Many folks already know, but it only recently became official. I’ve accepted a position at Cornerstone University as “Assistant Director of Database Services”, which is just a wordy way of saying I’ll be working with a team of database folks much smarter than me, doing new and exciting things pertaining to databases. You want more details? Well, ask me in a couple months. 🙂
This means I’ll no longer be the Technology Director for Inland Lakes Schools, and will be leaving an amazing bunch of folks that have been like a family to me for the past 12 years. This is actually tougher than I thought it would be. Like any family, there have been some rough times at Inland Lakes, but at the end of the day it’s a place I care for a great deal. My only hope is that my leaving might be a catalyst for awesome change. Still, leaving sorta rips my heart out.
The switch also means relocating. While I certainly like a good commute, driving 4 hours one way doesn’t seem like a very good idea. My family found a rental place on the south side of Grand Rapids that is small and charming, but with a great big fenced in backyard for our furry friends. Here it is, right out of the 1950s:
Also, if anyone wants to buy a fairly new 4 bedroom home in Indian River with a partially finished basement and an awesome office, I know a guy selling. Just saying.
So Grand Rapids? Prepare for the Powers family. Soon, we will be in you. Cornerstone University? You’re about to get a little sillier, but I think that was clear in my interviews. You have no one to blame but yourself. And Indian River friends, family, church, school, community… We already miss you, and we’re still here for another month.
So exciting! Good luck in the stressful but rewarding adventure that is moving and changing jobs.
Change is pretty much always scary, but you’ll do fine. Go Shawn!
So very happy for you and your family. Sad for all the Indian River folks because it will leave a huge vacuum. I will pray that God will fill it in with just the right people. I am thrilled for this new adventure you have begun. My prayer is that God will bless you and Donna abundantly, and your kids too. I am praying that the Lord will send them some terrific new friends. Looking forward to His work all around you.
Your moving is sad news for Indian River, but good news for us in Grand Rapids. Once you’ve settled in, please feel free to add yourself to the Grand Rapids Linux User Group (http://grlug.org/) email list, drop in on one of our weekly GRLUG Social events, or attend one of our monthly West Michigan Linux User Group (http://wmlug.org/) meetings. Welcome to Grand Rapids!
That sounds awesome, thanks for the invite. 🙂 I’ll be sure to plug into the Linux community once we settle in. Believe it or not, I’ve never actually attended a LUG meeting. 🙂
Welcome to Grand Rapids! (I live in Rockford and work in Holland)Cornerstone is a great place.
Welcome to GR. I graduated from the associated seminary quite a while ago and am a sysadmin/programmer here in town. I look forward to meeting you in the days ahead.
COngrats! That’s one heck of a birthday present!
So happy for you and your family. Forward, wirh courage!
Wow! Congrats, Shawn! That really is exciting!
Congrats, Shawn. Moving on is always scary, but necessary. And your family and friends should understand that you need to do what is best for you and your actual family.
Wow. I know it will be difficult to leave your church family and establish a new home and start over. Too bad you could not move farther South and West- to Texas! I’m sure you will make the transition well and start a new coffee mug collection!
This is going to be great.
Congratulations. Moves are always difficult, but you will make it. Good luck. You deserve it, and it will be an interesting job. As you probably already know, databases are very organic, and do not always do what you think they will do.
Congrats! Enjoy the new job and the new house. I know another friend who lives in Grand Rapids area and they have loved it for years.
Good Luck and Congratulations for this achievement!!