Definitely BLOG-Worthy

Wow. I don't even know where to start after nearly a month without posting. Our trip to the farm (and to WI, and to Abby's wedding, and to Bloomington, and Bristol, and all over the place) was really, really good. The kids had a great time with their aunts, uncles, grandpas, grandmas, and all extended relatives. The weather was perfect for swimming and helping out on the farm. We loved being there; it was such a priviledge to have that sweet time.

And then.

Then came the 2 day drive back to VA from IL. This time Braden didn't feel up to driving through the night. . . and who could blame him? So it really was TWO full days of driving. I don't want to whine, especially because the kids did REALLY well. Still, I'm disgusted by the sight of convenience or fast food and my 36 week pregnant body was ready to stretch out a little more.

We made a quicker than expected departure on Monday (sorry Sara! I wish I could have seen you!), because Braden had a phone message that our house had sustained some pretty severe water damage from two broken pipes. Alas. . .

I don't want to get into all of it, just because that in itself is exhausting. Needless to say, it wasn't the homecoming I was hoping for. (I thought my house was going to be so much BETTER than when I left. New windows and paint and all...) Again, I don't want to complain, because I really DO see God's goodness in this. It could have been MUCH worse. Basically what happened is that two pipes in the upstairs bathroom broke sometime on Friday or Saturday and the water ran from the upstairs bathroom, down through our (recently remodeled) kitchen, and on into the basement. Extensive damage- it just makes you want to cry when (you are 36 weeks pregnant and planning a home birth and) you watch a crew knocking down your ceiling and walls and you see your entire house packed up (only a few short weeks before THE day). The whole kitchen is in the front room- I mean cabinets, sink, counters, appliances, ALL. My tiled backsplash that I finally completed is now in pieces. Everything needs washed. Things are ruined. We won't know the full extent of the damage or the plan of attack until at least Friday, when the house is hopefully dried out.

Again, I want to stress that God is SO good to us. He is good in that Lead Safe discovered the leak on Sunday and shut off the water. He is good in that our insurance covers water damage after we pay our deductable. We're temporarily living in a hotel while we wait on our home. He is good in that the house was packed up from the new windows and painting, so all the furniture, pictures, and misc. items were boxed or wrapped in plastic. He is good in that we still have a house. Only two rooms really damaged and work to do in the basement. He is good in taking care of things while we were gone, with good friends stepping up and helping out and friends and neighbors making offers of lodging and food and assistance now. I'm tearing up as I think of His mercy. It's a horrible way to come home, and yet it is okay.

Please join me in praying for God's continued faithfulness. We will have many difficult decisions to make. Without much income, it is hard to say what can get done and when, but we need a liveable house! Braden is back to his internship tomorrow and school starts the second week of August. The baby is due the first week of August. If we don't have a home there won't be a home birth. . .

I don't want to get myself started thinking too much, since it is bedtime. I love that God grants slumber to those He loves- despite or in spite of their circumstances.