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Category: Around the house

Home Sweet Home

A Layne Post

There is something about having a place to call home, and not only that, but a place that feels like home. My mom taught me well, as she was always so good at decorating and creating a warm environment to live in. Jon and I have been working steadily to get our new place feeling like home, and I do believe we have succeeded. I love walking in the door after a short trip or a long day out. Without thinking, a sigh escapes my lips, “Ahhh. Home.” I can almost feel in a Anaya’s little body, as she relaxes into everything familiar.

The Lord recently blessed us with the ability to purchase some new second hand couches. Yesterday, a cloudy Sunday, I smiled to myself as my hubby took a nap on the couch snuggled under a blanket. Since living here, our furniture has never been comfy enough to sleep on. Even now I am curled up in a chair all cozy. Unfortunately, I am sure as we have the furniture longer we will begin to forget what uncomfortable felt like, but for now, every time I sit I whisper, “Thank you Lord!”

In the evenings I’ve started a routine with Anaya of reading a Bible story and praying before she goes to bed. We always start by thanking the Lord for various things; the list usually includes, the toys and clothes people have graciously given us, the yummy food we are able to eat, and the roof over our heads. I think this routine has been more beneficial for me than Anaya. I am consistently reminded of the blessings of the Lord in the norm.

When is the last time you thanked the Lord for your home? For your clothes? For your couches? Let’s not forget His overwhelming generosity in our lives!

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To continue that thought of ‘home’, Jon and I desperately hope to pour out from His generosity to us and create some sort feeling of home in our flats out back. A place of comfort for those that are sick and far from the home they know and miss. We pray for the favor of the Lord as we approach re-submitting our project before the chief at the hospital (end of September or October). Pray with us? Things can be such a process here and it is not unheard of for things to take months, even years. We desire the Lord’s timing, and in our hearts yearn for sooner than later.

 

August 29, 2011
Around the house, Hospital Ministry
7 comments

We’re In

A Jon Post

So on Saturday we made the push and moved across town to our new house. It’s a welcome change. We’re working hard to make it into a home and to finish the job the team from Arizona began when they were here in June of creating a safe, comfortable and place to receive love for patients from the hospital who have nowhere else to go. There is plenty to be done but it’s all doable.

Days seem to fly by and we try to take the time to catch our breath as we look to the coming weeks and months. In just 3 short months we will be heading to the USA to spent the holidays in Arizona and Texas. We hope to visit with many of you and finally be able to say thanks in person rather than simply through emails or blogs.

The work at the hospital continues. Lonely people are not in short supply and, through Christ alone, we go to ease that burden as often as possible. Many times there is little to be said, other times we talk for hours. It energizes and exhausts us and we are forced to rely on more than our own strength and we like it that way.

A new house brings plenty of new work but our God is enough. He really is.

We’re in.

July 26, 2011
Around the house, Hospital Ministry, Mozambique
6 comments

Moving!

A Layne Post

We have had intentions of writing a proper newsletter, but due to procrastination and “busyness” we have not. Hang on to your hats, though, it is coming!

I am going let you in on some news though, because it is coming up too quick; we’re moving! This month! There are a couple of different reasons which have led us to this decision. For one, the rent prices in the city are climbing each year, so we have decided to move to a suburb called Matola where the prices are cheaper. Secondly, because of the project we want to do for the hospital patients, we need to be in a location where we have the freedom to renovate and operate how we desire. The house we have decided to rent is actually owned by the pastor of our church, who is in full support of our Casa Ahavá project.

When we approached our landlord about our contract ending in a year’s time, we knew the rent would increase; it is the way of things around here. What we did not see coming was an added $500 a month. We staggered. While we had chatted previously in the past about moving, each time I would end on verge on tears. “I’ve worked so hard!” “I want to call somewhere home!”

This time, however, as the landlord exited the front gate and we took a seat on the couch, we had peace; it was time to at least look for other options. Within a couple weeks this home in Matola fell in our laps. After a quick walk through, I was sold. It is perfect for where we are at right now. We have signed a three year contract with a locked price, cheaper than our current rent, which gives us the comfort and flexibility to begin working towards Casa Ahavá.

The two flats in the back of the house in Matola are in better condition than the ones we were looking to renovate here in the city, meaning it will take less time and money to become operational. There are still other barriers we will face, but when the Lord is for us, who can stand against us?

So we strap on our work boots and get ready to move in and make the next place ‘home’ (In my book: paint on the walls, colorful curtains, and a few personalized canvases.)

We appreciate your prayers for us during our transition and for wisdom and open doors and we continue to pursue Casa Ahavá.

July 5, 2011
Around the house, Mozambique
7 comments

Calm and Smiles

A Jon Post

Sorry this post is a couple days late. Honestly, there’s really no reason for it to be late except that I keep forgetting to get it up. Anyway, we go.

Lately it feels like we’ve been in a bit of a “calm before the storm”. Anaya, is getting on a schedule and her mother’s life has gotten a little easier. I’ve been trying to help as much as I can with her and doing my best to keep the house clean (Layne’s standards here are much higher than mine and so I’m attempting to rise up to meet them). I’ve also gotten back into a regular schedule at the hospital.

Looking towards the months ahead they seem a bit busier. Layne’s parents are coming next week Wednesday to visit us and Anaya (mostly the Anaya part). Soon after that my parents will do the same, and then we’ll be hosting a team of young men and women from TCF (our home church in AZ) in June.

I’m extremely excited to have all these people coming here to visit and would not choose any other way, but there is a level of stress that comes with that many visitors as well.

Even with these visitors looming, all seems to be well in our family. Anaya is a joy in our home, Layne is a super-mom, and me… well, I’m doin alright as a daddy I think.

Friends at the hospital still need our prayers, your prayers, and the love of our Father. Cancer and death are a constant there and there is a great need for more smiles. We bring our own and try to inspire a few when we get there.

Please remember to pray and smile with us. We can’t do it all alone.

 

March 29, 2011
Around the house, Hospital Ministry, Mozambique
6 comments
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