Here We Are!

Well, here we are - settling into our "new" life in Western Pennsylvania.  Transitions are so fun, aren't they?  We've had an interesting 7 weeks as we've moved everything we own from our home of 12 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan to our new residence in Beaver, Pennsylvania.  What a ride!  But it's been a lot of fun in the process.  Our first apartment (we were there for 3 weeks) was above a welding shop.  Our realtor graciously let us live in one of her apartments while we figured out what to do - rent, or buy.  In the end, we decided to rent until our house sold.  A decision we didn't really want to make, but one that we know is wisest - especially in today's market!  Once we decided to rent, we found a little gem above a popular bakery right in the heart of our new town of Beaver, PA.  A 3 bedroom little abode that is suiting our needs just fine.  So. . . here we are!

What's been happening, you ask?  Well, where to begin!  We found a new church almost immediately.  First Presbyterian Church is not even a block from our new apartment, and is the church Rick attended when he was an RD at Geneva College 17 years ago.  We tried it out, found the congregation to be most welcoming, the pastors to be godly men with a solid biblical base, and the rest is history!  Michelle had lunch with the pastor's wife last week, has gotten connected with some volunteer opportunities, has joined a local bible study, and is going for training this weekend to become a facilitator for marriage & relationship workshops!  

Yes, Michelle is getting involved in a lot of things and having a good time in the process.  She's the "wildcard" in the Zomer Inc. equation because she made this transition not knowing exactly what she'll be doing when it all shakes down.  She has applied to numerous jobs, has been on 4 interviews, declined 3 jobs, and is on the threshold of accepting one as early as tomorrow!  But more on that as more is known. . .

Rick is loving his new role as professor.  His schedule is much more flexible than his administrator's schedule has allowed for the past 12 years, and he is absolutely loving it!  He goes to work in jeans every day (big surprise there, right?? . . . and much to Michelle's dismay!), and spends quite a bit of time at his "satellite office" - a.k.a. Starbucks - that is just 4 doors down from our apartment.  God has a sense of humor, doesn't he??!

The housing situation remains a source of . . . what?  Anxiety maybe?  Not quite that strong.  Frustration?  Maybe that's a better word.  Although we love it above the bakery & like being in the center of everything, we can't have Berman there & would love to move into the house we've finally chosen - we haven't bought it yet, but it's a perfect situation because the seller won't be quite ready with all the updates until late fall.  So we've put in an offer to close near the holidays, hoping that by then things will come together with the sale of our house in Grand Rapids.  We're praying that all comes together nicely!

A lot of you have been asking about Berman.  She's with Michelle's parents in Gettysburg, and is actually loving life.  She's become quite the "country dog" since late July when we dropped her off, and spends her days playing with 5 month old Sadie, her new little chocolate lab best friend.   She helps Michelle's Dad in the garden, and her Mom in the kitchen.  So she has a lot to keep her busy.  We have a feeling that when the time comes she may not want to come back with us!  But she's doing well.  I think we're having a harder time with the separation than she is!

So, this ends our very first-ever "blog" - I can barely bring myself to admit that I'm writing one.  It seems so "teeny-bopper"!  But it's the best way I can find to let the masses know what we're up to & what's been going on.  So any time you're wondering about the Zomers, come here & find out what's up!

Talk to you soon - and thanks for your continued prayers & for your endless love and support.  We feel it!

Rick & Michelle