But despite the rush and bustle of coming home from several months in Nepal, and moving into a new house before my three week trip to see family on the mainland (MT, SD, AZ), this time has been a blessing a hundred times over.
For those that know my previous housing situation in a disintegrating Paia house , you can understand the glory of emerging from my little mouse hole in "the pit"to an airy, restored Paia house. It isn't much of a looker from the outside, but the new place the base rented out (christened L & L's ) is sturdy, bright and has brand new tiling and fixtures. By mainland standards its probably still a little beach bungalow- for me its a dream come true. Eventually I will have housemates, but for the moment, I am sole resident- perfect for unwinding and settling in on a limited time frame!
For the last four years I have kept furnishings and such from my previous house and didn't know why i bothered. But now, suddenly moving into a completely empty and unfurnished house, I know why God allowed me to keep a handful of things. Its perfect to move in and already have some basics: a table and chairs, curtains, and dishes! And not just any stuff- but things I hunted up at thrift stores over the years and have fond memories with. Having this stuff ready to move in is like frosting and a cherry on an already amazing cake.
I can't even begin to explain how timely and specific an answer to prayer this is. It goes way beyond wanting a nicer place to live. (Although after I woke to a rat tousling my hair at 3am on my last night in my old place (and subsequently chased him out- don't worry:) I feel validated in moving on.) The Lord has been priming my heart for this gift and this season- and its so sweet to see fruition of His plantings. I wish I could put it all into words, but its too soon. I just found out I was moving yesterday morning... and spent the rest of the day packing, moving, and unpacking! So its still hard to put words to how i feel. Mostly at this point I ramble, kind of laugh a lot, and occasionally scream. Expressive, yes- articulate or good for explanation, no.
Suffice to say I am CRAZY blessed to be living in this little bungalow down in Paia. SUCH a gift.
Even last week, who'd have thought?! Overnight, I am living in a real house and am just wildly blessed by this turn of events. Praise the Lord for this sweet gift.
