Smith Street Chapter Closed

We got good news today. I felt it needed a post of it's own.

We knew that when we left Illinois, we would be responsible to fulfill our rent agreement, which wouldn't terminate until July, and that we had no option to sublet. And for many reasons – both financially and situationally, it made the most sense for us to leave when we did and just continue paying out through the end of our lease. It was a loss, but we felt that "big picture" it was wise for us. Our landlord gracefully agreed to advertise our unit and see if they got any bites, but we were prepared for the worst case scenario – to pay the full amount. Going into it, I felt a lot of peace. I felt that the Lord had and would provide for us either way, be it financially or with new tenants. It feels good to lay things in His hand, doesn't it? I wish I did that more often, really. So you can imagine our excitement when a couple weeks ago, after only a short time of being here in Arizona, we learned that there was some interest in our apartment! We tried not to get our hopes up, prayed that God would see this through, and continued on with our life. Until, today! We just heard this morning that the new renters moved in today and we are officially released from our rent agreement! Hurray! We are humbled and thankful for God's goodness to us in this situation. We don't deserve it, and some might even call us foolish. But I feel so very seen and taken care of by the Lord in this, and I wouldn't trade watching Him work for anything!

I'll admit, closing the door (no pun intended, but I'll take it!) to our home in Illinois feels somewhat bittersweet to me. I told Paul it seems weird to think of someone else living in our first home. But such is life I suppose. Teaching me to place my hope in heaven and not delight in the fading things of this world! A lesson I surely need to keep learning.

**By the way! That lovely print of our first apartment building was done by sweet Alissa Mazzenga, from Feast Fine Art & Calligraphy! She's a lovely artist and calligrapher. She made address stamps for all my bridesmaids and she's so super talented.