Home!

After all this searching we have found a home! I'm just overwhelmed with God's goodness. He is strong on our behalf. When we decide to let Him lead and we truly trust Him for every detail, He orchestrates the melody of His grace throughout the composition of our lives. I will praise Him with my whole heart, in Him alone do I put my trust!

So here is the story of our new home....

Our real estate agent on the east coast, Deb, has been truly a gift from the Lord. She is very wise and always gives sound advice. She is from the town, Franklin, that we have been doing most of our searching, so she knows the market well. She has steered us clear from making hasty decisions and has been with us very step of the way. She hasn't really been excited about many of the homes we have seen, but very supportive. We knew this house and neighborhood was special when Deb told us that homes rarely come up for sale in it, especially for such a low price. We realize that we have to look at the house we decide to buy as an investment. Aaron and I both have learned that God requires an account of how we use the provisions His hand have given us, so our desire has been to be wise in such a huge purchase. The cost of living in New England is much higher than here in Oregon, and as you can imagine (and have seen along with me), the houses are much more expensive. That being said, we have gone through a gauntlet of emotions. Aaron and I have always held true to living well below our actual income. I have been called a minimalist on more that one occasion, (just look in my fridge!). The fact is, I would be very happy living in a small cabin tucked up in the hills somewhere, chopping wood, and hunting for our food..heck I'll even take the pioneer dress over my clothes any day of the week. But, that has not been God's plan for my life. I married a very gifted and driven man whom God has called to shine as a light for His glory, first as a professional athlete and now in the corporate world. Along with that calling I have been, (reluctantly at times), thrown into a world that would be completely the opposite of my "Pioneer Girl" nature. As you can imagine I struggle finding the balance. All of that being said, it's hard for me to have a lot. I would rather have a little. But, God has chosen to intrust Aaron and I with much...and to whom the Lord has given much He requires much. We have to be wise, faithful, generous and, yes, even content. Just as wrong as it would be to have pride in our accomplishments or our possessions, it is equally insulting to God's good grace to have pride in our simplicity and humility. Every single thing we have in life is from God. We desire to learn, in whatever state we are (with much or little, together or apart, healthy or hurting) to be content.

So, about the new house. Yes, it's brand new! I haven't even seen it in person, but Aaron loved it and I trust him. It's yellow with dormers...it has a nice big kitchen for everyone to gather round and even has an acre of woods in the back yard for the kids to explore. The landscaping isn't finished yet but is included, the builder only has a few more details to complete, but we hope to move in and make it our own around the end of May. Aaron told me that on the way to this neighborhood you have to drive through farmland and woods, which reminded him of Oregon. That is one of those extra little details that bless our hearts. I just hope this neighborhood is ready for the Kookies and the way we roll....down home, mismatched, skinned knees, hand me downs and all! No need to keep up with these Joneses...by all means, pass us up...please!

here is the link to some photos of our new home!
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/9-Garnet-Dr_Franklin_MA_02038_1117179034