19.25 Days to go

Paul and I decided to make a last minute, whirlwind trip down to Peoria this week because we just weren't having any success trying to find something from a distance.  Russ and Tina were being so wonderful by driving by locations for us and even touring some for us.  We just weren't seeing anything we really liked.  We had leads on two places to see so we set up appointments.  Neither of which we were really excited about.

On our way to Peoria, our realtor emailed me to say that she had just seen a new rental that had become available.  It was a duplex, with 3 bed/1.5 bath in the area we wanted and BELOW our budget.  I called immediately to set up an appointment.

We had appointments for viewing starting at 9 am on Tuesday.  The first was doable but on a street that is very busy with 4 lanes of traffic.  We then went to view the duplex that had just come available.  When we arrived, the leasing agent explained that the old tenant had just moved out and the duplex was trashed.  She was very correct about "trashed."  There wasn't a place on the carpet that wasn't covered in black stains, walls that weren't filthy in addition to many mirrors on the walls. The agent explained that she would be replacing all the carpet, taking down all the mirrors and painting the whole place.  I think she saw that we liked the layout and size but were very hesistant due to the filth.  She suggested we travel over to one of their other units to see how they make their places look when they're cleaned and ready to go.  BEAUTIFUL is what we saw at the other unit we viewed.  Clean as can be!  We decided to go ahead and fill out the application for the unit because it met all of our needs. With the decision being made we decided to head over to Moline to see my parents for the night.

Paul's mom had come to Marshfield to stay with our kids which was great and so helpful.  We had a great night with my parents, an actual double date to a really nice restaurant. Afterward, we went back to their house, and we all watched the VP debate together. I laid on the floor in front of their gas fireplace and the relaxation was so welcome!

This weekend has been a bit of a whirlwind.  The candidate for Paul's position came this weekend for his candidating weekend.  We met them Friday night with all the Elders and families. Then Saturday night, we had them over for dinner so they could relax and talk with us about renting our home.  AND it's a go. They will be renting our home!!!!! The plan is that they will move in the last week of November.  In January, we will place the house back on the market, which they are fine with!  They eventually want to buy so we are praying for a sale before they buy and move out.  Today, Jon was unaminously voted in by our church body.  This was an exhausting weekend but so wonderful.

I have to tell you that often transitions in churches DO NOT happen like this.We are so delighted to be in  a place where you can meet and be part of the "hand off".  It wasn't awkward for us at all. Truly, it was a beautiful experience.

Next Sunday (10-28) is our farewell party. I will be a blubbering mess that day.  November 9th is our move day. The kids and I will leave very early in the morning so that we can get to the school before it closes. We want them to see the school, plus I need to fill out paperwork.  Through the weekend we'll unpack and all that comes with moving.  The kids start school on  Tuesday, November 13th (my birthday)!  There is no school on Monday, November 12th.  We are glad they will have a few days to just be.

We are still trusting God to bring in the rest of our support as well as some expenses for moving. He has been faithful and will continue to be! 

Love you all!!!!