We are blessed to own a house in the U.S., a blessing many (if not most) missionaries don't get to experience. 6 years ago we were left some money when a family member passed away and we were able to put a down-payment on a house in our Northern California city. This helped our family put roots down here, making us feel like we had a new-hometown.
When we were thinking about returning to the U.S. for a shortened, rather unplanned home assignment last summer, we were wondering where to live. We felt bad kicking our renters out, knowing it would be hard to find good renters again. We even looked into living in a small 1-2 bedroom apartment without a washer-dryer to save rent money and make do. But God, as usual, was preparing the way before us. Our renters contacted us the week we were trying to decide where to live, letting us know they were moving out the very week the boys and I would be arriving in California. Our vacant house beckoned us home at the perfect time, orchestrated by our perfectly loving God.
I will remember that forever. How God, in His sovereignty, over a non-Christian couple (who weren't seeking to honour Him or follow His will) were moved along to be a part of God's perfect, gracious provision for His needy children. He is in control of all!
