Finally, a Home

The last two days have been full of mounting consternation for my husband and me. The moving company continues to ask where they are to deliver our household goods, and we haven't had a destination. Real estate costs are out of sight where we're moving, and we haven't been sure what we'd do. We've looked at condominiums and houses 25 miles away from where we'll be working, just to find something affordable. We finally located a surprisingly spacious condo for a half-way affordable rent. I asked the man to describe, among other things, what one sees when looking out the front door. He said a bit proudly, I thought, "You look right out onto the front doors of Walmart." End of story.

The last two days I've had a very heavy heart, reminding God that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), and that a home for us should not be a big issue for Him. I even gave up the idea of having a yard of my own to work in, garden space for my personal therapy, or even how badly I want an apricot tree and space in the yard to entertain. Being like Abraham and setting out for a destination yet unknown has not been something I've liked to think about, but we have been close to that.
Today I received an email out of the blue, from a colleague's sister who lives in our new city. She offered a rental home to us within our price range, and that is much lower than area costs. She apologized that it has a home office in the garage (how many weeks have we looked for a place where I can have a home office?!), and that the gazebo around the (working) jacuzzi in the back yard needs repairs and that they're tearing out a tree on the side lawn and I'd be welcome to put a garden there if I was so inclined. However, she pointed out, there are four bedrooms and the living area is perfect for entertaining (what about my repeated requests to God for a place to bring home colleagues and students?!) In addition, the apricots and apples on the trees in the back yard would be in season when we arrive. The persimmons and tangerines and limes would come on a bit later in the season. It has a very large yard for that particular area, and the back is full of mature trees. I will have my trees and a place for my birdfeeder! It won't be like living in the desert! It is in a lovely, safe neighborhood and is only two miles from our jobs.
Yes, it is a small home, but it is perfect for us in so many ways.

God truly gives us exceedingly more than we think or ask for, and once again He has shown me that He can more than provide for my needs. I only need to ask, and wait in faith for Him to work. We are so fortunate.