Friday, August 11, 2006

Home Sweet Home at Last

David- homeless for 72 days.

Melissa and Allie- home alone for 42 days, homeless for 30 days.

Having a home to call our own- priceless.



God has really hit a home-run with this one. We needed a home in Minnesota, but all we had was a home in Michigan. So, God put us in touch with the Sampson family. They had a home in Minnesota but needed a home in Poland. They are being transferred by 3M to Poland for two years and need someone to rent their house while they are away (still planning on returning to the same house in about two years). And just like that, God answers the prayers of the Sampsons and the Gaffords all at once. God provided a home less than five minutes away from church and school, where we can keep our dog, not have to sign a lease committing for a whole year, and not have to take on two mortgages for who-knows-how-long. And to top it off, it’s a much bigger house than we could afford on our own. God has truly blessed. Now we don’t have to worry about our Michigan house (as much), and when the time comes, we can take the time we need to really shop around and find the house that we really want; not just the best of what’s available at the time.

God is so good. He always provides. Why do I even bother worrying? He ALWAYS takes care of it by the time it needs taken care of. (Which usually doesn’t happen until a couple of months after I think it’s critical, but hey! Who am I?) These last 72 days (plus the 3 months prior) have been a very difficult time in our lives. But you know, now that it’s winding down (FINALLY!), I don’t know that I would really have it any other way because it has forced us to completely surrender to God. Our lives were completely out of our control, no matter how hard we tried. We eventually reached the point where we stopped fighting it and started living in faith literally one day at a time. It was a lesson that I admit, I needed to be reminded of. I’m just going to try really hard to remember it this time so we don’t have to go through this every few years!

Praise God for his provision and caring for the needs of His people.

9 comments:

jenny marvin mealy said...

I am so glad that I am not the only one that God keeps in that state of complete and utter dependance on Him through the waiting game of life.

I am also very glad that you can settle and relax for a while.

Keetha Broyles said...

I LOVE this house!!!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful house! God is so good and always cares for us huh? What a great reminder...THANKS!

Keri said...

YAY for you both (well, all 3 of you!)!! What a relief, I'm sure! I love this post, because I can relate SO MUCH with letting go and letting God take care of things.

jenny marvin mealy said...

Hey guys-since you have a place to callyour own now can I have your address? I'd like to send you some mail!

Jenn Swift said...

I just saw your dad this morning (am in Rochester right now) and he mentioned NOTHING of this. SO happy for you. When I was looking for a house I lived with an awesome family for 4 months, was really blessed, but I know how it feels to be homeless (not homeless with a dog and a family) but I feel ya on some of this wandering notion. Bless the Lord.

Shannon said...

This sounds so much like us!!! Yes, God is truly faithful, and I was reminding myself of that this morning, that maybe God's plan is not my own, but he is on my side and will provide. Congrats on the house!

mi*chelle said...

Good for you guys! I'm really happy for you!

Hummel Family said...

What a Beauty! and what a Blessing!