Moving away, moving on. - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

AKA · 03-20-2007, 11:57 PM

For the last 26 years and 243 days, I have called Spokane, WA my home.

This will cease on April 6, 2007, when I move to Oroville, CA, a small town outside Sacramento.

I'm moving to become a better human being, as well as a better servant and follower of Jesus Christ.

For the past few years, I've had the opportunity to move down there and intern for The Father's House Church, which is a growing congregation in the heart of the "South Side" of Oroville, a notorious meth-ifested, poverty-ridden neighborhood that my Uncle Steve (the head pastor and founder of The Father's House, who also happens to be a contractor) has been working to revitalize for the last ten years.

Because of my Uncle Steve and Aunt Vicki and their hard work, countless people who previously had no hope have been able to turn their lives around; whether it's breaking generations-long cycles of addiction, or simply helping people who feel "broken" get back on the right track.

For the past few years, I've been turning down the opportunity to intern, for many reasons. First and foremost, I've been afraid of what my non-Christian friends would think of me (I'm still growing in my faith and a lot of times, I'm uncomfortable talking about it; I haven't grown a bit since accepting Christ in June, 2004). I also have a job that pays me quite well, and I have roots in Spokane.

Oh yeah, and there's that health thing, too.

I've decided to take the risk. I'm going to be living off of pledges and possibly a part-time job if I can handle one, as well as free room and board provided by the church.

I'm doing this for myself, first and foremost. I feel like I'm lost in my ways, trapped in a life that's going nowhere. And I feel that Oroville is where God wants me right now. I've actually felt that way for a long time; I've just denied it.

And a change of scenery would do me good. It will help me get out of this rut and this state of arrested development I feel I'm stuck in.

Since I won't be making a whole lot of money, I should be able to have my meds covered by the state. And if not, I honestly think that in that climate, I can survive off of Tylenol Arthritis. I really feel like my RA is going into remission.

Some of you know I've been a Christian for the last three years (though not what one would define as "on-fire"), and I'm still the same Brad. I still think farts are funny, I still listen to the same music, I still have a lot of the same political ideals I did before my transition (although I'd consider myself more in the middle of the political spectrum now).

The difference now is that I think farts are funny and I believe there's a God that loves all who find them funny.

Nighthawk76 · 03-21-2007, 12:00 AM

The best of luck to you, Brad.

Brian Damage · 03-21-2007, 12:01 AM

Wow, that is a big move. I have to say Brad, I am impressed. I wish you nothing but the best in your lifetime of following Jesus and learning about Christianity.

AKA · 03-21-2007, 12:10 AM

Thanks, guys. I won't be on nearly as much after the move, but I'll try and pop in from time to time.

Janice · 03-21-2007, 12:25 AM

Brad, I'm very happy that you're made a life-changing decision. It sounds ideal for you. I'll write more about it, but I'm ass dragging tired here, so that will have to wait until tomorrow. I just wanted to acknowledge your announcement now.

Max Whittaker · 03-21-2007, 01:55 AM

Excellent!

I made a similar move about two years ago from my home of 20 years. Although my adventure was not for religion, it was the greatest thing I could have done! A change of scenery is good from time-to-time and a true mission in life is essential for happiness!

It only gets better from here!

dawsongirl · 03-21-2007, 01:55 AM

Good luck! Maybe you can make a difference in some people's lives. That's always a natural high.

Lex Luthor · 03-21-2007, 02:46 AM

It takes a lot of courage to make such a huge life altering change, I commend you on your devotion and commitment and wish you all the success and fufillment you desire.

ponytail · 03-21-2007, 06:52 AM

I applaud you. You're doing what a lot of people are afraid to do, getting out of their comfort zone. Good luck!

Already Gone · 03-21-2007, 08:46 AM

That's great Brad!

Good luck on the move and congratulations.

AKA · 03-21-2007, 06:55 PM

So I put in my two weeks' notice at work today. That was by far one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I barely got through talking to my boss about it without my voice cracking.

My boss said that if my path ever leads me back to Spokane, the door is wide open for me to return.

Ireneparalegal · 03-21-2007, 06:59 PM

WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!! I hope the change of weather can help you better with your physical health. God be with you and hope to still see you around here like we do!!!!!!

Mr. Cranky · 03-22-2007, 09:29 AM

Good luck and happy trails AKA. Sounds like a good move for you.

Penny Lane · 03-22-2007, 10:15 AM

Good Luck Brad!Keep us posted!

AKA · 03-23-2007, 12:23 AM

For the last few nights, I've felt this horrible feeling of apprehension about my decision, which caused me to toss and turn in bed. I'd go from thinking it was the best decision I've ever made to the biggest mistake.

Tonight, my best friend took me out to dinner and gave my decision his blessing. I don't know how many of you out there have felt the Holy Spirt come upon you, but it did for me tonight and gave me some much-needed inner peace.

I think I'll sleep well tonight.

03-20-2007, 11:57 PM	#1
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	Moving away, moving on. For the last 26 years and 243 days, I have called Spokane, WA my home. This will cease on April 6, 2007, when I move to Oroville, CA, a small town outside Sacramento. I'm moving to become a better human being, as well as a better servant and follower of Jesus Christ. For the past few years, I've had the opportunity to move down there and intern for The Father's House Church, which is a growing congregation in the heart of the "South Side" of Oroville, a notorious meth-ifested, poverty-ridden neighborhood that my Uncle Steve (the head pastor and founder of The Father's House, who also happens to be a contractor) has been working to revitalize for the last ten years. Because of my Uncle Steve and Aunt Vicki and their hard work, countless people who previously had no hope have been able to turn their lives around; whether it's breaking generations-long cycles of addiction, or simply helping people who feel "broken" get back on the right track. For the past few years, I've been turning down the opportunity to intern, for many reasons. First and foremost, I've been afraid of what my non-Christian friends would think of me (I'm still growing in my faith and a lot of times, I'm uncomfortable talking about it; I haven't grown a bit since accepting Christ in June, 2004). I also have a job that pays me quite well, and I have roots in Spokane. Oh yeah, and there's that health thing, too. I've decided to take the risk. I'm going to be living off of pledges and possibly a part-time job if I can handle one, as well as free room and board provided by the church. I'm doing this for myself, first and foremost. I feel like I'm lost in my ways, trapped in a life that's going nowhere. And I feel that Oroville is where God wants me right now. I've actually felt that way for a long time; I've just denied it. And a change of scenery would do me good. It will help me get out of this rut and this state of arrested development I feel I'm stuck in. Since I won't be making a whole lot of money, I should be able to have my meds covered by the state. And if not, I honestly think that in that climate, I can survive off of Tylenol Arthritis. I really feel like my RA is going into remission. Some of you know I've been a Christian for the last three years (though not what one would define as "on-fire"), and I'm still the same Brad. I still think farts are funny, I still listen to the same music, I still have a lot of the same political ideals I did before my transition (although I'd consider myself more in the middle of the political spectrum now). The difference now is that I think farts are funny and I believe there's a God that loves all who find them funny.

03-21-2007, 12:01 AM	#3
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Wow, that is a big move. I have to say Brad, I am impressed. I wish you nothing but the best in your lifetime of following Jesus and learning about Christianity.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

03-21-2007, 01:55 AM	#6
Max Whittaker I want Serenity back Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 30, 2001 Posts: 6,180	Excellent! I made a similar move about two years ago from my home of 20 years. Although my adventure was not for religion, it was the greatest thing I could have done! A change of scenery is good from time-to-time and a true mission in life is essential for happiness! It only gets better from here!
	__________________ I will get things done for America – to make our people safer, smarter, & healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.

03-21-2007, 02:46 AM	#8
Lex Luthor I'm bringing Lexy back Senior Member Join Date: Jun 07, 2005 Location: The Great White North Posts: 2,374	It takes a lot of courage to make such a huge life altering change, I commend you on your devotion and commitment and wish you all the success and fufillment you desire.
	__________________ I look forward to resuming our verbal judo - Lex Luthor It's a complicated world, Clark. Only the naïve view it in black and white - Lex Luthor Genevieve: "I underestimated you, Lex." Lex: "Well, that’s a common mistake." Lionel Luthor: "We don't need to play games, son." Lex Luthor: "Dad, games are all we got."

03-21-2007, 06:59 PM	#12
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!! I hope the change of weather can help you better with your physical health. God be with you and hope to still see you around here like we do!!!!!!
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

03-21-2007, 12:00 AM	#2
Nighthawk76 Rachel Berry Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 28, 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 23,254	The best of luck to you, Brad.

03-21-2007, 12:10 AM	#4
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	Thanks, guys. I won't be on nearly as much after the move, but I'll try and pop in from time to time.

03-21-2007, 12:25 AM	#5
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Brad, I'm very happy that you're made a life-changing decision. It sounds ideal for you. I'll write more about it, but I'm ass dragging tired here, so that will have to wait until tomorrow. I just wanted to acknowledge your announcement now.

03-21-2007, 01:55 AM	#7
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,140	Good luck! Maybe you can make a difference in some people's lives. That's always a natural high.

03-21-2007, 06:52 AM	#9
ponytail Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 20, 2004 Location: In Happy, Healthy, Wealthyville Posts: 4,273	I applaud you. You're doing what a lot of people are afraid to do, getting out of their comfort zone. Good luck!

03-21-2007, 08:46 AM	#10
Already Gone Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 31, 2004 Posts: 2,587	That's great Brad! Good luck on the move and congratulations.

03-21-2007, 06:55 PM	#11
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	So I put in my two weeks' notice at work today. That was by far one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I barely got through talking to my boss about it without my voice cracking. My boss said that if my path ever leads me back to Spokane, the door is wide open for me to return.

03-22-2007, 09:29 AM	#13
Mr. Cranky Loveable fuzzball Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 07, 2005 Location: Cranksville Posts: 651	Good luck and happy trails AKA. Sounds like a good move for you.
	__________________ Proud Member of The Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Abortion stops a beating heart COPs = Chronically Offended People FOX NEWS RULES

03-22-2007, 10:15 AM	#14
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,261	Good Luck Brad!Keep us posted! Attached Images
	__________________ Vulgarity is no substitute for wit- Lady Violet Crawley

03-23-2007, 12:23 AM	#15
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	For the last few nights, I've felt this horrible feeling of apprehension about my decision, which caused me to toss and turn in bed. I'd go from thinking it was the best decision I've ever made to the biggest mistake. Tonight, my best friend took me out to dinner and gave my decision his blessing. I don't know how many of you out there have felt the Holy Spirt come upon you, but it did for me tonight and gave me some much-needed inner peace. I think I'll sleep well tonight.