Some of you may know that a year ago about this time we contemplated moving (staying within the cities) or remodeling our current house. I longed to have a bigger place, newer (prettier) and updated features. One would say I did not feel content with what I had. We embarked on this search with a great realtor who totally got that we may end up staying in our current place. He was very patient with us and gave us lots to think about. We looked at about 10-15 houses. We quickly learned that unless we wanted to spend a lot more we were not going to get everything we wanted... and many of the bigger houses still needed updating. I also came to realize how much I love my location!!! It may be an older neighborhood, but I love how close it is to everything. I was also terribly scarred to make the transition. The thought of packing up everything and starting over was daunting... I don't like change... so as many of you know we did the remodel... you have all seen the pictures and know how that turned out... we do still love it!! That's not really what has been on my heart to share though...
I have been praying for some time that would find great friends in our area... for our kids and for us. We have some great friends through church but some live further away and those spontaneous get-togethers don't always happen. I also wanted kids that could just drop over to play. For the 10 years we have been here we have not met or seen many kids in the neighborhood. I found it interesting when our kids started preschool that everyone wondered what school we would go to?? There is a school 3 blocks from our house... of course we would send them there, why not! !?? I learned that many look at charter schools, language immersion, specialty, etc. I also have many friends that home-school. While I have nothing against any of these, we have always believed that we were called to be part of our neighborhood and work within that to make it the best education,spiritual, and physical experience for our kids. We have not regretted this choice!!! This year (and specifically, even yesterday) I have seen how God has been answering our prayers. We have met some amazing families in our neighborhood!! They go to school with our kids and we have very similar interests and parenting styles. I can't even say what a blessing this has been to us. I love watching how the kids are thriving in school and are doing so well. Everyone asks how Samuel is doing in all day kindergarten... there are no words to describe it. The words of the lunch lady may best describe it... "He just lights up the room when he comes in here." He is so friendly, helpful, and thriving!! I'm amazing at his social skills and how he makes friends everywhere he goes. Monday's he swims at the Y while Amelia has lessons... he always finds several friends to play with. It makes me chuckle and smile to watch him. This is where the second great story comes in...
Last night we returned home after trick or treating and having pizza with our neighbors and a few kids were walking by trick or treating. As we had not given our much candy, I told them to come over to our place... 2 families of about 5 kids came running over in the dark... 2 of the boys recognized Samuel as their "Monday swim buddy" The boys that he has swam with for 6 weeks LIVE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD! It was as if God was saying... I knew all along that I wanted you to stay here, in this house, and I would provide all you need... .. WOW!!
Sorry for the ramblings... it probably didn't come out as well as I said it in my head, but I hope you get the drift and are able to see these kinds of miracles in your life! God is good :) I've also included some fun pics.
Trick or Treating in the neighborhood
Samuel's birthday party
Amelia's friend party at American Girl
1 comment:
Hi Janelle!
I thought that you stated your feelings beautifully and I really enjoyed reading them. I think that it is absolutely wonderful that you found an answer to your prayers so close to home. :)
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