There was a married couple with two young boys, quickly growing into young men. This family had a plan: they were preparing to move and pastor a church in Dana Point, California. Everything was set. Their bags were packed, and their hearts were ready. However, there was a two-month window before the church would be ready for them to begin preaching, leading, and all the fun that comes with pastoral life.
With this unexpected time, the family decided to visit relatives in Reno and Sparks. They loaded their belongings onto a moving truck, left Virginia—where they had taken a sabbatical after pastoring in Las Vegas—and landed in the beautiful Truckee Meadows. They spent those weeks enjoying precious time with family, confident that this brief pause would be nothing more than a restful pit stop before their new chapter began.
Then the unexpected call came.
The church in California had decided to merge with another, and the position they had been promised was no longer available.
Suddenly, this young family found themselves in Northern Nevada—with a moving truck, two boys about to begin junior high and high school, and no job on the horizon.
What was supposed to be a two-month detour turned into a 16- year journey.
And what a beautiful journey it has been. Me and my family want to thank you—this community—for being the perfect place for our boys to grow into men.
For providing friendships, mentors, and colleagues who have forever shaped our lives. For opening doors for me to serve and to have a voice in this community.
Whether through pastoring, helping lead a school, serving as a city councilman for the City of Sparks, working with dedicated individuals to build the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza, writing monthly for the Senior Spectrum, or serving as chaplain for the Veterans Home—every experience has been an honor. You welcomed us, supported us, and made this pit stop feel like home.
This will be my final monthly column, as my wife and I have now moved to Washington State to be near our children and grand-children. I am humbled to have accepted a new role as the Executive Director of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center—continuing my lifelong calling to serve others, particularly our veterans, helping them stay whole and healthy in every season of life.
If you think of the Dahir family, please know we carry deep gratitude for the years we shared with you. Thank you for making a temporary stop into a treasured season.
