Great Big God

I loved Korinne's post about our God who plays drums. I can relate.

We got the house! Upstairs and down! As this whole thing has come together in the last 4 days, we're amazed at God's incredible provision for us. You'd think we wouldn't be so amazed, he ALWAYS takes care of us, we know. It's just so cool to see how he's going to do it. This time he has provided for us a place to live with all the things a little family like ours needs, and many of the things on our "wish list" as well. Let's start with the outside ...


It's on a big cul-de-sac in the Chief Dan George area. Lots of mature trees on the street and even at the house. Those cherry blossoms are my very favourite. And I think there might even be a Japanese Maple closer to the front door. From what I can figure, it's quite near to a walking park, as well as an elementary school not too far away. Granny's Market corner store is very close and it's also just a block away from Paul's Aunt & Uncle! We suspect the back yards may be very close to backing onto each other. The back yard is fenced, and has a large patio with new stairs and a gate at the top. (God cares about stair gates, too). We're not clear on where the access to the suite is, but it's likely around to the left side.

So, about the suite. We will pay the landlord for the full house rental and then we find tenants and arrange rent and utilities payments. How cool is that? I've already been in touch with some potential renters and they are interested in pursuing it as more details come available. Mom & Dad haven't seen it yet, but hope to in the next few days. It's 2 bedrooms and that's all we know. Shared laundry (brand new machines) is in the garage, and we'll arrange with the tenants about access. The house and suite both have direct access to the garage.

And now for the upstairs. Dad says that overall, it needs a little TLC and sprucing up. The owner is fine with that as long as we do the work. (More painting!) Here are a few of the highlights we're excited about:
- double garage! with built-in lockable storage system
- 3 bedrooms
- generous size master bedroom with walk-in closet and ensuite
- laminate flooring in living room and hallway
- tile floor in kitchen
- new countertops
- WALL OVEN and separate flat-top stove
- new dishwasher
- side-by-side fridge (bottom freezer ? not sure) with the little water dispenser - won't the boys have a hayday with that!
- room in the kitchen for our gigantic table and a dining room type area that we'll likely use for a playspace

So many of these things are 'over the top' blessings. Things we would hope for but not expect to find in a rental. Paul said it well ... "we live in rupert and are going to be looking for renters for our place in abby that we don't own...ok."

Dad's friend (Jas, our translator) has assured the owner that if Paul & I are as nice as my Dad is, we will be very good tenants. The owner wants to make sure that his reputation in the neighbourhood isn't tarnished by having poor tenants. He knows that we are "religious" and was very pleased to hear that I stay at home with the kids. Dad and Jas both say that the owner is a very nice man. He's a retired teacher. There are a few other education retirees in the cul-de-sac, and a few families with younger kids too. Jas will help the owner write up a tenancy agreement for us all to sign.

What a good day. What a great God!

Our God is a great big God
Our God is a great big God
Our God is a great big God
And He holds us in his hands
He's higher than a skyscraper
Deeper than a submarine
He's wider than the universe
And beyond my wildest dreams
He's known me and he's loved me
Since before the world began
How wonderful to be a part
Of God's amazing plan!
(Vineyard Kids - Jo Hemming/Nigel Hemming)