I Never Thought I Would Say This

Hooray! We're staying in Alabama!!!

Twenty-five years ago, when Robert and I were dating, we were talking about different places we might live. I remember telling him at that time, "The only two places that I DO NOT want to live are Alabama and Mississippi." Twenty-five years later, I found myself facing an eminent move and not wanting to leave.

One year ago, Robert had to close his residential construction business due to the crisis in the housing industry. We were so blessed for him to be offered an engineering position with Barnhart Crane out of Memphis. So, for the last year, Robert has lived out of a suitcase and has traveled to and worked in either Memphis or different parts of Texas. As we looked toward our future with Barnhart, a decision had to be made as to where we would go. Houston, Texas has been the location on both of our hearts and minds. In December, we even traveled to Houston to find a place to live. We were all set to go. We were just waiting to hear from Barnhart on some final negotiations on the move package.

But then we waited....... and waited......... and waited to hear back from them. Over a month went by before we had an answer. However, during that month, something unexpected happened. Someone here in Birmingham contacted Robert about a potential job (this happened while I was in Africa!). They began talks and Robert became more and more interested in this position. And, as Barnhart did not respond, time to pursue this opportunity continued to be available.

At one point, it looked like the negotiations with the company here in B'ham were breaking down and this was very disappointing to both of us. You hear people talking about not having a "peace" about something. I think it boiled down to: we were fine to leave Birmingham when there were no work options available to us here. We were sad to leave our great church and our dear friends, but you can't stay where you don't have work. Now, with an option on the table to stay, we just didn't have a "peace" about choosing to go. We just felt like God was giving us a way to continue to be yoked in service with our church and our community. In the end, Robert was able to negotiate an agreement with the company here in Birmingham, and subsequently, he turned in his notice at Barnhart.

I must say, this was one of the most difficult decisions we have ever had to make. So much went in to it and we struggled to find clarity and wisdom in this situation. There were so many aspects to this decision to consider - it was excruciating at times. We prayed for clarity and wisdom. We begged God to lead us in this. We asked God to not give us what we wanted, but to give us what HE wanted for us - and to help us want what He wanted.

In the end, we made the best decision we could. We just didn't sense a clear leading to go when the option to stay presented itself.

Robert has accepted the position of Chief Engineer with a company called NAFCO (North Alabama Fabrication Company). They are a very strong company - even in the current market. Robert will be their resident PE (licensed professional engineer) and will be over their engineering department. He will also work to develop new markets and pursue client development. He is very excited about the opportunity. Interestingly, the president of the company and his family recently joined Brook Hills (our church).

Obviously, the kids are very excited that we are staying. And as a friend said recently, "First, I couldn't believe you were leaving. Now, I can't believe you are staying." Our family feels the same way!

So Alabama is officially OFF my list of places I do not want to live.