Huge decisions made

Dear friends,
I told you last time that Greg and I were going to Spokane, WA for a second job interview for Greg. I went along to meet the people at Partners International and to see the place and visit a church, etc. As much as I didn't want to, I really connected well with the people we met. I could see myself getting involved at Partners, and as I met the staff, I felt like I wanted to get to know them better. The ministry connected with my heart and with our passion for reaching the world for Christ. There was an emphasis on the 10/40 Window that we have been focused on for our entire adult lives of ministry. I met a good friend of one of my good friends there. I met a fellow breast cancer survivor who might start a support group with me. We could at least start with the 2 of us. I met the HR director who I immediately liked, and felt like I could jump in and help. Her personality is similar to mine, I think. I enjoyed my time with the CEO's wife and would love to spend time with her and her husband. So I think I would have a base of friends without having to hunt too hard for them. I loved the city. There are lots of medical things there. People go there from several states around for treatment as it is the biggest city between Seattle and Minniapolis. It is a beautiful place with lots of pine trees and is a fantastic place for those who love the outdoors and the mountains. We'd be 4 hours away from one of my brothers and from Seattle. We looked at houses with a realtor for a day and could picture ourselves living there.
Greg got a formal job offer on Saturday, we met with our group of counselors over the weekend and got no red flags from anyone. I feel peace about this, which surprises me. I even am feeling excited. I know that since I am still feeling tired, that this is something God is doing in my heart. I feel like He is handing me a gift. I still would rather not move, but I have confidence that we can maintain our relationships here. We have family, friends and our church here which we are tied closely to.
Greg told Partners yesterday that he would accept the job. After that we actually also made an offer on a house we saw last week near an excellent high school and near Whitworth College on the north side of the city. We'll find out soon if we got it.
So all that is to say, we are planning to move sometime in July. Greg will be starting May 1st and they want him to be there in the office 10 days a month as we transition, and then full time starting in August. We have written more details on our email update. If you want to receive that, please email Greg at gfritz7@aol.com and he will sign you up for automatic updates.
After 3 months of feeling tremendous loss, I feel like a new chapter is opening up for me. The hard part is that our leaving is creating a loss for our family and friends here. That is the hard part for all of us. Please pray for this transition time and that we can continue to work through the processing of all that we need to. I am still meeting with the counselor weekly which has been a tremendous help. It isn't easy, but I want to heal, so it is necessary. Greg is processing with a close friend of his.
Jesse is OK with moving. He still has 2 years of high school to go. He has lived here all his life and was actually born in this house 16 years ago. He doesn't want to move, but believes he will survive the change OK. The high school we found for him has a strong music program he will enjoy. He wanted a bigger room and lots of trees. If we get the house we are looking at, he will get his wish. We will also have room for company, and I will have my dream storage room among other things. When Jesse visited Allison he actually attended some classes with her and on his own, and can see himself going to college. He also made lots of friends, so I think he will be able to do that in Spokane also.
Laura turns 22 next Tuesday in Atlanta. It is hard to believe that she is so grown up!
I would say I feel a little stronger- maybe up to 70% of my old self. I am still sleeping in late most days, but I think relieving stress by having this decision made has lifted some of the fatigue. The nerve in my jaw continues to heal and the area of numbness and pain is gradually shrinking. My neck and shoulder are still bad from radiation afteraffects, but my back is gradually doing better. I got a new therapeudic sleeve for my left arm and it works very well. I am wearing it to prevent lymphodema some days and when I fly, and my arm hasn't gotten worse. I am going to a PT specialist in radiation massage so she can help to work on the scar tissue growing under my arm. That way hopefully I won't have a big problem. Today I found a 3 inch curly hair on my shoulder- and it was from my head!
If you are a friend of ours in Denver, we are sorry to be causing you loss. Greg promised me at least 4 visits back a year. I must say that Greg has been loving and gentle and listening to me with his ears and heart. He was willing to not move if I wasn't on board. I really truely had veto power. I am so grateful to God for giving me such a fantastic husband. As he says, "This is going to be an adventure!" I am looking forward to experiencing it with Greg, my best friend.
Once again, you are sweet to endure my long entries. Thank you! Have a blessed Easter! Nancy