Our First Home

December 22, 2007

Gina and I were very fortunate to be able to purchase our first home only 6 months after we were married. That was a benchmark moment in our life - we were so proud of that little white house. It was the fall of the year and I can still remember waking up on Saturday mornings and reading the paper - my own paper that had been delivered to my own front door earlier that morning. I can remember sitting on the front porch on Friday nights and hearing the high school football game across town. It was wonderful. We were adults. We had our own place. It was a two bedroom, one bath job with a small kitchen. It sat on about a quarter acre with enough backyard to have a small garden and teach Austin how to play baseball. It had an enormous water oak tree which provided shade 6 months out of the year. It dumped those tiny leaves and acorns each Fall and I loved it because I had leaves to rake in my yard. We lived there for six years. Once KB was on the way, we knew we would need to upgrade.

As G grew with child it seemed that the place became smaller. With only one bathroom we had to plan well our potty and shower times. I recall a battle with the ole' stomach bug that nearly ended in disaster. The three (and a half) of us outgrew that space. It was cozy and we look back on that time in our lives with fond memories - but I've got to tell you, we were glad to get out of there. It was just such a small space. It was a great place to start out - probably would still be a great place for a couple - old or young.

So tonight we find ourselves on the absolute other side of the world. A place I couldn't even find on a map three years ago! (and I still can't spell the name of the city) Four weeks ago we began our time here as a family of three. Ten days later we were a family of four - one (or maybe three depending on your point of view) with a slight linguistic impediment. Three weeks into it and we are now five. Our current home is smaller than our first. We are living in a four room (and that includes the kitchen and bathroom) apartment. Thankfully, we have all been able to live around one another peacefully (for the majority of the time). But let me tell you, we are all up in each other's personal space.

Time alone here must be scraped together either late in the evening or early in the morning or maybe during a walk to the market or while taking out the trash. I (C) am one who treasures a healthy amount of alone time - not that I am a recluse, just that I need time to reflect on my thoughts on my actions on the course of my day or week or life. I need time to read and pray and study. It is hard to find these days.

Now this is not a rant. Please don't take it that way. It's just really humorous to me. If you think about it, this is the ideal situation for bonding. Remember what they say about camping? No? Well, Gary Smalley says that all families should camp together. No, not for the fun of it. But because camping inevitably leads to "bonding." Well, our bonding will not be complete when we return home, but we are off to a good start.

A month before we left for this place I created a countdown clock on my computer. I just couldn't believe that we actually had an appointment and would be traveling. Just couldn't imagine what it would be like. KB has also created a countdown calendar for Christmas Day. She's just like a kid at Christmas... hmm.... I suppose she should be. So you will have to forgive me for creating another countdown clock on my computer for our departure date. Can't imagine what it will be like to be home.

We've really enjoyed our time here. WE OWN THIS TOWN! (or at least the two or three blocks near our apartment) We had crab sticks today. We cooked home made chicken soup tonight. We know what milk not to buy. We know who has the best pizza in town. We know where to get the good TP. We are recognized now at the market and the video store and the exchange counter and the Irish Pub (that I use for wifi). Those folks are willing to overlook our cultural ineptitude in exchange for our money. We have become their entertainment - in the ant farm sense. What will those goofy Americans want today? What word will they not know?

Already, I'm beginning to miss the kids at the orphanage. I'm beginning to miss this place. I went out tonight just to take it all in. Side note: I saw a poster in the mall advertising Albert's organization which ministers to orphanages in this area. I was intrigued by this. He is really doing a good work here. If I can remember the web address, I'll post a link to his site. - End side note. The place where we are really is beautiful at night. Although I know that many of the kids I know here will most likely never be able to live on this side of town. They'll likely just ride through and wonder. I wonder myself what it would be like to live here. I suppose in some ways it would be a lot like our first home....

Blessings to you guys and your families this Christmas Holiday. We will celebrate the birth of Christ with you - but we'll beat you to the punch by about eight hours.

The Grace's (from small spaces)