Next 06.02.2008

Now that I've kept some of you in suspense I'll fill you in.

At the root of Les' heart issues are altitude. Our cardiologist bluntly recommended no more kids and a much lower altitude - in fact, he suggested a submarine to emphasize the altitude. Those doctors, they're just so funny...

At that time we knew what would lie ahead of us, we just didn't know when. (Skipping ahead). Within 48-hours of placing our name in the musical market we heard from Second Baptist in Houston. Specifically, Eddie Struble - former Bellevue member and Briarcrest High School choir director. He asked if we would even be interested in checking Second out. I said, "Well, yes." A month or two later the whole fam flew to Houston. It was only my second time in Houston. The first time I sang the national anthem in the Astro Dome. That's about all I knew, and really know now, of Houston. We stepped off the plane to what felt like the beach. I've discovered living in the mountains makes anywhere else feel like the beach - muggy. We left 8 inches of snow in Breck and landed in 80˙ heat. It was weird, like leaving earth and landing on Mars. Anyway, we played in four services in less than 24-hours, had a slew of meetings and interviews, then flew back home. That was the first weekend in May. A note on one of our meetings. We met with Ben Young, Ed's son. He preaches for the 11:11, Sunday morning, contemporary service at the main campus. He had a surfing book on his coffee table. It seems to be his "thing" so I asked where all he's been. I told him I've surfed quite a bit in Mexico. Of all the places we've surfed at some of the same beaches: Punta de Mente and Sayulita, south of Puerto Vallarta. It was a great connection. (Ed's third son is Cliff of Caedmon's Call).

This week I received a "package" for employment. I was offered the worship leader position at one of Second's five campuses. We will be at the Pearland campus, in south Houston. Much more south and we'd literally be in the Gulf of Mexico. Just for clarification Pearland is Pear Land, not PEARLand. I'm not sure why yet, but that's the way it is. I'll let you know when I find out. I hope it's because there are Pear trees.

As I type I'm on a Continental flight to check out apartments. By the way, this flight is packed like Beanie Weanies. The poor kid that barfed and the nervous lady next to me are like the juice in the Beanie can, marinating the Weanies. Returning. The plan now is to find a rental place until we find a house. We've found a torrent of houses online, but it's always a little shaky to go sight unseen. Second was kind enough to get me there. If I find an actual house I like I'll shoot Les some photos and go from there.

As of now our first Sunday will be July 6. Just a hop, skip and a jump from today. Our friends ask us if we're exited. From what I know it's about as close as you can get to a dream job, but I think my heart will always be in the mountains. There is something about my soul and the mountains (it's culture, activities and beauty) that work well together. Maybe like Lance and his bike. For whatever reason the Lord, the Sovereign One, has closed that door. I've told the Lord that I feel like He closed it on me personally, but I know He's just closed it. I've told Him that I'd live anywhere in the world for His glory - I just never thought it would be Houston. Funny how that works. My heart is amped to be around music again. I can't express how much I look forward to having a band again. (Mike, Philip, Derek, Garret, I miss you guys). I look forward for Les to have stores to go to.

Now we await our next adventure.