Jon and I have been struggling for several months over where we want to plant our roots. We have loved Knoxville and it has been our home for seven years. It is hard to imagine living elsewhere. But because we have started a family we are worried about not being closer to our relatives. Jon was born in and grew up in Athens. I also lived there for several years. Both of our parents are there along with my siblings. We visit Athens often but we miss out on a lot that goes on. Jareth doesn't get to see his grandparents as often as we would like and since my sister also has kids we would like him to be close with his cousins. Now on the flip side, as I said, we love Knoxville. The city feels like our home. We love that there is so much to do here and it has a lot of the perks of a big city yet it's not a big city and there is a real sense of community here. Also, Jon's job is here and he would have a 45 minute commute if we moved to Athens. If we moved to Athens it wouldn't be for the town. It would be for the people living there. And if we stay in Knoxville it would be more for the city. We have some amazing friends here but we don't see them as often as we would like due to conflicting schedules and since we don't have babysitters ($$$) we don't do as much as we would like. However, in Athens we would have babysitters so we would be able to come to Knoxville to visit with friends. Then there is the issue of church. We have been going to a new church for several months now and we really enjoy it. It has a great children's program, great missions, and we have made friends there. I would hate to leave it. I don't know if we could find the same thing in Athens. But I haven't really done my research.
So what do we do? There are many other things to consider but the main things are Family, Church, and Work. Possibly in that order.
We have decided however that regardless of where we are we want out of our mortgage. We have enjoyed our first home but we have found that owning is highly overrated. At least for now. We do well. We pay all of our bills on time and have minimal debt. Each paycheck puts a little money into savings and we always have a little extra spending money left over. But since I am staying home for the next few years we know it will be increasingly harder for us to go on the vacations we want, enjoy nice cars, and buy the things we want. So we have decided the best thing for us is to rent until I am working again and we can buy/build the house we want. Athens would be more affordable to do this. There are more affordable options there. But I think as long as we can forego some luxuries we can make it work in Knoxville too.
Sooooo much to think about! It really should be easier than this. Lord, tell us what to do! I think I need to put it in His hands or we will never make a decision. I can't think anymore. : )
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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