A Journey to Mars

I'm nervous... but Ill have to come back to that.

I'm in the airport in Seattle waiting (7hrs now) for my plane to be fixed so I can go home. I came up on Friday for the purpose of finding an apartment. Here we go:

I began my journey Friday afternoon by looking at an apartment (basement) in a beautiful gingerbread house neighborhood in N. Seattle. It didn't work out. Journey continued Saturday with 8 hours in the car driving to every corner of Seattle only to strike out at every turn. Sarah had done research the week before and had given me a list of places to visit, but to no avail I was unable to contact anyone or get inside any of them. I checked out a couple places on Sunday with the same results.

Monday morning, 3 hours before I have to be at the airport, I embark on a last ditch effort. 1 hour left leads me to Queen Anne Hill in N. Seattle. I'm driving up a street and see a for rent sign. I pull over and call the number. I ask what he has available to rent...

" a studio, 400 square ft, 750 a month" he answers.

"ok," I said, then continued "Do you happen to have any 1-bedroom properties in the area." Being optimistically frustrated.

"Yeah actually we have one that just vacated yesterday over on the east side." He answered.

Taken off guard by his affirmative response I stutter "well, is there any chance I could take a look at it?"

"Sure, we'll have it cleaned up by Thursday so you could drop by then."

"Actually I'm from California and I have to fly out this afternoon, so can I see a floor plan or something?"

"Ill meet you there in 8 minutes." he answers.

HA!

I drive up to a building nostalgic of the 50s and pray. The man from my phone conversation arrives and introduces himself as Jim. I introduce myself and thank him for giving me a show... "of the apartment" I add quickly realizing that sounded kinda weird. I follow him upstairs and shake my head. Jim is super cool and makes small talk as he opens the door.

Hardwood floors, lots of windows, adequate storage, a giant deck... with a view of downtown Seattle and the space needle, cozy kitchen, and the morning sun reflecting off the creme white walls. Jeez..... us... thank you.

I filled out the application and paid the deposit. Ill get a call tomorrow to arrange fedxing the lease.

Jesus hasn't failed me yet.

So why am I nervous? Because I'm exactly in life where God wants me. Sunday I got to meet again with Tyler, a pastor and associate director of the Acts29 Network, a church planting organization run out of Mars Hill Church Seattle. He is going to be placing Sarah and I with a pastor of a current church plant in Seattle to apprentice with and learn the ropes of starting a church from scratch. We will be doing this for about a year and will probably begin our church next fall. I cant wait. But I'm freaked out.

This next year will be a year of recruiting prayer and financial support, as well as our core team. This season is pivotal and will likely attract much spiritual attack, I humbly ask you to commit to praying for Sarah and I as we enter this stage of our ministry. Specifically pray for spiritual and moral endurance, and for unity in our marriage.

August 28th is closing in and we will be on our way, we love you all and will miss you greatly. To check out Mars Hill and Acts29 follow these links:

Mars Hill Church Seattle
Acts29 Network

peace with you,
Joel