Monday, October 26, 2009



A New Wrinkle

It seems like more and more we are coming into a new chapter, and it really does feel like Portland-- Take 2. There are some things that you just don't put out there much, but this one will affect us in big ways, so it's worth updating everyone on. The bottom line is that we are foreclosing on our adorable little home of two years. There are definitely some positives here mixed in with the more obvious negatives. We bought at the very top of the market, and so much of the information we based our decisions on just completely changed within a year. It was a stretch for us financially, but armed with optimism, substantial savings, and a plan for me to start my own practice soon, we took the leap. Bump after bump after bump on my road to having my own business, I am finally there, but too late. When we were thinking about going overseas, we looked at what it would be like to rent our house out. That's when we realized that we were paying way more for our house than it was worth, and our savings had already run out. And we had pared our budget down to the bare minimums long ago. It was really hard to get to a place of needing to find other options-- and we exhaustively researched all of them-- finding foreclosure to be the only one actually available to us at this point, unless we wanted to gather more debt.

So, we stopped making mortgage payments this summer and started making big payments on the debt we had incurred making up for our deficiencies and starting my business. We got our notice last week that our home will be auctioned at the end of February. This is good and bad. I am so glad that we have been able to live here, and that we will continue to do so "rent free" for several more months-- what a blessing. On the other had, we have poured so much into this little house, and it seems like such a sad way to leave. Also, my work has started to really pick up, especially in the last month, but I suddenly feel a lot of pressure to make sure that I am earning enough to keep us going as we pay rent and finish paying off the debt. I have been having mild panic attacks about this, but the refrain "Jehovah Jireh, my Provider-- His grace is sufficient for me" has been an encouragement to me lately.

Now, on to the positives! Looking at apartments and tiny houses online has been kind of encouraging! They're not so bad in our price range after all, and we might actually get to live in a safer, sweeter neighborhood. Maybe close to my work, even. Plus, there will be closets! We are ready for something new, and sometimes it's nice to switch homes as a way to mark a distinct new chapter (at least that's how it's been for us, since we have lived in four places in our almost five years of marriage!) I am so excited to think that my practice is getting busy and will soon be a dependable source of income. Things are changing for us, and although some of them are pretty tough, we are ultimately headed in a good direction. Sigh.

8 comments:

ShackelMom said...

Yes, God is good, and He provides! It will be intersting to see how it all plays out!

Keren said...

Hang in there dear friend. I think you will find that God is good all the time, all the time God is Good.
love to you!

Gretchen said...

Sometimes the good stuff comes through difficult stuff.... Your house is so cute and you guys have really made it your home but I can see how a new chapter will be a good thing.
I'm looking forward to hearing what the next steps will be for you guys!

annie said...

I am so sorry but also thankful with you that you can see the positive and rest in the grace and goodness of God. I don't say that lightly it has been something that has been daily challenge for me...I have been having my little breakdowns,too.
I think I know just how to pray for you.
Love you friend!

Grandma Seelye said...

I'm sure you must feel "up in the air" about all the changes and uncertainties. I do pray you will sense the Lords' guidance and direction.He is faithful.Love and prayers.

ShackelMom said...

I just have to say, I love the colors you choose for the house... the green porch! And of course, we continue to pray for the next step!

Karen Kellerford said...

Good job at making a really hard decision. I think I know exactly what you mean about the little panic attacks and will keep you in prayer. I struggle too, and have been learning to try stay in the present, rather than allow my mind to run to the future with all it's frightening unknowns. It isn't easy.

Aunt Robin said...

The house looks darling and you've poured yourselves into it. No one can take that away from you... it will always be part of your family history. I'll be praying for you too, that you'll feel peaceful and that the next chapter, after the saddness of closure, will be something really nice!