In March of this year, we began a journey that took a BIG turn yesterday. Huge. In reviewing that post tonight. I recalled quoting the lyrics of John Waller when he sang:
“Something so big, it’s destined to fail without you Lord”
Friends, readers and those that may be visiting for the first time, I have an announcement to make….
In a little over two weeks, the Conrad family will become official residence of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Yes, you read that correctly. TWO WEEKS! I told you it was big. As late as Tuesday evening, I was just telling Heather that “if God wants us in Charlotte, He is going to make it pretty obvious”. In the category of “Be careful what you wish for” I got a call from our Realtor and friend Steve this morning to inform me that there was an offer on the table. Never expected that. While the offer was less than we were asking (common practice), it was in no way insulting and certainly within bargaining room. It also had a qualifier. Our potential buyer wanted to close by September 19th. They also wanted an answer by 8pm today.
We met at 6pm and prepared our counter offer knowing we might only get one shot at it. Knowing we might need to be house shopping in Charlotte this weekend, we requested their response by 10am. 30 minutes after leaving our home, our Realtor called and said:
“I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is Missy and I are going to really miss you guys. The good news is that you just sold your home.”
Just like that, in the matter of 8 hours the kite has officially been launched in the hurricane (Hannah to be exact). We’re headed to Charlotte tomorrow afternoon and will be barnstorm house shopping on Saturday and Church visiting on Sunday. There is much more to come on this story, but if I could ask your prayers for direction, discernment and wisdom this weekend they would sure be appreciated. We’re excited about chasing daylight while placing our trust in much greater hands.
I’m sure I’ll post some updates to Twitter and Facebook throughout the weekend. Thank you all for your prayers and sharing the journey so far. Buckle up friends…it’s going to be a wild ride!
“Something Big” by John Waller
WOW!!! I’m excited for you guys!!!
Thanks Rindy! It’s all a bit surreal at the moment (thus the post at 12:15am). Following your journey to get to Cincy was an inspiration when it seemed like we missed the point of His call. Thanks for your encouragement along the way.
You know, it’s so funny – God’s timing. Not only in working it all out for y’all, but in my being led to your blog just in time to read this encouraging post.
I myself, have been recently prompted to househunt and have been so discouraged (not only due to my price limitations, but because I just haven’t been able to find it in me to trust enough to even step out in faith). So, to read this post now… it’s just more evident to me that He is alive and eager to assist – I just need to find it in me to take my hands off and allow Him to lead me!
I’ll keep y’all in my prayers as you forge on to Charlotte. (One of my dearest friends lives in Charlotte. It’s a beautiful area.) God bless.
~jess
Hi AAron! That is FANTASTIC news! May I suggest you keep the Tega Cay, SC *(six miles from downtown Charlotte) area in your possible communities. My brother lived there for 4 years and it was absolutely gorgeous…not to mention the schools were good. We are so excited for you and your family as you begin the new adventure.
We’ll miss you. I’m bummed we were never able to take the field together in softball camaraderie, but I would have just made you look bad…
God’s blessings on you and your family in this move!
Jess – Thanks for returning! I need to be honest and say that this process took the strength of my wife to see through to completion (future post alert!!!). Her faith in staying with what we believe is a call was so strong when I was flip flopping as the time went along. Just last week a good friend of mine in Charlotte shared an experience he went through and said “just when you think it isn’t going to happen HE steps in”. Sure enough HE did. Keep me posted and I’ll do the same!
Kristin – We’ll add it to the list. The Cushing family is always welcome if you’re coming through or looking for a vacation spot! We’ll get you our address as soon as we know what it is. Miss you guys.
Mike – We TOTALLY SHARED a softball field! Don’t you remember that tournament off of Cosgray? The one with the fences that were like 800ft from home plate or something? Obviously the highlight reel plays I made in Left Field are forever etched in your memory….or not 🙂 Anyway. it has been great to share our journeys and see what God has been doing in your life as well. I wish you continued success at M.V.N.U. God has great things planned for your life and your family my friend. Tell Yerxa I said “Go Tribe”!!!
WELL…. I could get all nostalgic and begin going down memory lane… (Dude, I’m ganna walk by his car)…. I could get all sappy and express how you’ve impacted my life…. I could get sad and think about the distance from here to Charlotte…. I could be excited and think about all the opportunity and experiences that await you in Charlotte…. I could get worried about possible challenges that lie ahead in a new city……… I could even get mad as life puts distance between another friend…. BUT I will choose to express the predominate emotion swelling in my heart…. One less frickin tarheel to deal with!
Hey man, you know I love ya! Will miss ya! But I do wish you and your family the best!
Now back to my real feelings…. Get working on those DUKE v UNC tickets! We have to attend one of these games together!!!!!
(Let me know if there is anything I can help with in your move) Oh wait, my back historically hurts that weekend, sorry
Yeah!!! Yall are officially Southerners!!!! Glad you got your gall bladder out!! Ha!Ha! Seriously, I’m so excited for all of you. Both of you have been so faithful to this call. I know that BIG things are ready and waiting for you in Charlotte. We will be praying for your trip to Charlotte this weekend. Just remember God already has the house picked out for you. This is His plan and all the details are taken care of.
Jeff – I literally started to get a tear in my eye reading your comment….then I laughed out loud hysterically. That was awesome. You’ve got my commitment on the tickets. The ACC tourney is in the ATL this year so what are you doing for Spring Break? We’re gonna miss you all too. Our wives have become very close friends. That has FORCED us to get along I guess. I can say this…of all the Dook fans…you’re my favorite! It’s not goodbye…just goodbye for now!
Mary – Thanks. Luckily we have that cheat sheet you sent us a few weeks ago on the differences between the North and South. We’re going to need it. Hope you’re back to full strength after getting your Gall Bladder out. It’s good to know that Southern advice is an email/phone call away 😉
You sure you don’t want to check out the Ann Arbor market?
Dude, I must say that I am very bummed. However, God is in this and you guys are starting on an adventure of a lifetime. Thanks for being there for me the last year and half and thank you for continuing to be there for me in the future. Distance is nothing but a word and technology rocks, so I know that we will stay close. Enjoy the opportunities that will come you way this weekend and in the coming weeks, months, and years! We will all miss you and the impact your family has had on our lives.
Mud Puppy – Sorry man, the compass is headed south. I’m not ruling out that December game at Ford Field with MSU at this point though. We really need to look into doing that.
Stef – I will admit that the excitement of the adventure is tainted by knowing we won’t be near the people that have poured into our lives the past several years. Like I said last night, this move doesn’t change my commitment to walking with you on your journey. I love what you said about distance being a word. The greatest support we can continue to be for you is through our prayers to the Great Physician and Creator of this Universe. Know this, there is a road you will walk each day through our hearts, prayers and minds. Like I said, it’s not goodbye. It is we’ll see you soon. Love you brother.
I completely agree with Stef, very bummed.
Brian – Thanks brother. We got 2 weeks to get some General Tso’s in. One feature we will look for this weekend is plenty of space in a guest room. We know we’ll have visitors passing through and we’re demanding that your family does! I’ve still got “bidness” that will need to be taken care of in Columbus so I’ll be around Ohio. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again…if I was going into battle, I’d take you with me my friend. You’ve always had my back and for that I am forever grateful.
Not goodbye…just see you soon.
You’ll soon celebrate the Cubbies winning the world series anyway!
Awesome man! I know there is a lot of excitement and even more work ahead. Stuff doesn’t move by itself does it? If so I need you to show me that trick. 😉