It's been quite the fireworks display at the end of our quest to be settled here in Colorado. There have been so many things that I am seeing work "for our good". Our home in Simi Valley didn't sell during the contractual time to close on our home we were renting.
During the 6 months while we were renting the house, I was feeling uneasy about where we would live, if our kids would have to move schools for a third time in one year, and would we be able to stay in the same ward with the same friends. The tension between our plans and our reality some days drove a little panic with all that was up in the air. I like to be settled, in a routine and this roller coaster was a little more than I had expected. The time drawing on and the contract dates coming to a close and the stress of it all was making me weary. But as they say, when one window closes...another opens.
We continued to drop the price of our California home, about 3 or 4 times. Each time friends asked if we would rent the home, the answer always came back that we are to keep it empty and that we were to have faith in miracles. Southern California is in the middle of a grand home recession where homes aren't selling unless they are at a "clearance price". I was promised that "it would be enough to stay in this home". This promise from a Priesthood blessing seemed to be way off, but knowing know the complete view...we did have enough. We somehow had enough "Miracle money" to support two homes. Each month Scott and I talked about how we could maybe scrape together one more month of a house payment. But the Lord made up for the difference and miracles found their way to make up for our shortcomings. Tears come to my eyes as I remember the generous employer giving us a bonus we weren't expecting, another helping with Christmas gifts, and yet others giving prayers on our behalf. We felt them sustain our hearts as we waited for things to make sense.
Another promise given by the Lord in a Priesthood blessing was, "the home will sell quickly". I couldn't understand how quickly could mean waiting for half a year. But I've also learned that you can't sit back and wait for the promises to come about, sometimes they take a little effort on your part too. After a total of 90k drop in price, our home was to sell the first week of February, 2012. The "quickly" referred to the quick escrow the buyers initiated.
This brought a great relief to our family who had become a "necessity only" family while paying for 2 homes. During this time we witnessed miracles that made the stressful time bearable. We were counseled that the Lord was mindful of us and that our sacrifice had been enough. I clung to those words as I continued waiting upon the Lord. It became evident when Simi was under contract that we could not continue to live in the home we were originally hoping to. So, we were on the house hunt again for something that was affordable and something we loved. We had been counseled once again in a blessing to stay in our ward. And you know what, I was ready to move from that home into something that would give our family a little more room.
During this time, we were blessed to quickly find a home that had been on the market for less than 2 weeks. We were able to continue within our ward boundaries and arranged that the kids could stay at their school for the end of the year. We LOVED the house, the area, the price. There was another piece that was falling into place after we worked to find it. Our current landlords didn't get back to us on if we could extend our rent another few weeks, so we made other arrangements. Even though the situation became a little tense, other windows continued to open. I spoke with my friend Melanie about how we would need to pack up and get things in storage within 3 days (because I couldn't wait for the Landlord's answer about an extension). Melanie came and helped me box and then our ward kicked it in overdrive. Everyone was so helpful that honestly within 3 days our house was cleared (except for our TV and mattresses). We lived camping style for a week so I could get the house clean and be ready for the ending of our contract. I wasn't sure what we would do for the next few weeks. 4 days in a hotel is all I could come up with and felt I had to wait for things to come into view before I could make plans out from that. There were things that I pursued, but felt stopped and literally had to wait. Many times blessings come through others. Melanie and her husband James offered for us to live in their basement apartment while we waited for the close on our new house. The kids loved it and their family was so much fun. I will never forget their kindness.
I have found that living from the counsel of blessing to blessing not only helps me to have hope that things will work for our good. It also helps me to stay focused and put my efforts into things that will bring me closer to the Lord. After a blessing, I try to record words and impressions in a journal. I cling to those words as I try to learn what their interpretation may mean for me. I'm not excited about being in times of trials, but I'm always grateful that trials help to magnify my ability and meet them with faith.
