Yesterday I ventured to the store for the first time, by myself, with the kids. It sounds silly, I know, but for some reason this whole living in the country thing has me a little gun-shy.
Okay fine, I’m down right hibernating.
I don’t know anyone. And I’m hesitant to get to know the neighbors {term used very lightly, as they’re not as close as our last ones…you know, sitting on the loo taking a pee and looking into the neighbor’s son’s bedroom. Yikes. Don’t miss that one bit!}
I don’t know the {bigger} stores. Or even how to get there, for that matter. Well, I know a couple. But they’re all a good 25 minutes away. And for some reason, in this new-girl-in-town state of mind, it’s a little scary to me.
I’m so weary with all the unrest of where we’re at that I’ve found I’m just withdrawing. I’m guarded in proclaiming to the world that we’ve moved out of fear of the feedback we might receive…”you moved in, and you haven’t even closed?!?”
I feel a lot like a little island.
A lonely one.
And for a people person…this is weird. Which, in turn, makes me feel sillier. And on the cycle goes.
I’m ready to get off this ride, thank you.
I survived the trip to SAMS and Aldi’s yesterday. Oooh, what a big girl! {ahem}. And not only did I survive, but I was inspired to venture out again today…in the opposite direction.
We found a travelling zoo in the parking lot of a new assisted living place, and this particular adventure turned out to be a sweet God appointment.
But first, for your viewing pleasure…may I introduce Cricket…lover of all things furry:
We had an amazing time. Cricket was in her element…feeding the llamas, checking out the lemurs, avoiding the camel’s drool, and tapping the tortoise on it’s shell {is that bad?}, while bug sat happily in the stroller…wide eyed at all the little animals.
It gets better! Little did I know there were free hotdogs, chips and lemonade inside. Oh happy day…no rushing back to assemble a quick lunch before nap time.
Inside happened to be yet another sweet blessing.
A woman named Linda, who affectionately introduced herself as “Ouma” {German for grandma} to the kids. What followed was a fabulous time of laughter, heart-bearing, faith-sharing, and loin-fruit assistance. Cricket just latched onto her, as did I. I love this woman and feel as though I have known her for years. She blessed my heart so, with encouragement, transparency, and humor. She was even eager to join us for church on Sunday night. Wouldn’t that be a divine appointment?
What a delightful reward for venturing out of the house again!
In my feeble attempt to get my kids outside of our 3 mile property line again and actually have some brain-stimulating fun, I had my tank filled up by a delicious time of adult conversation with Ouma.
But THIS is the kicker. As we bid farewell to one-another, with that sweet affection of an old friend, she whispered in my ear…”may God bless you…and may the Holy Spirit give you the desire of your heart in this area”.
Did you get that?!?
In this area.
Not just in general. But in this area.
And she doesn’t even know anything about our situation.
There you have it. This house is mine. God gave it to us. Now the {stinking} bank just needs to realize it {ahem}.
Wham bam, thank you, ma’am.
And yes. I know.
God is just cool like that.
