Monday, February 11, 2013

and we're moving to...

Yup, we're moving to Portland (!!) Joel accepted an offer for an Assistant Professor (in the Counselor Education program) at Portland State University -- our number one pick!


And I am going to take this opportunity to gush about him a bit. I can't help myself, I am just so proud of him. Out of the three on-campus interviews he had in the past two weeks, all three offered him the job, rather quickly (coincidentally, all on the same day -- the timing couldn't have been much more ideal). They all wanted him pretty badly. My husband is a hot commodity! It felt like he was getting drafted. He really enjoyed getting to know the faculty members at each school, and it was no easy thing turning down the other two offers. 
Photos from the beautiful towns where Joel interviewed. 

But we feel pretty strongly that Portland is where we're supposed to be. From the minute Joel first saw the job posted, it felt significant. Joel felt like the position was created just for him; everything about it aligned with his specific interests and experience.  It really is the perfect fit for him more than any of the 29 jobs he applied for. We planned a trip out there for a counseling conference Joel presented at before the job had even been posted. Once the trip came around, the job had been posted and he'd just applied, and had the opportunity to meet with a faculty member to learn more about the position & felt even more strongly that it suited him to a tee (plus he really clicked with the faculty member). On top of that, we absolutely fell in love with Portland, as is evident in this post. There were moments, while hanging out at Powell's (when Joel was at the conference) where I had to snap out of feeling as if we already lived there. It was the strangest feeling; something about it just felt so right. We left very reluctantly, hoping very much that we would be back soon. But by no means were we getting our hopes up, knowing the chances were so slim that he would be offered the job (there were over 100 applicants after all). 

{source}
But he got it! His #1 pick. Not only that, but the search committee voted unanimously to offer him the job. Talk about confirmation. All of his ridiculously hard work and determination over the past five years has led up to this. I am amazed and inspired by what he has accomplished. We have both made many sacrifices to get to this point (being the wife of a PhD student definitely comes with its set of difficulties!). It is hard to believe we are on the brink of this challenging (and long) journey coming to an end. We feel incredibly blessed and are so excited for the adventures God has in store for us. 


22 comments:

Sarah Dawneé said...

Congrats!

So excited for you both. It is so great that the hard work is being rewarded with this opportunity.

Blessing to you both as you prepare for this new season!

Tiffany Kadani said...

SOOOOO EXCITED! And when I heard Portland I was all- THEY LOVE THAT PLACE!

Your husband is a rock star. Tell him I said that, will ya?

Faith said...

God is so good!

Kelly said...

Yay! SO super exciting! Congratulations to your hubby! God is so good. What a blessing to be able to head to a town that you love!

Anna said...

Wow, that is so exciting! Especially since in so many disciplines it's hard to find a job after a PhD these days. Congratulations and good luck with the move!

Beth @ The Goad Abode said...

I'm so happy for you guys and a little piece of my got really excited at the words "state university." Yes, I'm a true lover of public higher ed :) Go, Joel! and I love your gushing, well deserved! I can't wait to follow your west coast adventures :)

Megan said...

Congratulations to Joel!! I am so happy for you both!! xo

Linnea Wheeler said...

We are so thrilled for you, Megan!! And I'm glad you took the opportunity to gush about your husband! :) All those facts are pretty amazing! How wonderful and good God is to give you your number 1 pick!! And with such confirmation! I'm getting all tingly feeling for you guys as you anticipate this new phase of your life!!

Chris and I are also glad to now know someone in Portland--he's been wanting to visit there for a very long while :) We'll have to plan a trip!

Much love to you both!!

Erika said...

AHHH! SO EXCITED FOR YOU!

I love Portland and I love the Northwest. Welcome to this part of the country!

If you need anything-- please let me know! I know some people in PDX, and of course, I'm just 3 hours away. There's a great blogging community down there (and up here)! And, as well, there are some really great churches. :) Congrats again! Portland is wonderful! (And so weird!) ha

sloeginfizz said...

Congratulations! That's so super exciting. Can't wait to follow along on the adventure!

lacey said...

amazing news! God likes to bless his children with the desires of their hearts. please share all of your adventures and findings with us here in blogworld!

Sandy a la Mode said...

yayy!! i remember when i saw you in KC that you had told me this... and now it's a dream come true!! congrats!!

p.s. stop by my blog for my latest post and check the bottom! you are a winner! ;)

Oh, My Darling said...

Wow, congratulations! This is wonderful news -- I hope you savor every moment of this chapter and the one that is to come!

fernandflora said...

Aw! That's such exciting news! Congrats to you both. Sounds like your hubby is quite a guy. And Portland!? I'm sure you'll LOVE it there. We just sold our house and will be moving from Denver back home to Omaha. Not as exciting as Portland, but we'll be in the same city as all our family and with a baby, that's what matters most right now. Good luck with the move!

becca said...

woohoo!!!!

So excited for you guys, Megan!
When are you going, again?
This is such great news. Can't wait to see the adventures of Portland!

Bonnie said...

yayayayayay! Good things! Good God things! And you'll be moving just in time for our beautiful spring-summer season. Seriously. It's amazing! xoxo

k said...

that is so exciting, congratulations!!

shayla. said...

so exciting!! i want to make an oregon road trip stat. and cute blog :)

Melissa Blake said...

This is WONDERFUL news!! It sounds like things couldn't have gone any better! xoxo

Brewed Together said...

This is amazing and so exciting! We've heard amazing things about Portland and are sure this will be a great source for blog inspiration for you! And Congratulations to you guys. We are excited to have just come across your blog. New followers here and can't wait to read more about your adventures! Good luck with the move! Xo, M&K at brewedtogether.com

Little Tree Vintage said...

congrats and so happy for you!

Unknown said...

How exciting!!! Congrats to you guys! Have fun and best of luck!!