Hi all,

When we returned from Bahrain in the middle of June, I had a strong desire to return to the Gulf and find expat work. I miss our friends there and generally enjoy living overseas. I can’t say that I love Bahrain the country but the friendships we have make it worth it to return. I remained open to the option of staying in Arizona for a season but I wanted to see a door closed for Bahrain.

I started sending my resume to various employment agencies in that region but got no responses. I did some online hunting of my own and began to see that my particular software development skills are not used at all in the Middle East, even in Dubai.

At the same time, we were meeting up with people here for debriefing sessions and one of the folks said this might be a time to look back at the past three years and identify issues that limited our growth and effectiveness. She went on to say that God may have us in the US so we can build up these areas in preparation for a future time of life and work outside the US.

It seems that the door to Bahrain is closing indeed so I have started looking for work here in Arizona. I have a phone interview with a company on Tuesday and am waiting to hear on another opportunity locally as well.

The bad news is that housing prices jumped up significantly while we were away (they are on their way back down thankfully); the good news is that IT salaries also took a nice upward jump so when you factor it all together, it will feel about the same as when we left.

Debra and I desire to live and work with purpose so join us as we pray for the right job and housing situation. I fully trust that God will put us where He wants us, we want to be obedient and faithful with what He provides. I am already seeing Him work in the timing of looking for and buying a car as well as in my employment search.

Thank you all for your continued prayer on our behalf,

Jeff