Life, as it is here and now

Well, I am here. Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Geographically speaking, I'm a crazy long way from home. But, at the same time, I think I am home.

For those of you who don't have facebook or don't check my profile obsessively (probably better for your mental health), the Local Board of Administration of Maitland Wesleyan Methodist Church, in a meeting on March 6th 2007, voted unanimously to recommend to the Local Church Conference (to be held on March 20th) that a call be extended to one Jesse H. Ryals, a recent graduate from Houghton College in Western New York.

Me.

Those of you privy to my internal turmoil (which is everyone who is reading this) have been aware of the struggles with loneliness and things like that. I have also been wondering and praying about whether this is the right step for me to take.

I just signed a letter to the Maitland LBA informing them that I have accepted the terms they offered. For those of you unaware of the process in a Wesleyan church, the members of the church will now vote at the LCC as to whether they agree with the Board's decision. Please, please, please please please keep this process in your prayers. I absolutely feel that it is God's will for me to fully pursue this opportunity...but I have been known to make mistakes before.

However, I have also been spending significant amounts of time in prayer and contemplation, and I feel that in the not too distant future (as in, the shortest period of time possible) I will be calling Maitland home.

I cannot express the gratitude I feel for all of you who are remembering me in your prayers, as I don't even think I can know how much I truly know the massive debt I owe you. So, thanks.

I am beginning to compile a list of "must visits"...I'm pretty sure anyone reading this is on that list, but drop me an email or a comment to make sure, as well as if there is any particular time period that would work best. My time will be crunched, so any and all visits to Kansas are much appreciated, as I can then pack and visit. Anyway, I love you all, and am really excited about this opportunity.

I also won't have reliable email access until March 28th (in the US), so bear with me if I'm not prompt in replying.

Wherever I end up, there will always be a spare bedroom in my house for friends to come and stay. Please avail yourself of this soon, and repeat frequently.