In January, we started the process of putting our house on the market. It was very stressful for me because 1) I was doing it alone, and 2) when we bought our house, we didn't have a good realtor and were taken advantage of, and 3) selling our house changes so much with our adoption/moving plans. Our homestudy in Missouri is tied to this house, and while I could update it, that might not be worth it for just an added month or two. Also, once the house sells, obviously I have to be out so that could change my plans for when I move to Hawaii. As it stands right now, May 25 is the earliest I can move because of Gibb's paperwork and one of my dearest friend is getting married May 24th (yes, you Emily!)
Well, the house sat on the market for almost 2 months with no viewings. Lots of online activity, but no hits. I started to think it would never sell, worry about the price (which we don't have lots of wiggle room,) and just the whole situation. I felt we had bitten off more than we could chew. While renting the house out was a backup option, that is a last resort in my mind. So I've just praying that God would help me trust in him. I remember driving on evening petitioning him for patience and the ability to remember that He is bigger than the situation; that He was in charge. I prayed to keep in the forefront of my mind that I didn't need 100 showings, just that 1 that was from Him. And I gave the situation over to him because as much as I just wanted to 'fix it' and 'make things happen' I can't. I can't do anything to make this move faster (just like the adoption). So I surrendered the whole situation to Him. But it was a daily surrendering. A constant struggle not to make things happen but allow Him to work.
This past week, I've had my godchildren and their parents living with me while their house has some updates done (goodbye popcorn ceilings!). We had a great time but stayed up waaaay too late Friday night watching movies. So we all slept in Saturday. When I finally drug my sorry behind out of bed, I got a phone call for a viewing. I said 'of course', hung up, and started freaking out! Not only had I let the house go because of lack of viewings, but I had 4 extra people in my house with all their stuff. But I am so grateful they were here! They jumped in and helped get the house clean, even 'Bug' who walked around with a duster. The house was in mint condition, even the back deck....so much more than I could have done alone in an hour and a half. Then we went out to eat so our adreneline could calm down. A few hours later, I got a call for a 2nd viewing for Sunday! I was so excited!
Well, after the showing on Sunday, Monday came and went. And by 8 o'clock Tuesday, I'd given up and assumed no offer would be made. At 9pm, my realtor called to let me know an offer had been made! We talked all the details with that, and it's too low for me to accept. But we are in informal talks explaining what I can do and what I can't. And I'm excited. I'll know more tomorrow. I'm just praying we can find a middle ground without scaring anyone away. And I'm doing all this while Gabe is out of contact for the rest of the week, if not longer! So that is a little stressful.
But the point is, God pulled through just like I asked. I asked for Him to take control of the situation and to help me trust in Him. To have the knowledge that He had full control of the situation and that I didn't need to worry about the number of showings, but to trust he would bring the 1 buyer at the right time. And He did! I'm in awe about how specifically I prayed about the number of showings and just needing the 1 buyer, and that's exactly how he answered. Like it was a tangible way of reminding me of how big He is. And it gives me sooooo much encouragement for our adoption. We are praying in very similar ways: For God to bring us the right baby at the right time, and to have the patience to wait in prayer without trying to make things happen outside of His plan.
I just want to say thanks to all our friends and family out there who were specifically praying about our house situation. It means so much to have people to share our struggles and worries with and know they aren't just going to say they will pray; they actually do. You prayer warriors are amazing!
No comments:
Post a Comment