the grounds

Here's a few shots of our house on campus...

Entering school grounds.

There's our house on the left.

Here's we are, number 13.

Our front door... we have a nice little patio space in front of those steps, and behind that is the sand box and the laundry line :) I'm hoping to get some outdoor furniture for next year - the shade comes around evening, perfect for outdoor supper weather which, admittedly we haven't done yet as per the prolific mosquitos. Yes, I have some toughening up to do!

Our driveway and lawn. It took me a while to realize all that grass is ours! (When Joel had to mow it). My neighbour has offered me her garden plot - the one pictured on the left - for next year as she's making another one closer to her house. I'm excited and daunted - it's a large garden! Everyone who lives on campus here has a garden space that size. We'll need to get a basketball for when Uncle Andrew comes over.

Lot's of the residents are still coming and going or gone for summer - Asher and I have been taking advantage of their toys :)

Another garden and the local playground. Didn't take any pictures of the campus buildings, but they're around just on the other side of the trees.

And a shot of our main living area/kitchen. Loving the sunlight, but we'll need to get some curtains!

I have to mention a few things about God's provision in our coming here...

I'm blown away by the way God has provided for us so far. We are so grateful for the house provided for us by the school - admittedly we weren't sure what to expect when we agreed to rent sight unseen; literally all we were told was the rent price and that it was a house. Like I've mentioned it has ample space for us - rooms, storage, etc. And the more we talk to people (a number of residents here have lived in this place before us) the more I realize how much work they put into it before our arrival including: freshly painted walls (I saw "before" shots - not pretty!) some new flooring, baseboards and new windows - all which contribute to an enjoyable living space!

We were also extremely blessed while getting ready to move - largely due to my generous in-laws, gracious friends and good (God's) timing!

Some of the things we were provided/gifted with:

- dishwasher

- bookshelves

- washer & dryer

- TV

- bedroom furniture (dresser & night stands)

Some of these aren't exactly "needs" per se, (we had decided to forgo a television and dishwasher for the time being) but we didn't really have the funds for these unexpected purchases. Day by day though, one thing after another was eventually taken care of. Startec, my employer at the time, was re-doing the staff room and getting rid of the current dishwasher (thanks to Carolyn for nabbing that one for me!) they also were doing a lot of office re-arranging and had empty bookshelves standing around (again, thanks to Carolyn for claiming those - I counted at least a dozen boxes of books while packing and we had no shelf space to call our own)! Our friend graciously donated her TV to us, something we had decided to live without (bonus). And we inherited Jim & Carolyn's bedroom suite furniture as they were updating their own. They also blessed us with the current washer & dryer we were using downstairs at their place (more loads of diapers to come)...

Another huge piece that came together was getting just enough hours in to apply for mat leave again - a big financial help for the upcoming year. And I received (once again) a box of clothes for everything Asher will need for the upcoming fall & winter from my wonderful sister Destiny & Juder - one more concern taken care of!

Maybe some of these things don't seem like a big deal, but every one of them speaks loudly to me a testament of God's care for us.

I want to thank Jim & Carolyn for everything that they've done for us over the past couple years that we've been their tenants. We have a lot to be thankful for! Housing our family (graciously welcoming Asher's upstairs visits often more than once daily), making home improvements to suit our needs, countless changed lightbulbs, borrowed tools, shared meals and being around for last minute date nights! They also helped us out with job opportunities on both Joel's and my end - Carolyn not only got me a great job at her employer's but watched Asher for me every Friday so I could go to work and it was through Jim's circles that we heard about the job here for Joel. As I've mentioned their services were huge with helping us move out here - loading and driving out our moving truck, watching Asher and helping us get our home set up - Jim, I appreciate you always knowing exactly which little tool or hardware we need! And then providing it :) We can't thank you enough for everything you guys have done for and given us - it hasn't gone unnoticed. Thank you for your prayers for us throughout this entire process as well- previous potential jobs/moves/decisions included.

A little more than I usually write, I know, but I also have to thank Joely - who hears my heart and my desires and blesses me undeservedly. He (almost) always has a surprise up his sleeve and knows how to gift me just so. Thank you, darling, for listening and taking my daily qualms and concerns to heart.

Asher & I enjoyed a bit of reprieve from the heat today and had fun playing outside on the deck. Hoping to get out there somewhere this weekend!