The Options

I guess it is time to give an update on what is going on with the adults, our plans, etc. We have a few options that we are planning on right now. I am really feeling that it is time for us to leave Shattuck and we are planning on doing that as close to the New Year as possible.

Option 1: Marshall is applying for a job as Video Producer at my alma mater, George Fox University. It is a job that he would be excellent at and is very excited about. Plus, one of the benefits is tuition remission so he would be able to finish his schooling.

Option 2: Marshall has completed the marketing packet for Freedom Behind Bars: Watch What Love Can Do (the El Salvador project). As soon as that comes back from the printer, it will be distributed to possible supporters. If we get funding for this, we will move to Bend as soon as that funding comes through.

Option 3: Marshall or I get a job in Bend or save enough money that we can move back and look for a job after we move.

Option 4: If no other options pan out, we will most likely move to the Houston area to live with Esther and Chris and get some regular jobs while we figure out what to do next.

Current Projects update: Marshall is still working on the youth sports project, It's Just a Game. However, the project has been dragging on for quite a while as they have been waiting to line up stories and interviews. The work is no longer consistent enough to provide us enough income to justify staying here waiting for it to be finished. Plus, the oil field is really slowing down (and this is how Marshall's dad gets his income), so we either need to start contributing to household expenses or move out. Since most of the jobs here are either minimum wage or oil field related, we need to seek employment elsewhere.

Even though Bend is still very much on our hearts, we are really hoping for the George Fox job to pan out. It would be so nice to have consistent income and benefits. One of the big problems that we have had with fundraising is that donors don't understand the need for Marshall to have a decent salary. They don't realize that out of his salary he has to cover taxes, health insurance, etc.