Home Sweet Home

So much has happened since our last post, but the most exciting thing of all is this: WE GOT A HOUSE!

After the smoothest lease signing process ever, we almost thought this was too good to be true. We decided to jump on a highly-shown property after viewing it a few weeks back and falling in love with it. The second we walked inside, we could just picture ourselves here. The home was simple yet beautiful. Peaceful. Restful. And somehow just felt like "us," a feeling that we didn't come close to experiencing at any of the other 8+ houses we viewed. Plus, with it being fully furnished, it took quite a load off not having to search around town for the cheapest over-priced imported home goods and furniture (and to be able to afford couch AND a bed on our newlywed budget).

We didn't share any photos with anyone as we raced against someone who wanted to scoop up all 3 vacant flats (including ours). This mystery house was destined to be ours, and we are so very glad that it is (at least for the next 6 months)!

Our home is an answer to many, many prayers. For the first time since we got married, we are able to unpack our bags without a leaving date looming over our heads. We can buy bulky things. We can decorate as we'd like. This house is our home, and for that we are so very thankful. We signed the lease exactly one month after landing here in Lusaka. Though I'd like to say I've always trusted Jesus 100% in the waiting season, I haven't. But looking back I can choose Truth over my emotional turmoil these past few weeks and know that this house wasn't provided for us a minute too late, that Jesus was working in and through us for our benefit even in the waiting season. But man, are we sure glad to be here! Getting the keys in hand made the praises all the more real as we worshipped God for providing rain in a desert, for gracing us with the desire of our hearts- a home. If we would've found a place just 2 days after we arrived, that would've been great and all. But we are thankful that God is now glorified all the more in making a way where there appeared to be none.

So without further adieu, here is our home! It's tucked away in a compound with lush landscaping, gardens surrounding a gazebo, and even a high-quality carpentry business as artisans create home furnishings for people of Lusaka, starting with the furnishings in our own home. We are crazy about local businesses and appreciating artisans, so it's a fun treat to get to witness this program on our compound. Our house is one of four flats for rent on this property. We're tucked away off a very busy street, but only hear sounds of birds singing and crickets chirping in the evenings. So far there aren't any other tenants in the flats, so we're enjoying the ultimate peace and quiet as we settle into our little place. That's probably way more detailed than you ever wanted/needed to know, but so many factors went into deciding on this place and I just wanted to share all the perks I could so you, too, can praise God for His provision in this way.

Now for the photos...

The dreamy drive to our compound

Our Home! Flat #3

This sucker came fully furnished and that is just the best.

Little knick-knacks from America finally made it out of the suitcases to help a house feel more like our home, though mostly all candles for those 3-nights-a-week scheduled power outages. But at least they look nice!

We are greatly looking forward to many, many laughs and great chats around this table with dear friends from Ng'ombe and all around town. 

A washing machine! And the most awesome cutting board from Amy's brother, Mark. 

Our backyard (Sorry, we don't quite understand what all that white stuff is in the photos y'all have been posting lately)

Your room ;)

Some of the beautiful carpentry in our home made by the artisans who work on our compound

Thank goodness for Ziploc Vacuum Bags to bring our own decorative pillows & comforter to make our room really ours

Yes, we did take a photo in most every room when we got the keys. Bathrooms and cabinets have never been more exciting.

It's pretty wild to think that we just signed a 6+ month lease on a house in the middle of Africa, but it makes it all the more real, and we're so happy for that. Now we're able to get settled, establish a normal life routine and plant our roots after quite the gypsy season of life. Amy hasn't lived in one place for more than 5 months in over 2 years, so the settling down is so very good. 

So, the real question/issue now- who wants to be the first to visit? Our guest room is waiting... :)

Love to you all, 

A&W