We came up on our 2 years in Alaska this past December. That meant there were 365 days left before we could move back home. I would spend some of my spare time surfing Utah real estate websites and day dreaming about a bigger home with a big yard that didn't cost six or seven hundred thousand dollars like they do here (don't get me wrong, we have a lovely home but not like what you can get for your money in the lower 48).
Honestly, the first thing I would miss about Alaska is the winters. I do love them. You are welcome to call me crazy; it wouldn't be the first time anyone said that to me and I doubt it would be the last. And when I mean winters I mean cross country skiing. Oh how I love it. There is no where to go do this in Utah like there is here. I know there are places that people go, like the golf courses and what not, but the trails we have here are made and groomed just for us skiers. I love it.
Then I thought about Carter's schooling. It has been an uphill battle with this kid. He has dyslexia (as does JaDee) and in Utah I never got the services that I knew he needed. Here, I didn't even have to ask. The school approached me with the help he needed. I cried. Plus they have recommended him for an awesome program in high school next year...something he will really thrive in...a lot of oral learning and public speaking and group discussions. I could never find this for him in Utah.
So the decision was all but made to stay until Carter graduated. That would mean our return rights to JaDee's job with the Army Corps of Engineers would expire, but I figured we would cross that bridge when we came to it. I wasn't going to worry. I know the Lord always has been there to help us be where we need to be and I had perfect faith it would happen again.
Just not 3 months after we made that decision.
A private company named The Superior Group offered JaDee a job here and we have decided to take it.
It is a great company (the president met with JaDee and showed him that as a company they are completely out of debt and that they are involved in 50% of all the construction here in AK) and it is a great position for JaDee. He will be a commissioning agent, or a commissioner (go here to see a what a commissioning agent does for schools in California...that is what JaDee will be doing for any number of jobs here in Alaska). The guy who JaDee is taking over for is moving on to a bigger part of the company and has looked for 2 years to hire someone. JaDee is the first person he has ever wanted to offer the job too.
We took a long time in deciding if this was right for us. We prayed about it, researched benefits, retirement options, made spreadsheets comparing the earning power of all of JaDee's options... and bottom line, this is the right thing for us. We are really Alaskans. We talked to the kids and asked what they thought. Everyone missed cousins and grandmas but love that we still get to visit and that we may get to do so more often. I personally missed my moms and my sisters and all those dang nieces and nephews who I just love to death. The thought of not going shopping with my sister Courtney all the time...well we will just have to go nuts when I am in town.
We really feel so good about this.
And the best news for all of you is you will have plenty of time to come up and see us (oh and have a free place to stay and eat in ALASKA!!)!!!
ps-I will be getting a new cell phone with the 907 area code for up here. I will let ya'll know via facebook and email or text what it is.
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13 comments:
Congratulations on the new job!
Congratulations! I think when you're supposed to be somewhere, things fall into place to make it happen.
Who would have thought you would being staying long-term, let alone like it? Funny how things work out. I am glad things are going well for you guys.
I knew when the schools were better, you'd be hooked. and I don't blame you. And since I live in v-town now, I'm pretty sure we'll see each other about the same :)and yep, you better plan to shop till you drop when you come. It's been a long time since i've had a shopping partner.
Who knew this would happen when you were leaving Utah, and counting down until you came back...I'm so glad you like it there and that things are working out GREAT. Heavenly Father has blessed you in ways that you don't know yet...so continue to do what you are doing. Now if I can only live up to my own words...this moving thing SUCKS!!!! Tell JaDee congrats! We will just have to have a BIG party if you make it to CO anytime soon...I'm so excited to be closer to my EM, I just hope she stays put;)
{HUGS}
I had to go back to that first newsletter that I put together in order to find your blog!! :) This is a great piece of news! AND great for Carter too - so nice that they offer such wonderful resources for him. ... love your blog!
Alaska is lucky to have such great permanent residents! Congratulations on the job!
I knew your blog would be interesting! Reading your story makes me feel good. I was born and raised in Alaska and I love to hear stories like yours. It's hard to come to this great state and not fall in love with it. Congrats on the new job, how very exciting for your family!
We are so glad to have you! You are a blessing to Alaska and to us especially. We're in for together and we'll make it in to those "more comfortable" homes one day!
We'll just have to count down our days to visit and start using skype a bit more.
Congrats Nicole, I enjoy reading your blog. It makes me want to live in, or atleast visit, Alaska. I think you're pretty lucky ;)
Lori
Who would have thunk it??? It is a lesson in my life that I am continually reminded. There is a plan for me and it is always better than the one I'd origianlly envisioned. Yay for Alaska, the new job, snow shoeing and good schools!
After you got through the first winter I knew you weren't coming back to Perry. Randy even said you would stay. That just gives us more time to finally come for a visit :0)
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