Back in September 2013, Clint received a phone call from a head hunter asking if he would be interested in a possible position in Saudi Arabia. True to Clint's nature, he said he would very much like to check it out. Thinking that perhaps this was a bit of a joke, Clint didn't bother to mention it to me until a few days later when he received a second phone call and was asked to do a phone interview with some professionals in Saudi Arabia.
We were both laughing a bit now!
However, after interviewing with these men he received a third phone call from the head hunter and was told that one of the gentlemen who interviewed him was impressed and wanted to hire him for the project.
Could this be for real?? Saudi Arabia? Really?
The project is the building of a metro system for the city of Riyadh (6 million people). Clint is to be the Risk Manager.
Well now that we realized that this was a real and serious offer we had some searching, pondering and praying to do.
Clint was also looking into some other opportunities at the time so we had some comparison shopping and much to consider. It seemed that each time we purposed accepting a different position doors would close. We would go back to the position in Saudi and another door would open. This is the way it was right up until we paused all other offers and accepted this one. We certainly felt that the Lord was directing our path.
It felt a bit wild to us but also exciting to consider!
I was quite surprised because I thought we had done all the moving we needed to and was so happy in our home of 6 years,( the one we lived in the longest during almost 30 years of marriage). I am also a very happy grandmother of two precious little girls who are the loves of my life. I was going to have to feel a firm confirmation from the Lord about this.
Each time I learned something new about Saudi Arabia and the opportunity there, I felt a warmth and certainty in my mind and heart. I couldn't imagine why the Lord would want us to go there but there is no denying the impressions I have felt and the peace that has come to me. Even now, almost 10 months later as I write this blog I still feel an assurance deep within.
Leaving my children, grandchildren, Clint's parents, my sisters, Afton and Debbie, and my dear friends will be extremely difficult but I have always wanted to hear and accept the clarion call of the Lord in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity I have once again to accept His call.
No, it is not a formal mission call through the Church but we feel nonetheless that it is a call from the Lord to go and serve in another part of His vineyard.
Why us? Perhaps simply because we are willing to go!
Bechtel, the company that hired Clint, wanted him in Saudi by January of this year. With all the papers to file, medical tests, legal checks, etc,, it took until February 24 for Clint to finally get away. He spent a few days in London, England being integrated into the project and on Feb. 28th he flew to Saudi Arabia. (Touting a boot cast as he broke his foot and leg in two places about a month prior to leaving.)
When we accepted this position Clint and I decided to sell our home and all our possessions. It took two days on the market to sell our home. In the next couple of months I had 4 garage/household sales and sold or gave away pretty much all we own. We stored only pictures and a few special items.
On the first of May, Carli and I moved to the west end of the city and live in a furnished apartment.
After two months in Saudi, Clint received his temporary residency and was then able to start the process for us to come join him. Carli and I have done all the medical tests, ( she would want me to interject here that she had to give 10 vials of blood...YIKES), police record checks and paperwork associated with acquiring our visas. It has been at times, a comedy of errors, just as it was for Clint. On Tuesday next week we hope to have everything submitted and we will await our visas.
As Clint has to be in London, England again between July 9th-13th we hope to fly there to meet him and travel to Saudi together.
This evening, being June 21st, our children are hosting a farewell open house for us. It's very thoughtful of them and on a light note, I hope someone shows up! #IthinkIhaveafewfriends.
