For quite some time now I have wanted to pursue a career in policy research. Through many God-sent connections we didn't even know we had, we got lots of solid advice for pursuing a career in Washington, and Virginia and I decided to pursue moving as soon as we found a house. On Saturday the 6th of this month, we trekked up there to scope out a house, and to meet our new housemates, Jacob and Alyssa (housing is so expensive there that it's most practical to share those expenses if at all possible!). The trip up was about a 7.5 hour drive, but it's an easy one - straight through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The house we picked was built in 1905, is extremely quaint and recently renovated, and is only 3 blocks from a metro-station (and you can see the Capitol Building from our road!). Once I get up there I'll have a meeting with a Congressman and a gentleman who worked for the FBI during the Clinton and Bush administrations, as well as with a few of our newly met friends who have been giving us advice. Virginia will be continuing to work a virtual job as a marketing director for a real estate company, which will help us a ton during the moving process.
As I think about where my/our life has gone over the past little while, I am overwhelmed. The love we have been shown by friends and family has been dearly needed, and the doors that have both opened and closed have led us to a place where we are fairly confident we are doing what we are meant to do. And that is a very, very good feeling. All my life I have wanted to write (and I just recently published my first book!) and since highschool I have wanted to influence the political world in any way I can. And I am finally getting the chance. Virginia has always had a passion for nonprofit work (her parents guided her and helped grow her in that direction when she was young), and she has a heart for the developing young professional. What better place to cultivate these loves than in our nation's capitol!
Of course, we are both extremely excited to be around such rich history and art - I am sure you will see many pictures and blog posts from both of us over the next few months in this regard. I fully intent to update you on our life and travels here, as well as keep you updated on my inspiration from time-to-time on my Scarlequain blog.
If you would, please pray for us. The closest family we will have once we move will be some cousins of Virginia's, but they will be at least 3 hours away, and we don't really have any solid friends there yet. Be we are eagerly anticipating making many new friends once we arrive! Further, pray that the Lord will continue to guide and protect us, particularly with me solidifying the first new steps of my career. Pray that the people we leave behind here in TN will trust that we are doing the right thing, and that God knows what is best for us.
Thank you so much for your involvement in our life, if only through the reading of this blog. To all my wonderful friends in Tennessee - you always have my heart. I will always bleed orange, and I will always be a connection and friend to you in the ways I have been in the past. Virginia and I love each and every one of you, and we will continue to pray that the Lord directs you like He has directed us.
Keep an eye on this blog! I'll write again once we are moved in.
All the best,
Jonathan
