The House we lived in and loved

HIS MYSTERIOUS WAYS
 THE HOUSE WE LIVE IN (AND LOVE)
Three months before our fifth child was due, the Owner of the garden apartment complex we lived in sent out notices that everyone would have to find other living quarters because he was converting the apartments into Condominiums, which would be for sale in the next year or so. With no savings and a baby on the way, we had no idea where to go. Apartments were scarce and expensive, and there weren't many landlords who wanted to rent to a family with five children. Since all Our neighbors also needed new places to live, that was the main topic of conversation in the complex. Everyone was looking through the classifieds and talking to real estate agents. One night when I had trouble falling asleep, I let my mind wander and imagine what kind of place I'd like to live in. A house of our own with five bedrooms and a big yard for the kids to play in would be nice. A reasonable price would definitely be a requirement. Soon I found myself asking God to please help us find a decent place to live, even if it didn't exactly meet my imaginings. The next morning when I was relating my wishful thinking to my husband, he looked at me with raised eyebrows, and said facetiously, "Yeah, right. We're going to be able to afford a house with five bedrooms. And tomorrow We're going to win a million dollars." Later in the afternoon, as I was straightening up the living room, there was a newspaper on the coffee table, folded to the classified section. I figured one my neighbors had probably left it there when a few of us got together that morning to discuss our situation. As I was about to throw the paper into the wastebasket, my eye caught one of the ads in the Homes for Sale section. "Handyman Special - 5 BRs, bath, LR, DR, Kit, lg yard. needs some work. reasonable." I immediately called the number in the ad and asked when my husband and I could look at the house. I never did anything like that before, Without even consulting my husband, but I just felt I had to see that house. Much to our surprise, the house was in good shape structurally and just needed cosmetic repairs like painting and cleaning. It was in a price range we felt we could handle and as housing prices went up over the years, it turned out to be the best bargain we ever got. Our family has spent 35 happy years in this house and I thank God for it every day.
Terri Andersen