How we are enjoying our new space! Moving day(s) David sorted and stacked our non-essentials in Steven's basement, then scrubbed everything down. My friend Kathy helped me child-proof the new place, hiding breakables and covering sofas with sheets. I am able to relax knowing my kids have less of a chance to "make a lasting impression" on this beautiful house. We also have the use of our host's car so I don't have to pack the kids in the car at 7:30 am to drive David to work and use the car during the day.
We are so thankful, the way that our Father has come through meeting our needs, and so much more. Like, we have a pool within walking distance and a fenced in yard for the kids to run. We have begun an evening ritual of watering the plants outside. When Mommy does it, the kids are in bed asleep. When Daddy does it, the kids are outside in their swimsuits! Joshua was heartbroken to miss the "fun" when he had to go to soccer practice!
We saw our previous housemates, the Stevens this past Tuesday and it was both happy and sad for the children. They greeted one another enthusiastically and laughed and played, but after a time of settling down Joshua began to cry. He saw the race car his friend brought and it reminded him of all of the toys and fun times he had at his old house. I assured him this was the way he was supposed to feel right now. We will definately plan some play dates with the Stevens to transition gently into this absence.

As long as I have known David, he has always said, "I want to be able to pack two bags and leave the rest of it behind." Soon, we hope to have the opportunity to do just that. ...but with two kids and 13 bags. I caught a glimpse into Joshua's relationship to his possessions before a birthday party today. Instead of purchasing new gifts for her son to open, our party hostess instructed us to wrap USED toys our children had outgrown, and we would exchange them. Everyone would return home with a "new" toy. Joshua was extremely upset at the prospect of having to bid any of his toys farewell. Between sobs, he said, "I love ALL of my toys," and "But you gave me that as a present, and I don't want to give it away." As we cuddled and processed his feelings, I explained that if he loved something so much that he couldn't give it away, he wasn't the owner. The toy was owning him, because it was his boss. While this concept works through to him, I turn to a song by one of my favorite artists, who pens,

Every heart needs to be set free
From possessions that hold it so tight
'Cause freedom's not found in the things that we own
It's the power to do what is right
With J****, our only possession
Then giving becomes our delight
And we can't imagine the freedom we find
From the things we leave behind

You know, I have a lifetime of memories and experiences to draw on when I have to let go. Knowing that my Provider always comes through. Seeing my needs pressed upon the heart of another in the nick of time makes tangible to my heart what I know in my head. That is what I own.

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. -Jim Elliot

I had heard that turning thirty was something to be dreaded... One friend cried all day. Another friend needed to have a big celebration. One was depressed. However, I think that the introspecting crisis I might have anticipated at thirty has already come and gone. David and I had our first fight this year. OK, got that over with. Realized that we would still be married if we had conflict. We have had our lives dissected and handed back to us in the process of going overseas. Week-long interview, check. Crying in psychologist's office, check. Now, I am re-reading my journals from the last TWENTY years. They are amazing. Embarrassing, yes, but amazing. I had a spectacular childhood and adolescence. However, I don' t look back and long to be there again. I love where I am. I am married to an incredible man who knows me and loves me for me. Constantly challenging me, astounding me, raising the standard. We are broke, but rich in time that we lavish on our two children and on those we seek to love. Extravagant, really. So, overall I think that I'll go with our house mate's opinion of decades. The twenties we didn't know what we wanted. They were like a roller coaster. The thirties we were more stable, more wise, more mature. Sounds good.