Three Doors Down

On Easter weekend this year, we moved ... three doors down.

We knew it was coming, but with my bone-grafting surgery in January, my gum-grafting surgery a couple months after that, followed by another procedure a little later, healing and recovery had been our focus.  In the grand scope of things, the house is just stuff, I know.  Which is why I can share my story of how God provided for us in an amazing way...

It was on a Thursday when Andrew and I decided we would start looking for a new place to live.  On the following Saturday, we had an appointment to view a house on the other side of the freeway.  It was nice, and so was the landlord, but as we stepped out to leave, I unexpectedly broke down in tears.  I think I came face to face with the reality of my shame, my loss, and my fear.  So in the car, Andrew prayed ...  for our lack of stewardship ~ forgive us; in our having to let go of the house ~ comfort us; and for our fear ~ Lord, remind us that You are our provider and grant us favor.  We drove off to spend the day with family in Yountville.  

Throughout the afternoon when my thoughts would drift towards wondering where we'd move to and all the work ahead, a devotional I'd read several weeks ago about waiting, trusting, and hoping would flood my heart and mind.  "Because I trust in God, I can wait in hope," I kept reminding myself.  And we enjoyed a great Saturday of friendship, food, and fun.

Coming home later that day, we noticed a FOR RENT sign in our neighbor's window, three doors down.  Needless to say, Andrew went to see him and told him about us having to move ... (remember, this is a Saturday).

As it turned out, our neighbor bought a new house just a few miles away. While he was able to secure a tenant in early February, his loan was taking forever to close, and the tenant couldn't wait any longer.  He told Andrew, "She just backed out yesterday (Friday). I returned her security deposit and first month's rent, and just put the FOR RENT sign up an hour ago.  If you want to move in here, I'll take the sign down right now!"  He drew up a rental agreement that night.  

They were so grateful to us, because they were worried they wouldn't be able to find a tenant in time for them to move.  We shared our story with them and the unbelievable timing of it all.  And none of us could doubt that God had provided for our families in an amazing way that day.

And so here I am, three doors down, humbled by His majesty once again.

"Take Me Home Country Roads"

© Ron Watts/CORBIS

I woke up to weather that reminded me of growing up in the east coast.

I love the sounds of rain and thunder.  Something about them reminds me of growing up in Virginia ... peering in awe through the sliding glass door, counting the seconds between flashes of light and the resounding crashes of thunder which never scared me.  Even as a child, I recall somehow knowing that life was so much bigger than me.

(The picture above reminds me of driving home on Pohick Road in Springfield, Virginia.)

It can't remember if it was 7th or 8th grade, but do I remember having to memorize poems in one English class.  One in particular resonated with me, The Road Not Taken.  "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both ... I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."  That's when I knew I wanted my life to be somewhat different, and to make a difference.

He Knows Me! He Really Knows Me!

I love challenging myself. So today I started a beginners swimming class at Solano Community College. The instructor for the class before mine is Scott - someone who went to my church for a bit before moving to Winters.

So I said hi to Scott who didn't recognize me at first, because of the swim cap. But when I re-introduced myself, he remembered me and asked how Andrew was doing. He asked about my cycling, complemented my new teeth, and asked where I was with all my procedures. (He and his wife - who just has a baby btw - brought me a meal after my accident 2 years ago.)

Anyway after I brought him up to speed, he asked what class I was waiting for. "Beginners swimming," I told him. "I wanna do a tri before I'm 50 :)" "You totally can" he said, "if you really want to learn." And then he went on to tell me that open water swimming is his specialty and that he coaches triathletes!

I'm excited about me and Andrew reconnecting with Scott and his wife. I'm excited at the huge resource I have in Scott ... after I learn how to swim, that is =)

So my point - God is awesome. God knows me! He really knows me! I mean I know this to be true ... but every time He reveals himself (or i should say, every time i notice Him involved) in the small details of my life, I get so tickled. It's so cool.

With all the things going on in the world, it just amazes me that God would take the time to let me know that He knows about the inconsequential desires of my heart.

I left the pool humming "He Knows My Name" by Tommy Walker:

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call


I Plead The 5th

25 months later, my post-accident treatment plan is complete (for now).  I'm having to put my restorative teeth phase on hold due to the poor economy.  I am blessed nonetheless :D

The estimate from my prosthodontist is around $15K, so I have made peace with this stay plate (or temporary, partial denture).  Besides, most people who don't know about my accident think these are my real choppers anyway.  AND, I don't burn the roof of my mouth when I drink hot coffee!

Last month - July 5th - was 2 years since my accident.  It's hard to believe that much time has gone by.  Most don't know about the ordeal, some have forgotten.  But for me, the date is now this strange anniversary of sorts.

Last year, I wasn't as nostalgic about it, because I was so focused on completing my cycling events.  This year is a little different.  

July 5, 2007 Crashed my bike, lost 4 teeth, and broke my jaw in 3 places
July 9, 2007 Surgery to plate my chin, jaw wired shut for 2 weeks
Numerous physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthodontic, and chiropractic appointments
June 1, 2008 America's Most Beautiful Ride, 100 miles around Lake Tahoe
July 12-13, 2008 202-mile Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic
Jan. 7, 2009 Bone graft surgery
April 22, 2009 Tissue graft procedure
July 24, 2009 Implant procedure

Lots of things circle my heart and mind.  I am still in process ...