Day 20: Bless

 Lent 2010 was a tough one. We were living with my in-laws. Eddie was 4 months old. I missed my community in Davis. So what did I give up for Lent? House hunting. We were planning on buying a house in Livermore but it was really competitive because there was a credit for first time home buyers which would expire in April. I spent that Lent walking with Eddie in his stroller. Going nowhere in particular. I didn't have plans. I didn't have friends. I didn't have anything going on. It was a strange season for me.

Monday after Easter I had a date scheduled with my realtor. Show me everything in my price range. I said a prayer and looked at maybe 15 places. We made offers on a few. We got accepted for one. We bought it. The whole rest of the year I dedicated my life to repairing the house and making it livable. We had to re-do the plumbing, the electrical, the subfloor -- pretty much we had to re-build it from the ground up. I learned so much. I worked side-by-side with the contractor. Tearing apart walls, choosing materials.

With each beam, each sheet of drywall, each screw, I said a prayer. That God bless our time in this house. That God fill it with love. That it be a safe haven and source of renewal for all who come live with us.

In back of the main house is a small studio apartment. We had plans to rent it out to keep our expenses low. Nearly three years have passed since I first laid eyes on our house and I am astounded at the blessing that it has been. Not only to us, but to those who have sought haven here. Each year has brought us a different person to live in our back house and each year I've seen that person grow and take new steps in their life. I feel like that little house was exactly what each of them needed. And, God has used each of them to teach me.

In our big house, there has been warmth, love, laughter and refuge. It has fully become a home and I try best I can to keep the door open and welcome others in. I am very grateful for this house. It was the exact perfect place for us.