On fire

Last night Justin and I went on a date because our friend Beth insisted on us needing to get out during this stressful time. We happened to leave about the time a fire broke out on our local Mt. Sentinel. We ended up eating ice cream cones (which only cost $1 total thanks to my psychotic coupon-clipping habits) and watching the mountain burn. We found this slightly ironic because in some ways it feels like our life is that burning mountain: erratic, unpredictable, and out of control.

Of course we've found small ways to maintain an appearance of control. We got boxes and started packing today; we took a load of items to Goodwill; I put a buy/sell on a house yesterday. Woah, did you catch that?

Yes, we found a very suitable townhome when we looked at places with our realtor on Tuesday. This home is priced right and would be the exact sort of home we'd put a normal bid on if Justin had a job offer. But as it currently stands with us still waiting for the job--any job really--to happen, we've suggested a lease-to-buy option. I doubt the owners will agree to the terms but if they do we'd be in a position to at least have a home option for a few years while Justin establishes himself as a professional therapist in this community.

It seems crazy but we could actually have smaller mortgage payments if be bought than if we rent. That is one of the greatest appeals. However, while this job situation may not work out, for whatever unknown reason we still feel peaceful at the idea of being here in Missoula. I am at a point now where I really want to be able to start being excited about welcoming this new baby into our lives and I feel like we have to make some serious decisions regarding our housing situation in order for that to happen.

I have to thank all of you for your continued prayers, words of encouragement and support, be it tangible or otherwise. We are incredibly fortunate to have a loving community of people who affirm us in our attempts to live faithfully. We are grateful for that more than ever.

I'll keep you posted with any updates. Thanks again.