I TOTALLY understand! Ethiopia opened my eyes the same way. I kept on thinking about the foundation that needs to be fixed, flooring that could use a good replacement, our back door that doesn't quiet work and then thought, "I have a house, two cars, and more love than I could ever imagine." For the first time the inkling that a bigger house may be necessary to fit more children in it has occured to me. I guess we'll wait until the house overflows (WOO HOO!!!) :)
I've never been to any place like that but I've seen pictures on MckMama's blog (mycharmingkids.net) and it's eye opening for sure.
We have a mortgage but it's a small house with an acre of land and we love it. It's true, we don't need all those fancy and big things. We're blessed just to have a roof over our heads!
Good luck with your search!
June 14, 2010 1:33 PM
One of the biggest things (or maybe "greatest things" is a better phrase) that happened to me in Uganda is I got a little perspective. Okay, a lot. Pre-Uganda, I had started the process of looking for a house for my family in a nearby suburb with great schools. It wouldn't mean a very far move for us; almost right across the street. But we are still in Chicago at this point and our neighborhood school is okay but not great. With Seth's potential learning issues (potential, right God?) I'd like to be in a place where we can use the resources of great public schools. So, assuming we don't move to Uganda, we will be moving sometime in the next three years.`Before my trip, I was looking for houses that are about the price range of my current house, which is a lot under any calculus (this IS Chicago). Now that I'm back, I am still thinking about Seth and school and free school, but let's just say my price range has dropped, oh, $200,000 or so. I learned in Uganda that I have a lot I don't need. We are blessed to have toilets and kitchens inside and a roof! I don't need the nicest kitchen or the biggest rooms or the largest house. I just don't.`Let me be clear, though. I want those things. I drive through Oak Park and the big, old houses on huge lots are gorgeous and they call to me. I'd love to have that home and entertain people and be oh so comfortable. But we just don't need it. I'd like to have a little more space (for kiddos) and a yard, but other than that, we just don't need all of "it." `So, I'm off. Looking for a house with good bones that we can call our home. A house that will allow us to continue to love on this World, even when my job changes someday. A house that will speak lessons to my kids about what we value and how we sacrifice for it. It won't be easy for me. I promise you. I want the mansion. :) But like Linn and Dwight (http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com) I want to live without a mortgage so I can do more. Lord, help us get there!
3 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formI TOTALLY understand! Ethiopia opened my eyes the same way. I kept on thinking about the foundation that needs to be fixed, flooring that could use a good replacement, our back door that doesn't quiet work and then thought, "I have a house, two cars, and more love than I could ever imagine." For the first time the inkling that a bigger house may be necessary to fit more children in it has occured to me. I guess we'll wait until the house overflows (WOO HOO!!!) :)
June 13, 2010 6:15 PM
preach it, sister! i'm so proud of you!! :D
June 13, 2010 10:01 PM
I've never been to any place like that but I've seen pictures on MckMama's blog (mycharmingkids.net) and it's eye opening for sure.
We have a mortgage but it's a small house with an acre of land and we love it. It's true, we don't need all those fancy and big things. We're blessed just to have a roof over our heads!
Good luck with your search!
June 14, 2010 1:33 PM