There will always be those unexpected "Suddenlies" that interrupt our perfect plans and turn our world upside down. Yet, it is our faith that develops perseverance which gives us strength and hope and brings us victoriously through and out of our seemingly endless and hopeless situations.
When we realized that the renters were breaking their lease the day before we were to leave Oregon, everything changed from that point on. SUDDENLY, we had to hire a property manager service, and on their recommendation we had to empty the house (which we originally were renting completely furnished to the lease-breakers). That really changed our plans. What a task ahead! We found ourselves in a frenzy, calling friends to run to our rescue (oh, if not for the help of our friends), and we began boxing and labeling and storing our possessions. We gave away STUFF, sold (and are still selling) STUFF on Craigslist, and just yesterday went to our rented storage unit and hauled that container of STUFF back to our storage shed on our property - since we now had enough room because we sold more STUFF.
It's been a long 5 weeks living in our family room (now set up like a hotel suite). Yet, we've taken this time to gather our documents together and have them apostilled for when we finally arrive in Cuenca, so then we can begin to process of obtaining our residency visas. Looking at the brighter side, had this delay not taken place, we would not have known to take this important step before arriving in Ecuador. We also had our passports renewed since they would have expired Sept 2013. I'm still waiting for my NYC Birth Certificate which has been delayed because of the power failure due to Sandy. Geesh, ANOTHER DELAY! We're learning patience, which we understand will be a valuable and much needed virtue when we live in Ecuador!
Our now empty but still beautiful home seems to be beckoning for a new family to fill it with love and laughter. After 39 years of living here, it's been difficult letting go, especially of our STUFF! This had been the crazy and difficult part of this entire ordeal - LETTING GO! Giving STUFF away! Selling STUFF! STUFF, STUFF, STUFF!!! I've come to realize how much my STUFF owns me. I love my beautiful STUFF. We have a beautiful home with beautiful STUFF. Yet, I feel so free again, and knowing we're going to Ecuador with just our suitcases makes me feel even more free. We've been in a period of training - living out of our suitcases in our family room suite, and with minimal kitchen accoutrement - just enough to get by with. We've come to truly realize how little we need to be comfortable and content.
And so, our journey has begun. Not the way we planned it - but it's all about the process. We sold the cargo trailer before we even had a chance to use it. We sold the motorcycle trailer camper too. Bo now has the Valkyrie listed for sale. It's no longer a part of the plan. We will be ready to GO as soon my NYC Birth Certificate arrives, whether the house is rented or not. It would be wonderful to be in Cuenca for Thanksgiving. We already have so much to be thankful for......
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Our beautiful 1920's renovated country farmhouse
before we packed and purged our stuff.
I wonder where we'll be living in Cuenca??
before we packed and purged our stuff.
I wonder where we'll be living in Cuenca??
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More of our Packing Pals - I'm reminded of the song, "You've Got A Friend" by the Carpenters. I just called out their name, and they came running! |
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Thanks to my fun friends, I could laugh through the tears! |
This truly is the beginning of "Repacking Our Bags" and letting go of our STUFF!
Finally!....I just wanted to say I'm so thankful to have the priviledge of following your blog and your journey! I know God is watching over your lives and leading you every step of the way, because he is so very faithful and his mercies are new every morning! I love you guys!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you, Dian. Thank you for your words of support and encouragement. We sure need them now. Enjoy our crazy journey!
DeleteLinda
Brings tears to my eyes
ReplyDeleteYou had to give up so much. I know that 39yrs seems like a lifetime and almost is. To see the empty house makes me want to cry. Such a letting go experience. But without letting go, we can't experience all of the new joys that await us. I know your new life is so rewarding. If I move to Cuenca, I do want to meet you two one day. Now that we're moving into February 2013, I wonder if you've had any thots of future settling or if you will be contented to keep leasing. I know in time that you'll be guided to the right decisions and all will fall into place for you. Abundant blessings in 2013. I just heard a prophetic word for 2013. It is a year of completion. The things that didn't break forth for us in the past season, will break forth in the new one. Helen/Dallas,TX.
ReplyDeleteyes Helen,
DeleteLetting go is difficult - but freeing! I still struggle some days missing my beautiful home and beautiful Oregon. Bo and I are living day by day - so renting month to month works best for us. We only know what today will bring, and we are learning to live in the NOW. Thank you for the prophetic word, and we both look forward to the new year and all that will be revealed and accomplished in us and through us, in His name and all to His glory!
Keep us posted as to your plans.
Bo and Linda
Two things...did you ever rent the house in Eugene?
ReplyDeleteHave you found a church to attend in Cuenca? S
Yes, we rented the house the day and one hour before we were on our way out to the airport to leave Oregon (God is never late, and faithful until the last hour!!!). We've attended, but haven't found (yet) our home church. There are several bi-lingual fellowships yet to visit.
DeleteLinda
Thank you for your reply. We, too, are living in Eugene and considering a move out of the country. We had been in the Cook Islands for 6 months, but expensive and sadly, not very expat friendly. I can't blame them for wanting to keep what is theirs. Is the weather there as gorgeous as it sounds? Please, if you wouldn't mind, keep me posted on your church hunting. It is one of my concerns, seeing we speak no Spanish...yet.We have only been in Eugene since October and have not found a fellowship to call home yet, so if you also have any suggestions??? If you would rather email me personally, please let me know. I realize these things can be kind of personal. I appreciate any bone you can throw me... Drenched in Eugene!!Sue O
DeleteHello Sue,
DeleteWe attended a Spanish spirit-filled church today, and the worship was fabulous. We hope to try another church next Sunday that an Ecuadorian family told us about. We've decided to fellowship with Spanish believers to help us both learn more Spanish and to meet more Ecuadorian like-minded friends. There are, however, several bi-lingual churches here also, which we will still be visiting. I have absolutely no suggestions for churches in Eugene-Springfield, unfortunately. Best to you in finding a place that is truly spirit-filled and led.
Hope you're drying out a bit (LOL). It's raining today in Cuenca, but nothing like Bluegene!!!!
Linda
Jim Hansen Eugene, knows Dave and Bo Longood if the the same. talkingparrots14@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHere in Panama with my wife Lily. Have a condo in Manta.. be there in March.. Go ducks
Welcome to our BLOG, Jim and Lily!
DeleteOf course, there are only one Dave and Bo longood in the entire universe - so it HAS to be the same (smile). Hope you continue to enjoy our adventure, and have a fabulous time in Ecuador when you come in March. If you come to Cuenca, let us know.
Linda