Home

I took a big step of faith this past spring: I moved out of the apartment I've lived in for the past 10 years, moved out of the city I've lived in for the past 14 years, and bought a house. I'm still in metro Detroit, but turned in my "Detroit resident card", which was bittersweet. I've been able to witness some pretty incredible changes in the city over the past decade, and in my former neighborhood in particular. I still work in the city, making the 25 minute commute to downtown every morning, so therefore will still be able to keep close on the good/bad/otherwise that happens in Detroit.

God's hand of provision in allowing me to purchase this home is evident. I began looking last fall, and after the first house I had set my heart on fell through, began to become discouraged that I would find anything. Then this house was brought to my attention. It was owned by a couple from my church who were moving out of the area for work. It's perfect for me. Within the first few nights here, I'd felt like I've always lived here. God certainly knew best. I know this house isn't perfect (just ask my dad, who has a list of things to do on it when he visits), but I feel like it's perfect for me. It's nearer my church community, more affordable than the apartment I was renting, and, perhaps more importantly, it was a big step of faith I needed to take in order to grow.

A new house is being built right next to me, so I'll have new neighbors soon! I'm on the corner, so there is no one on the other side of me. 

 The living room. I love this room: the fireplace, the coziness, the kitty on the couch. :-)

The dining room. The couple who lived here before me had good taste in paint colors, and I've not re-painted anything. I wasn't sure at first that I would like the blue in the dining room, fearing it would feel too dark, but as I've been here it's grown on me.

The hallway from the dining room. 

The bathroom, with it's original 1950s tile. I can't even describe how lucky I feel about this tile. In houses this age, it's not uncommon to find Pepto-Bismol pink tile in bathrooms. This tile is a lovely seafoam green color, and in great condition. I love it. 

My bedroom. I love the airy feeling in this room.

Spare bedroom/office. It's plenty big enough for a full size bed, a dresser, and my desk. (Quilt courtesy of my mom.)

The kitchen. It's not huge, but I like the two windows, which allow a lot of natural light in. The only downside is that there is no dishwasher, however, this is off-set by the best.feature.ever.

An attached garage. This is the back entry way, and the open door goes to the garage. Did I mention it's attached to the house? My heart almost stopped when I realized this about the house. I have parked on the street for the past 14 years. For some of those years, I never knew if there would actually be a parking spot in front of my apartment when I got home. No more coming home late at night and walking a block down a dark Detroit street to get to my apartment. I would have been happy with just a driveway, and the Lord gives me this. His abundance! 

The backyard. It's big enough to feel spacious, but not so big that I hate mowing. Before moving here, I'd not mowed a lawn in over 20 years. I'm still learning how to mow in straight lines. 

Not pictured is the full, finished basement which has a laundry room, half bath/cat's bathroom, more closet space than I can fill, and a bar. Because why wouldn't I want a bar in the basement? 

My prayer for this home is that it will be a place of welcome, warmth, joy, and peace. I don't know how this is all going to look, but I trust the Lord will use this gift he has given me to minister to the hearts of others.

"She considers a field a buys it, with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard" - Proverbs 31:16