Busy Week!

This has been an incredible (and busy) week at Bethel! Closing took place on Monday morning, and the work began Monday evening. Because the sellers did not clean out the house, I have spent much of the last week sorting through junk and cleaning. The house is still a long way from becoming habitable, but progress is slow and steady.

Prayers are being answered daily, often quickly and by unexpected means! My first priority after closing was to get the half bathroom sanitary enough to be functional. After repeated scrubbing, I was satisfied that it was safe enough to use except for the toilet seat which I wanted to replace ASAP. Following a hasty trip to Lowe's after work on Tuesday, I attempted to remove the old seat to no avail. I began to pray for God to send someone to help me with the seat. Soon afterward, my hairdresser, Ruth, arrived unannounced, and I knew my prayers were answered. Ruth can do just about anything, and she isn't hesitant to tackle something new. Within minutes the seat was replaced and the bathroom fully functional. What a blessing!

As the residents of my new neighborhood have appeared in their yards, I have walked over to introduce myself, and I have been delighted to discover that I have some wonderful neighbors! One of my prayers at the beginning of the week was that someone would mow my lawn until I could make arrangements to have it done on a regular basis. Still, I was surprised when Steve, who lives across the street, offered to do it for me until I get settled. I hadn't known this man more than five minutes when he so graciously offered to take on this task!

Knowing that I am on a tight budget, Phillip, a co-worker, told me of a fantastic sale at a local flooring outlet. This resulted in the purchase of over fifteen hundred pounds of cherry laminate at close-out prices. My friend, Jim, willingly hauled the flooring in his truck, making two trips to the outlet. His wife, Ruth, and friends A.J., Scott, and Kristal helped us unload it Saturday afternoon. Many hands make light work! Now I'm praying for someone to install the laminate. :)

One of the most exciting developments this week was the gift of a piano! I have terribly missed mine since moving to Michigan, as I have rarely had the opportunity to play in three years. When God gave me the house I began to pray for one, and He so sweetly provided. On Wednesday evening, my friend Lynn posted on Facebook that her husband's co-worker had a Wurlitzer console piano to give away. Providentially, I saw the notice soon after it was posted, called Lynn and Trent for details, and immediately called Sue to claim this prize. Hannah accompanied me to look at it on Thursday evening, and arrangements were made to pick it up sometime in May after my flooring is down. Isn't God amazing!

I could go on and on about the many answered prayers and blessings I have experienced this week, but this post would become quite lengthy so I won't give all of the details. I have been given more items for the house, gift cards, packing boxes, and wonderful meals prepared by dear Diane who knows my tendency to eat poorly. Hannah bravely helped me clean out the basement, and others have assisted in various ways. To everyone who has helped in any way, THANK YOU!!!

As I reflect on the events of the last week, my body aches and my heart sings. The work has only just begun, but God is so beautifully providing as He promised He would. Next Saturday, April 28, will be a major work day with the goal of taking out the entire kitchen, one bathroom, all of the carpet, and other things that need to be removed before reconstruction can begin. There are walls to be scrubbed, and there is yard work aplenty. I need as much help as possible that day, so please let me know if you are available to help for any length of time. No skill is required, just a willing spirit. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

"So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the Lord your God has given to you and your house..." Deuteronomy 26:11