Because of Tew

Merrill and I have decided that we've had enough of life in Portland. It was nice for the first few months, but after Eliana was born, we've had several things happen that are signs that Portland is not where we are supposed to be. First of all, we've had major trouble with finances-it's just too expensive for a student to support his family here. Then there's the job situation, where if you aren't in the medical or engineering fields, you're out of luck in landing something. Not to mention that Oregon has an incredibly high unemployment rate (thus you have people pumping your gas for you throughout the state). Portland State offers little help in career preparation for Merrill, and he hasn't really gotten any closer to graduating despite all the classes he's taken here so far. And, even though we thought we could survive on our own, we realize now that having family and friends nearby is very helpful.

So, life continued getting harder, and staying in Portland seemed increasingly like a pit of despair. In contemplating how to better our situation, we decided we should have stuck to our original plan from a year ago: move to Ogden, UT so Merrill can attend Weber State and I can find work. Looking back, when we visited Weber State, Merrill and I felt really good about Merrill going there. Now we are going to step back and try this moving thing one more time: we're moving to Ogden!

Right now we are applying for jobs to start in mid-August, after Merrill finishes summer term at PSU. If we land something, we'll move to Ogden ASAP. If not, we will be moving to Roseburg, OR to stay with Merrill's mom until we can find work in Ogden or winter semester starts at Weber State. Whichever happens first.

Moving to Ogden will really help us where living in Portland failed: there are more job opportunities in my field (English and Design), better education and career opportunities for Merrill, and family and friends nearby. Please keep us in your prayers, so that we may find work in Ogden and be able to move there soon!