*

Sunday, January 2, 2011

really big (island) news!

i married a volcano seismologist. that's not something many people can say, or understand. i mean what does that even mean? usually when people ask me what wes dose, they get all hung up on the seismologist part. "a volcano what? therapist?" (seriously, i got that response once). here's a quick lesson:

1. volcano n: a fissure in the earth's crust (or in the surface of some other planet) through which molten lava and gases erupt

2. seismology n : the branch of geology that studies earthquakes

therefore, 1+2= WES! pretty cool i think. it only took him 10 years of higher education. not to mention the last 6 weeks before he defended his thesis we were learning all the chaotic joys of parenthood. whew, that was rough. well worth it though, to be called dr. wes.

so what's the big news? clearly none of this is information is new. in fact, last february we relocated for a post-doc opportunity that would give us 2-5 years of "stability" while we raised coen. we were ready to plant roots, get comfy and settle in for a while. you know, relax.

well the jokes on us. clearly. on friday wes accepted a permanent position with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) on the Big Island of Hawaii. gulp.

our decision to accept this position did not come lightly. when the offer was first brought to the table, we packed up with a few days notice and headed over to check things out. it was a crazy 4 days that i am not sure really ever happened (such a blur). professionally speaking, this position is an amazing opportunity for wes. real, active, volcanoes....LAVA. i mean, really? it doesn't get any better than that. but we had to dig deeper and make sure it could be a good fit for our family. we did our research, we know the pros and the cons. we are excited, and we are scared. we are saddened to be so far away from family, but eager for all the visitors. mostly, we know that Gods plan is so so much bigger than ours, and trusting Him in this decision has provided total peace in both of us. so here we go. let the crazy journey begin. come march, we will reside on the big island. aloha!


6 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness Jenni!! This is so exciting!! Funny how our plans are pretty much NEVER what God has planned for our lives, I could tell you all about it ;-) Praying your step of faith is super blessed!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, the joys and difficulties of living so far away from friends and family! Congratulations on a new life adventure. Jenni, we should form a club for people like us, maybe it should include internet coffee dates! :) Best Wishes, you will love it, I'm sure!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What exciting, amazing news! Very happy for you and I can't wait to hear all about your new journey!

    ReplyDelete
  4. that is so stinkin' exciting!!! HAWAII!!

    As I sit here in our -14 degree weather, I can't help but scream with excitement for you. I'll be praying for you, and for God's protection over your family. I know how hard it was for me being so far from family and friends, but I am sure God has everything worked out perfect for you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. congratulations!! we are really excited for you. We can relate to the pain of being far from family and friends - but it does make the time you have with them even more special. And, at least you'll have the opportunity to make new friends and have new life experiences. This will be an enriching experience and a positive one! God bless you as you start this amazing journe!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. WOW!how exciting for you all..your trust in the lord has given you so many blessings and i know although you will be further away God will take care of you! i am so happy for wes... his hard dedicated work has paid off and it is time for you wes to enjoy! along with jen and coen! you are by far the best team together... loves

    ReplyDelete