No news really

We got back from Vicksburg at 2:30 in the morning today. I don't really have any news to report because we won't know anything for another two weeks. Here's the rundown on the visit though...

Overall it was a great trip! We flew in Friday evening and met Michael's mom's best friend for dinner at McAllister's (Michael's favorite sandwich place--a trip to McAllister's always makes him happy). She is super sweet and always encouraging. She prayed for us and encouraged us not to be nervous about the interview.

Saturday for lunch we met the pastor, Tim Brown, and his wife Le. We had been told we would love them and we did. They were very welcoming and told us all about the church and answered our many questions. We loved seeing their heart and hearing about their vision for the church. They told us the good along with the bad which we appreciated because it gave us a more real since of what it would be like to work at the church.

As side story, when I told my Grandpa we were interviewing in Vicksburg he said, "Oh, I know the guy who was the pastor there 20 years ago." His father is a good friend of Grandpa's and he and my dad grew up together. I wasn't sure whether to mention it while we were there since I didn't know what kind of relationship the current pastor might have with the former pastor and didn't want to bring up anything bad. So, at lunch I decided to just ask if he knew my grandpa's friend. When I mentioned his name Tim and Le both looked at each other and laughed. They said, "He married us and he is my mentor in ministry." As they told us more, it turns out that my grandpa's friend had a major role in Tim going into ministry. What a small world!

After lunch we got a tour of the church. The main building was build in 1908 with an addition in the 60's. They have plenty of space and several rooms used for youth. Clark enjoyed playing with the toys in the preschool rooms, playing with a styrofoam cup over the air vent and stomping up and down the wooden wheelchair ramp (The pastor taught him how to do that).

Saturday afternoon/evening we got a tour of the city by two members of the search committee and had dinner at one of their houses. They had sent Michael some interview questions ahead of time so he could prepare. They talked with him after dinner and then just hung out. I was entertaining Clark, so I didn't get to hear his actual interview, but he felt it went well and he was able to explain his vision and philosophy of youth ministry. I did get to visit with the wife and son of one of the search committee members though. They were super nice to Clark and kept him well entertained with plastic containers, lids and a loud monkey toy. We had a good time getting to know the members of the search committee, especially Ridley and Chris who are high schoolers. We would definitely enjoy getting to know the students and being involved in their lives.

Sunday morning we went to church and Sunday School. Steve, a search committee member was our tour guide. He took us around and introduced us to everyone. We met lots of church members, youth team members and parents as well as youth. He took us to the 5th and 6th grade, Jr. high and Sr. high Sunday schools. A number of youth were out of town since it's summer, but at least we got to meet some of the youth and see what they're currently doing in the youth program. We felt very welcome.

After church we had lunch and talked to the search committee again for a short time. They gave Michael more specifics about salary and benefits as well as their time-frame for hiring. They are interviewing another candidate in two weeks and then plan to make their decision quickly after that. We should hear something by the end of June. They're looking get someone there by mid to late July, so if they call and offer the job it'll be a quick transition.

Overall we were encouraged since we felt it was a good fit for us and we could see ourselves working there. But, we're trying not to get too excited since we know they may or may not offer the job. If they call and make an offer then we'll be super excited! Grandpa said to pray the other guy gets another offer. Mississippi would definitely be a big change for me, but I have a better feeling for it now that we've visited. I really liked the people and felt would enjoy making friends. The town is small, but has all your basic necessities. It reminded me a lot of Brooksville which has wonderful memories for us. There's no Target (sad..but there is one I could get in less than an hour if I needed to), but there is Gap outlet and a Children's Place outlet (both very exciting!!) Michael is so ready to be able to get into ministry and we're looking forward to being able to settle in somewhere and plug in.

Now, we're just trying to be patient and not stress (it's easier said than done).