job updates...

so...there has been quite a stirring this past month with job hunt and ideas....thus the reason i've been a bit quite. there is quite a lot to sift and pray through and even as i type i think of conversations that were had just yesterday that still tell me, i'm not in charge-the lord is. no matter what ducks i try to put in a row, he is the one who knows the journey to our story and i just need to sit, watch him work and abide. here is the latest that we could use your prayers in:

We have a few things that are before us that we could use clarity on, and just a covering from you dear ones as we sift through where it is we are being led...here is a bit of background and update on some things that Ryan wrote to his peeps, which encouraged me to send it off to you all for prayer as well. Below are both of our hearts right now.

i'm (aly) really praying, considering about possibly applying for PhD programs. Currently i'm looking at Fuller's PhD in Psych and Loma Linda's DMFT program (i'm open to others, this is just what i've look at so far) I'm just having little conversations here and there with folks who are in these programs and their thoughts on them. I'm also trying to really consider if this is something that our family can handle. How much of a PhD program can I handle while being a wife and mother.? What PhD program will let me take things at a slower pace? Are we nuts to think about this, we don't have money to pay for a PhD program! I've not taken math in over 15 years, and I have to take the GRE in order to get into a PhD program...sigh....anyway, I do know the Lord will provide the money and the intellect in order to pass if this is indeed the path he wants me to go. I have really come to love teaching and being with college/post college aged men and women. I'm so thankful for the opportunities i've had through ISF to teach. It's been challenging to say the least, but also there are moments of utter glee like this is just where i've been called to be. I'm just in a season of a lot of discernment and would love / covet you joining me / us in prayer. Ryan is also really considering this as well as he looks as positions...if this is the road for me to take now, or later...he's just so supportive, i'm so thankful. anyway...

Below are Ryan's requests:

Last year we met with a man named Dennis baker. He is basically a professional headhunter for the EV free denomination. This was such a cool meeting and made aly and i very hopeful. since then he went on sabbatical but now he is back. He has tossed our name to three churches. they are listed:

1) A church in san diego area- they dropped me when they found I didn't have an Mdiv
2) church in Santa Maria- the position is a half time worship; half time youth position. I met with them, they called all of my references. I'll talk more on them in a second
3) A church in Tujunga/Sunland; basically a senior pastor position without the teaching. I would be a pastor of the people and leading and developing teams.

so here's where the status is with these positions:
1. Santa maria- Is highly interested in me. But I told them I was out, did not want to be a youth pastor anymore. they told me how disappointed they were but appreciated my honesty. then they told me they were going to re-work the position and get back to me if they could find a situation that fits. Since they I spoke with a friend who had a long conversation with them... My friend told me he thinks they were going to hire me and in possibly 5-10 years, give me the senior pastor role. Crazy... i didn't hear back from them till today. they want to talk, they are willing to explore other options. I think this is a way of saying, we are willing to do some tailoring to make this position fit you... CRAZY!!! (update, ry spoke with them yesterday and man, they just seem like amazing people who really want to nurture ryan in this pastoral role and shepherd him as he learns to and shepherds others. the plan is to go up sometime in february to check out the church ourselves and meet with folks in person. we'll keep you posted)

2. Tujunga- I met with the senior pastor last week. Very cool chap. He's basically their teaching pastor. He lives 40 miles away and commutes in to teach and that's all. They need someone else, someone to be on premises and to lead from there. I really liked what I heard, i also liked his honesty, he seems like a good fit with me. they want me to go to the next step with them. (aly's addition: this church is also a few miles away from Fuller Seminary, which is one place i'm looking)

finally,
I just applied to a PhD program at APU. I will be waiting to hear back if I get in. If I do, it makes sense to hang out a couple more years, to be accessible to the college world. Or to look for jobs in another College setting, my preference is Christian.

three options that still need to be teased out. None may come to fruition. i have several prayer requests:

1) Clarity- Oh Lord help me understand the ways you have wired me and what is truly exciting to me!!
2) Please lead my heart
3) Can you show me the next step?
4) give me peace for RIGHT NOW! cuz I am here and here is the only place I am. I must lean into you God and be at peace that you are leading me.
I am grateful for your intercession.

Friends, thank you so much, we are so so very thankful you have taken the time to read this (sorry so long!) and to join us in prayer. we'll keep you posted on what transpires. Please feel free to ask questions, offer responses etc...etc...we value you and your voice in our life.

Love to you all
Alyssa