Ecclesiastes 3:1: "There is a time for everything, and a season for everything under heaven." (NIV)
Maybe you've noticed that the posts on this site have dried up; maybe not.I suppose it's time for an explanation.
Back in November of 2006, I started this blog because I just had to write about something. I love baseball, and I love writing about baseball, and here was this league right in my own backyard- and some of the players went on to the majors! If I was following them anyway, why not start to put some coherant thoughts together for public consumption?
Well, 1,711 posts and over 175,000 visitors later, it seems it's just about time to end the ride.
Back in December, my wife and I received an email from a school in Nairobi, Kenya, called Rosslyn Academy. Both English teachers by trade, we had taught there from 1999 to 2004. Besides the fact that we adopted our children there, we always felt like our years in Nairobi were some of the best of our lives: it was difficult at times, but overall the most enriching experience of our time on earth.
Well, we received an email from the superintendent asking us if we would like to consider returning to East Africa for the upcoming school year. We had to apply within ten days or so, and we had our interview via Skype at 6:00 AM in the morning... and to make an already-too-long story shorter, we were offered jobs just about two weeks ago. We have decided to accept the offer to return to Kenya for a minimum of two years. We will leave the states either in late July or early August, which would give me some time to say goodbye to some of my favorite people and places in the entire Valley.
Following God's call in my life has always been paramount. Writing this blog has brought me into contact with all kinds of people- most of whom I now consider friends. (Not just Facebook friends, either!) Just as important, I've felt like I was a part of something- something fun and exciting. I could go to games, interview players, and hold my little notebook and jot down thoughts. I could hold up my radar gun and pretend to be a scout. I could say hello to broadcasters, owners, and die-hard fans in many of the Valley League towns. But I just can't ignore that call.
I hope very much to do a couple things, even while we're living in another continent: I hope to keep up with my lists of players, both who have played in the league and who has been drafted by major league organizations, and stats of pro players, which is probably my most favorite aspect of tracking players. I may post these on this site, but I may not. I would also like to finish up my lists from the past season, but that may need to be a couple larger posts instead of individual ones.
Thanks so much for supporting this site as its season is coming to a close. And if any of you find yourselves flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, drop me a line!
Congrats! What an exciting time of transition for you and your family. Blessings on this next step in your journey.
Posted by: Ben Wideman | February 21, 2011 at 01:04 AM
John, we will miss you, but we applaud the good work that you and your wife are about to re-embark upon. You've done outstanding work and the VBL has benefited tremendously from your efforts. Best wishes to you and yours.
Posted by: Austin | February 21, 2011 at 07:47 AM
John,
It would be hard to explain in 1,000 words or less just how many people lives that you have touched through your efforts with your site is concerned. From the players, parents, coaches and for the host families you gave people an opportunity to keep in touch with relationships that could last a life time.
When you look back at the things you have accomplished in life please don't sell short just how many lives that you have touched during your run here with All Things Valley League.
Nothing but Love & Best Wishes for you and your very special family!
Posted by: Jerry Carter | February 21, 2011 at 07:41 PM
John, "All Things Valley League" has been a fantastic service to the league and brought everyone associated closer together. The Valley League will not be the same without you! We'll miss you very much! I am sure they play baseball in Kenya and I'll picture you and your family at a game there! All the best, Mary
Posted by: Mary McDermott | February 21, 2011 at 09:46 PM
I've learned a lot about baseball and have grown to love it because of this blog. Hearing about your faith is even more inspiring. I know you've had a huge effect on the players, coaches, and parents but as a girl who used to only go to the games to see the cute baseball players... I thank you for helping me fall in love with the sport! God has used you in great ways and He'll only continue to do so! Congrats and thanks again!
Posted by: College Girl | March 05, 2011 at 10:54 PM
John,
I wish you and your family the best. I will also miss the blog because it was a way for me to keep close to the baseball (that is what I miss the most) of the Valley League. I can only hope that your work has inspired someone to pick up the torch. I think Jerry Carter or Buck Harmon would be good candidates to fill your BIG SHOES! In all seriousness thank you for all your hard work for the league and I wish you guys the best.
Posted by: Jason Helmintoller | March 21, 2011 at 02:52 PM
Bummed to hear that I will be losing a resource for trading notes on players, but happy for you being 'drafted' to do bigger and better things. Thanks for sharing your take on some of the guys with me in the past and good luck in Kenya.
Posted by: Jesse Jack | May 20, 2011 at 04:12 AM
John,
Just reading this now as I have been very busy with an Internship in Kentucky. I enjoyed meeting you last summer, and you will certainly be missed around the Valley League this season I'm sure...no doubt about that. I wish you the best of luck in Kenya, one of my good friends at my college is from there. I appreciate all of the work you put in to make this a better world.
Doug Raftery
Rockbridge Rapids Intern 2010
Posted by: Doug Raftery | June 08, 2011 at 12:10 PM