongated, and powerful enough to handle any cooking disasters or
successes. Whole house plantation
hardwood shutters.
The price and location will be on the MLS on Friday, July 15th, 2016, or you can contact us directly thereafter.
