I'm a home owner! It feels GREAT accomplishing this goal. I wasn't sure if this day would ever come, since we had been searching for 6 months. We looked at MANY houses online and in person. Our Realtor was great with not pressuring us and giving great advice when we asked. (If you or someone you know is looking for one, I HIGHLY recommend ours - contact me for info.) My husband and I went through many phases where we were excited, picky, impatient, willing to compromise, frustrated, loosing hope, didn't think we had the funds, calm, patient, peaceful, confident, and thankful. Well, I can't really speak for my husband, but the phases are pretty much the cycle of my feelings through the process.
It's quite interesting looking back at my blog updates on finding a home.
January 4 - we began the process searching for a home
January 17 - approved with our chosen lender
February 1 - we met with our Realtor
February 14 - we were settling for a house we didn't love (thankfully didn't buy)
February 24 - I was encouraged by our Realtor
April 7 - the house market died
My updates on my blog then stopped. In April, I had a break down. I was doubting SO many things. I didn't think we could afford the type of house that we wanted, and I didn't think we would ever find it. And then, my focus changed. My mission trip to Africa was quickly approaching, and I didn't want to "miss" out on anything that God wanted to teach me. (and He did, you can read about it here ) It's hard to describe, but I felt this softness inside like God was saying just wait, I've got a house for you after Africa. I had this peace about all this searching. The funny thing is that even with this feeling, my husband and I still looked at a few houses here and there, and one by one it was a definite no. But it confirmed what I was "feeling."
Don't you know that 2 days after I left for Africa, the emails came pouring in of houses on the market. When I returned, I went through the emails, and compiled a list of houses that my husband and I wanted to see in person. The following week we set out to see 5 houses, and after the 2nd one, I didn't want to see any more. We had found "the one" and didn't have to compromise on anything we were searching for. It had it all - what an answered prayer! So we reacted fast. The next day we put in a bid. After a week of back and forth and a few complications, the owners accepted our bid. After another month of waiting - setting up inspections, appraisal, etc. aka a lot of waiting. We finally have the keys!
What a roller-coaster of a journey to look back on. I'm not the most patient person in the world, but I'm happy that I waited. I'm very thankful for the peace that God gave me. Looking back, I couldn't imagine being in the middle of purchasing a house while on the mission trip. I'm sure my focus would have been off some...ok maybe a lot. :) What's crazy, is that the house we bought, was put on the market in January - the exact time we began our search - but we didn't receive an email about the house until I left for Africa. Coincidence? I'll let you decide...
So I want to encourage all of you that are waiting for something big or even small in your life. Enjoy the roller-coaster of the journey! Even if you think you have it all together, don't miss what God wants to teach you during this time. As much as being patient sucks, I'm sure whatever you are waiting for, it is worth the wait.
I can't wait to see how God will use this house of ours...besides, He's the one that blessed us with it.
-Miche
Showing posts with label House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label House. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
It's Like Finding a Wedding Dress...
HOUSE update: Travis and I have looked at about eight houses, if not more - in person. We were interested in one particular house and visited the house for a second time. After viewing the house more closely, we decided it wasn't meant for us. I was feeling pretty discouraged after viewing the house that night. I think I was just overwhelmed with school stuff and trying to find a home at the same time. Before we left the house, we had a good talk with our Realtor, and I felt so refreshed about the situation. Finding a house is like finding a wedding dress. You just know when it's the right one. :) So we had agreed to take at least a week off from looking at houses so that I could play catch up on my school work.
During the week, a beautiful house was emailed to Travis and I and we were VERY interested. The week was over and I am less stressed, so Travis and I decided to give it another shot at looking at houses (which will be Saturday!). We contacted the realtor to schedule an appointment to see this particular house only to realize that the house is ALREADY under contract. My heart was broken. I started to blame myself and play the what if game. What if I hadn't taken this week off to catch up on school stuff? Could we have been the ones to have the house under contract? Driving home during my 40 min commute, I had a good cry and talk with God. I really needed that break from house hunting in order to do school stuff, for this is a very trying semester for me, but why did the house go under contract SO quick - less than a week!? So I quit playing games and FINALLY gave it to God, in my car waiting in Huey P. Long bridge traffic, in the sense that if we are meant for that particular house, the contract will fall through and we will get a shot at it. (of course we would look at it in person first) If the contract does go through, then I know that God has a different house for us. Amazing how the burden lifts as soon as you give it to God. The pressure is off of me for finding THE perfect house. It's like finding a wedding dress, you know when you find it. I know we have a house out there, and in time, we will find the home God intended for us to purchase.
Below is a pic of me the moment I found my wedding dress. I was so happy to have found it. It wasn't the first, second, or third dress I tried on. I went to a few places, tried on quite a few dresses, but when I found it, I didn't want to try on another dress. When you find it, you just know it!
During the week, a beautiful house was emailed to Travis and I and we were VERY interested. The week was over and I am less stressed, so Travis and I decided to give it another shot at looking at houses (which will be Saturday!). We contacted the realtor to schedule an appointment to see this particular house only to realize that the house is ALREADY under contract. My heart was broken. I started to blame myself and play the what if game. What if I hadn't taken this week off to catch up on school stuff? Could we have been the ones to have the house under contract? Driving home during my 40 min commute, I had a good cry and talk with God. I really needed that break from house hunting in order to do school stuff, for this is a very trying semester for me, but why did the house go under contract SO quick - less than a week!? So I quit playing games and FINALLY gave it to God, in my car waiting in Huey P. Long bridge traffic, in the sense that if we are meant for that particular house, the contract will fall through and we will get a shot at it. (of course we would look at it in person first) If the contract does go through, then I know that God has a different house for us. Amazing how the burden lifts as soon as you give it to God. The pressure is off of me for finding THE perfect house. It's like finding a wedding dress, you know when you find it. I know we have a house out there, and in time, we will find the home God intended for us to purchase.
Below is a pic of me the moment I found my wedding dress. I was so happy to have found it. It wasn't the first, second, or third dress I tried on. I went to a few places, tried on quite a few dresses, but when I found it, I didn't want to try on another dress. When you find it, you just know it!
Monday, February 14, 2011
But the greatest of these is LOVE
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:13
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! I hope each one of you feel loved today, and that you each share some love. :) I felt love today from a stranger - they let me into traffic. So I decided to share the love and do the same for another vehicle later down the line. Which is a big deal to me, especially when there is a lot of traffic. :) (One day, I'll get patience down when it comes to traffic.) I'm a firm believer that we don't NEED a particular day in order to express our feelings. We shouldn't take our love for someone for granted. We definitely should be expressing how much our friends, family, and/or significant others mean to us from time to time. But I'm also not against a day that is specially set aside to tell people that you love them. I am looking forward in spending quality time tonight with my husband. - No distractions, no school work (all books left in my office!). We will be doing one of our favorite things together - cooking and eating! :D Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is on our menu tonight with a Chocolate Fondue for dessert! Jealous? You should be. ;) How are you spending Valentine's Day today? Or sharing the love?
AFRICA update: I almost have all my funding for the mission trip! It's been amazing watching God work. I am SO thankful for the support of my family and friends for my mission trip. I have also become very emotional each time I open up a letter. God is definitely working on my heart. I have submitted my application for my passport, and I am currently waiting the 4-6 week period for my passport to arrive in the mail. Submitting my application went very quickly. In fact, I think it took me longer to ride the elevator than to review and submit the paper work. Also, next week will be my first team training meeting. I'm really excited about starting the trainings!
HOUSE update: My husband and I have looked at houses twice now - a total of 7 houses. There is a forerunner out of the 7, and I REALLY like the house. In fact, we are going see the house once more on Tuesday. Our current position is praying for direction on wither we should put a bid on the house, or wait for more houses to come onto the market. We've got our reasons for both choices.
I'm hoping to post more blogs in the future, that are not just about updates. (More like some of my older posts) But school has really gotten me bogged down this semester.
Keep living in love!
-Miche
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! I hope each one of you feel loved today, and that you each share some love. :) I felt love today from a stranger - they let me into traffic. So I decided to share the love and do the same for another vehicle later down the line. Which is a big deal to me, especially when there is a lot of traffic. :) (One day, I'll get patience down when it comes to traffic.) I'm a firm believer that we don't NEED a particular day in order to express our feelings. We shouldn't take our love for someone for granted. We definitely should be expressing how much our friends, family, and/or significant others mean to us from time to time. But I'm also not against a day that is specially set aside to tell people that you love them. I am looking forward in spending quality time tonight with my husband. - No distractions, no school work (all books left in my office!). We will be doing one of our favorite things together - cooking and eating! :D Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is on our menu tonight with a Chocolate Fondue for dessert! Jealous? You should be. ;) How are you spending Valentine's Day today? Or sharing the love?
AFRICA update: I almost have all my funding for the mission trip! It's been amazing watching God work. I am SO thankful for the support of my family and friends for my mission trip. I have also become very emotional each time I open up a letter. God is definitely working on my heart. I have submitted my application for my passport, and I am currently waiting the 4-6 week period for my passport to arrive in the mail. Submitting my application went very quickly. In fact, I think it took me longer to ride the elevator than to review and submit the paper work. Also, next week will be my first team training meeting. I'm really excited about starting the trainings!
HOUSE update: My husband and I have looked at houses twice now - a total of 7 houses. There is a forerunner out of the 7, and I REALLY like the house. In fact, we are going see the house once more on Tuesday. Our current position is praying for direction on wither we should put a bid on the house, or wait for more houses to come onto the market. We've got our reasons for both choices.
I'm hoping to post more blogs in the future, that are not just about updates. (More like some of my older posts) But school has really gotten me bogged down this semester.
Keep living in love!
-Miche
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Taking It Easy
As you can see in the picture, Travis and I took a small cruise vacation this past weekend to Cozumel. We had a great time taking it easy and relaxing. This was our late anniversary celebration. In short, we lounged by the pool, ate to our hearts content, took advantage of 24 hr frozen yogurt machines, enjoyed some entertainment on the ship, and enjoyed the presence of another couple that joined us for vacation. Check my facebook if you want to look at more pics. I love playing tourists!
SEMESTER update: Since my last post, I've picked up another class. Yep, another class. I am REALLY at my max this semester. Here's my break down: 1 lecture, 4 electronic, 3 online, and managing the tutoring lab. I am being very challenged this semester. I've quickly learned to be flexible this semester. You have to be when trying to teach in a computer lab and the computers/internet go down and the copy machine is broken all in the same class period. I now have a plan b and am currently working on a plan c. But I won't go much more into detail with my classes. Hate to bored all my readers out there. :) I'm very thankful that God has blessed me with the gift of teaching and a job that I love! I know that all these extra classes are only for a season, but I'm so thankful for God in providing the extra income to put towards student loans.
AFRICA update: I have taken all of my shots needed for the trip, although I'm not complete done with shots. I will be following up on the Hepatitis A shot in 6 months to complete the series. My doctor was also kind enough to prescribe a few meds in case I get nauseated or diarrhea. Better safe than sorry! I am very thankful that my doc is looking out for me, because I didn't even think of something like that. This week I will be applying for my passport. Prayer Request: God please let the process be smooth and quick. I will be cutting it close with the time issue. Thank you to all my supporters out there who are following along. :D
HOUSE update: Travis and I met with our relaters, whom are sisters. The meeting went very well, and I feel very comfortable with them. We were able to get to know each other a little bit, and narrow down our search for a house. This Saturday, our relaters have lined up 6 houses for us to see. I'm pretty excited, since this will be the first time we will be looking at houses - in person! We may find THE house or we might not. Either way, I'm looking at this experience as a win win situation. Why? Because I will learn more about what type of house I want to live in.
Until my next update...
Keep living in love,
-Miche
Monday, January 17, 2011
Spring Semester 2011
First, Happy Martin Luther King day!
"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.” -MLK.
I used to not really care about this particular day. I was just happy to have the day off of school! But now that I am older, I now know and understand the amazing words this man spoke. May we all try to live with love and treat all people with equality.
This past Saturday marked the beginning of my Spring Semester 2011. I must say that I am pretty excited about this semester. I'm making some major changes to my face to face classes. This semester I'm piloting (testing) an electronic math class. I'll be trying out this new and upcoming trend with 3 of my math classes. Basically, I will meet with my class, just like I would in a regular lecture class, except we meet in a computer lab. I will only lecture about 20 min a day versus the entire 50 min or 80 min. The rest of the period, my students will log-in to a special math website to begin practicing what I just lectured on. It's a great website that has lots of help buttons for the student, and the best part in my opinion, is that it gives immediate feedback! In other words, the student knows as soon as they click submit whether their answer is right or wrong. During this "lab time" I will also be walking around and helping the students out. I'm excited to start the class this week with some basic orientations on the computer. Keeping my fingers crossed that there will not be many computer or log-in problems. I'll be comparing my results at the end of the semester with my pass/fail ratio from my 2010 spring classes. I think this electronic class will benefit the students greatly. I guess we will see in May! I am also teaching 3 online math courses this semester. I know most of you are like how do you teach math online?! Well, the website/program we use for the electronic classes we also use for the online courses. Again, it's a great friendly user program for the students and instructors. I assign my students lecture videos - a teaching explaining the basic concept and a problem first, then after a student watches the video they can have access to homework/practice problems. Of course questions arise of, well how do you know the student is actually doing the work and not someone else. I don't! lol BUT, my students must come to campus twice during the semester to take a Midterm and Final exam - with is worth at least half of their grade. So that's how I can make sure the student (and not someone else) passes the course. Looking forward to a great semester! (and hopefully a successful one!)
AFRICA update: I got my Tetanus shot on Friday. The shot wasn't bad at all, but I must say that my arm is still a little sore. I'm currently waiting for my last two shots to arrive at the pharmacy so that I can pick them up and report to my doctor to get my last two immunizations in my body. I also got my perscription for my Malaria medicine. I'm happy to report that insurance kicked in nicely for this med. I also picked up a bottle of B-12 vitamins to take sometime before and during my trip. Trying to be precautions and stay healthy as much as possible. I'm also having a great time writing Thank You notes on my super cute animal print notes! Again, thank you all who are supporting me with my mission trip either through prayer or finances. It means SO much to me! I just get so excited inside when I talk or write about the trip.
HOUSE update: Travis and I met with a possible lender, and were pre-approved! We got our credit scores run for the first time ever and were happy to learn that our credit is good. I learned a lot in the meeting and was very satisfied with the lender. She was extremely helpful and willing to work with us and our particular needs. She kept things practical and real with our budget. That's exactly what I wanted! Tonight Travis and I will be meeting with a realtor for the first time. We've been in contact through email for the past couple of weeks, but I'm excited to finally meet in person and talk about a future home. They have been sending us emails about once a day of homes for sale that are in our price range. It has been fun shopping online and seeing possible houses. I know that online pics don't do a house justice, but it is nice to eliminate some homes just from the info listed. I'm really happy that we are not rushing anything, but at the same time we do have a deadline - so we don't get too laxed with it all!
Keep living with love!
-Miche
"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.” -MLK.
I used to not really care about this particular day. I was just happy to have the day off of school! But now that I am older, I now know and understand the amazing words this man spoke. May we all try to live with love and treat all people with equality.
This past Saturday marked the beginning of my Spring Semester 2011. I must say that I am pretty excited about this semester. I'm making some major changes to my face to face classes. This semester I'm piloting (testing) an electronic math class. I'll be trying out this new and upcoming trend with 3 of my math classes. Basically, I will meet with my class, just like I would in a regular lecture class, except we meet in a computer lab. I will only lecture about 20 min a day versus the entire 50 min or 80 min. The rest of the period, my students will log-in to a special math website to begin practicing what I just lectured on. It's a great website that has lots of help buttons for the student, and the best part in my opinion, is that it gives immediate feedback! In other words, the student knows as soon as they click submit whether their answer is right or wrong. During this "lab time" I will also be walking around and helping the students out. I'm excited to start the class this week with some basic orientations on the computer. Keeping my fingers crossed that there will not be many computer or log-in problems. I'll be comparing my results at the end of the semester with my pass/fail ratio from my 2010 spring classes. I think this electronic class will benefit the students greatly. I guess we will see in May! I am also teaching 3 online math courses this semester. I know most of you are like how do you teach math online?! Well, the website/program we use for the electronic classes we also use for the online courses. Again, it's a great friendly user program for the students and instructors. I assign my students lecture videos - a teaching explaining the basic concept and a problem first, then after a student watches the video they can have access to homework/practice problems. Of course questions arise of, well how do you know the student is actually doing the work and not someone else. I don't! lol BUT, my students must come to campus twice during the semester to take a Midterm and Final exam - with is worth at least half of their grade. So that's how I can make sure the student (and not someone else) passes the course. Looking forward to a great semester! (and hopefully a successful one!)
AFRICA update: I got my Tetanus shot on Friday. The shot wasn't bad at all, but I must say that my arm is still a little sore. I'm currently waiting for my last two shots to arrive at the pharmacy so that I can pick them up and report to my doctor to get my last two immunizations in my body. I also got my perscription for my Malaria medicine. I'm happy to report that insurance kicked in nicely for this med. I also picked up a bottle of B-12 vitamins to take sometime before and during my trip. Trying to be precautions and stay healthy as much as possible. I'm also having a great time writing Thank You notes on my super cute animal print notes! Again, thank you all who are supporting me with my mission trip either through prayer or finances. It means SO much to me! I just get so excited inside when I talk or write about the trip.
HOUSE update: Travis and I met with a possible lender, and were pre-approved! We got our credit scores run for the first time ever and were happy to learn that our credit is good. I learned a lot in the meeting and was very satisfied with the lender. She was extremely helpful and willing to work with us and our particular needs. She kept things practical and real with our budget. That's exactly what I wanted! Tonight Travis and I will be meeting with a realtor for the first time. We've been in contact through email for the past couple of weeks, but I'm excited to finally meet in person and talk about a future home. They have been sending us emails about once a day of homes for sale that are in our price range. It has been fun shopping online and seeing possible houses. I know that online pics don't do a house justice, but it is nice to eliminate some homes just from the info listed. I'm really happy that we are not rushing anything, but at the same time we do have a deadline - so we don't get too laxed with it all!
Keep living with love!
-Miche
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Let the Hunting Begin!
A new year has embarked, and I just can't believe how fast time flies as you get older. I remember when I was young hearing older people say this phrase. Well now I'm actually experiencing it. This past Monday, I celebrated my 2nd anniversary with my amazing husband! I can remember our wedding like it was yesterday.
I had a great holiday celebrating with friends and family. During the holiday, I celebrated my 27th birthday with dinner at Copeland's and Celebration in the Oaks with my family (on my birthday eve) and eating at The Broken Egg, Hobby Lobby shopping (I love that store!), and a Sucre cupcake all with my hubby on my actual birthday. I'd also like to thank Santa for my awesome cool pix camera. I hope YOU had a wonderful holiday season as well.
There are two big events that will be occurring in my life in 2011:
1. As most of you already know, my mission trip to Africa with the Vineyard church.
2. Travis and I have begun the process of searching for a house to purchase.
AFRICA: I have found out that I have taken one of the shots that I need already when I was in high school, but I still have 3 more shots to go. I have also written and mailed out support letters. I am trusting God that He will provide financially to make the trip possible for me. I also need prayer support, so if you are reading this and would like to support me, please pray as my team and I prep for the trip. Our first team meeting is in February. I'm so excited to get started. I also got a few things for Christmas to help me prepare for the long plane ride - a book light, a few books (thanks Travis for the Zambia one!), a journal with elephants on the cover, and the cutest stuffed elephant ever (Ellie Horton McClain) to comfort me at night. Bad news, I can't begin the process for my passport until the first week in February because I need my birth certificate for the end of January for a cruise that Travis and I booked 6 months ago (our big celebration of our anniversary). I'm praying that all my paper work will go smoothly and quickly so that I get my passport in time.
HOUSE: Travis and I have been saving every month in order to have a down payment on a house. Well, we have finally reached our goal and have decided that this is the time to begin the process of purchasing our first home! I'm very excited and so overwhelmed with that statement. We are hoping to be in a house by this August. We have contacted a relater and tonight we are meeting with a lender for pre-approval. So as you can see, we are definitely in the beginning stages. Lots of stuff to do, but it has been fun hunting for houses on the internet!
I'm excited about the new year! I've got changes to my job that will be happening this semester (but I'll save this topic for another blog..), and big changes in my life that will occur - due to my two big events! Thank you God for a great 2010! I'm looking forward in seeing what He is going to do in my life for 2011.
What are you looking forward to in the year to come?!
I had a great holiday celebrating with friends and family. During the holiday, I celebrated my 27th birthday with dinner at Copeland's and Celebration in the Oaks with my family (on my birthday eve) and eating at The Broken Egg, Hobby Lobby shopping (I love that store!), and a Sucre cupcake all with my hubby on my actual birthday. I'd also like to thank Santa for my awesome cool pix camera. I hope YOU had a wonderful holiday season as well.
There are two big events that will be occurring in my life in 2011:
1. As most of you already know, my mission trip to Africa with the Vineyard church.
2. Travis and I have begun the process of searching for a house to purchase.
AFRICA: I have found out that I have taken one of the shots that I need already when I was in high school, but I still have 3 more shots to go. I have also written and mailed out support letters. I am trusting God that He will provide financially to make the trip possible for me. I also need prayer support, so if you are reading this and would like to support me, please pray as my team and I prep for the trip. Our first team meeting is in February. I'm so excited to get started. I also got a few things for Christmas to help me prepare for the long plane ride - a book light, a few books (thanks Travis for the Zambia one!), a journal with elephants on the cover, and the cutest stuffed elephant ever (Ellie Horton McClain) to comfort me at night. Bad news, I can't begin the process for my passport until the first week in February because I need my birth certificate for the end of January for a cruise that Travis and I booked 6 months ago (our big celebration of our anniversary). I'm praying that all my paper work will go smoothly and quickly so that I get my passport in time.
HOUSE: Travis and I have been saving every month in order to have a down payment on a house. Well, we have finally reached our goal and have decided that this is the time to begin the process of purchasing our first home! I'm very excited and so overwhelmed with that statement. We are hoping to be in a house by this August. We have contacted a relater and tonight we are meeting with a lender for pre-approval. So as you can see, we are definitely in the beginning stages. Lots of stuff to do, but it has been fun hunting for houses on the internet!
I'm excited about the new year! I've got changes to my job that will be happening this semester (but I'll save this topic for another blog..), and big changes in my life that will occur - due to my two big events! Thank you God for a great 2010! I'm looking forward in seeing what He is going to do in my life for 2011.
What are you looking forward to in the year to come?!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)