After a semi-frustrating week last week, and a bad start to the weekend, I can finally say I'm feeling more at peace knowing that I now have a place to live. My prayer last week was this, "Dear Lord, Please reveal to me the correct place to live. Open doors in ways unimaginable, and guide to a safe, quiet, cheap location where I can feel at home. And when I find the correct place, help me to know immediately without a doubt that it would be the best place for me."
Last week I was shown three apartments by a realtor. Two were out of my price range and small, and the third one was a decent size but unclean, and I'm not sure how much it would have cost either. A friend took me to see another place, but it too was small and unfurnished...no appliances or anything.
Friday night, I spent the evening scouring websites looking for places that was furnished, within my price range, and outside of the tourist district I'm currently living in. I found a few places online, and had a friend call a few that didn't list prices. On Saturday I had hoped to be able to go see a few, but rather than being responsible, I chose to go to the Children's Home with Javier and visit my kids. Little did I know, but spending time with those kids was just what I needed in the midst of all of the change and uncertainty surrounding me. While the kids grow and change from year to year, my love for them never does. I enjoyed watching the boys play Foosball and joined in the fun a bit. Then we sat and talked with one of the new house parents while the kids colored pictures for a project they are doing. I also helped one of the girls with her English homework shortly before we left.
Sunday, I got up feeling refreshed. I headed to church in Manchay (where some friends from last year's medical trip attend) unsure of what the day would hold. My friend Celia came running up to me and hugged me. She asked me all about being back in Peru, where I was living, etc. After explaining to her I didn't have a place to call home, she immediately had ideas of places to look and asked if I'd want to go with her after lunch. The places she knew of ended up being unfurnished or unavailable. A little discouraged we began asking the watchiemen on the street corners if they knew of anything in the area. One man suggested we buy the Sunday paper because most places advertise in the Sunday classifieds.
With the help of Celia we called a some places and went to visit a few that seemed reasonable. After viewing the first option we were quite disappointed and unsure if it was worth seeing others. However, one listing in the paper of an "impeccable apartment" caught our attention. We called the owner who was more than willing to show us around. As soon as we arrived, I knew it was the place. Fully furnished, withing 5 blocks of where I lived 4 years ago, and in a quieter, gated, residential community. The best part, the rent includes all of my utilities, cable and internet, and it falls right in my budget! It's still a bit further from work than I would like to be, but it's closer to Manchay and my friends there.
It's a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom apartment with a living room and kitchen on the second floor of the building. It's a family home, but a separate unit with its own locks and keys. The owners live on the first floor, and they seem to be very friendly. The wife has already told me that if I am sick or anything let her know, and she will be more than happy to help me with whatever I need. I have a washer, brand new refrigerator, two flat screen tvs, and a proper stove/oven.
After returning Monday to see it with the Headmaster of my school (he wanted to be sure it was safe), I decided to sign the lease on Tuesday, and I will be moving in tomorrow afternoon. I have a friend coming to help me unpack and then we'll go shopping for sheets and towels and such that I don't already have. I'll post pictures at a later time! :)
All I have left to say is, God is faithful! I can't imagine how different this experience would be without knowing that He is with me every step of the way!
Thanks for your prayers concerning this matter! It's such a relief to know I have a place to call home!
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