Uff-Da

Is it really possible that we're done moving? A month and half after leaving NJ behind, we finally have all of our belongings in one location. Do not underestimate how big of a victory this is. While we closed on our house over two weeks ago, Brian and I still slept at the apartment we rented until we found a house. We have spent every day since the purchase of our house ripping up carpet, painting, installing closet racks, installing a washer and dryer, hanging a pot rack, ripping out baseboards-sanding them-painting them and installing laminate flooring in two bedrooms and a hallway. (And this house isn't even a "fixer-uper"!) Now that we actually have flooring in our two bedrooms it's now possible to put a bed in our room and sleep over. Yea!

The journey we've been on coming back to MN is something only the Lord could have scripted. The house we're in now is only ours because our first offer on a house fell through after the housing inspection. We almost let this house pass us by but said yes after realizing we'd be crazy to let an open floor plan, a HUGE deck, instant access to a 35 acre dog park, less than an hour commute for Brian (it's crazy that less than an hour commute is a plus), and $50K cheaper than our first house offer, go. We have been learning a lot about home ownership and sweat equity. Most of the sweat has come from Brian and my Dad as they labor over flooring and other too technical installations. Our neighbors are a wonderful diverse mix of races and ages. We are sandwiched in between two retired Bob's that are just delightful to chat with.







Another example of God's great blessings is a second job interview for a part-time mentoring coordinator position in N. Minneapolis. I had about one week to job hunt and send out resumes before I moved into full-time house mode. This position would give me freedom to explore other passions and interests yet still make a difference in the lives of youth. My anxieties and uncertainties of what my future will look like is starting to come into focus.

Things are starting to come together. I think we're going to like it here.