Shalom:
First, thank you to all who send messages of love, support and prayers to Mark, Monti and I. Especially those who continued to donate to penpal, despite the post here and there, but knowing all we have gone through.
The beginning of February, we lost internet usage where we lived. This alone almost pulled the plug of this blog, but Mark found various cafes that had free Wi-Fi, so I could keep it up somewhat. We were also in the middle of looking for an apartment. Thanks to the VA, we had a Section 8 voucher in order to get us a place of our home.
While we received it in October, we began to hit walls when we learned that, even with a voucher that means, the land lord would receive their rent, because of the eviction in October 2012 still on record, no one would rent to us.
And then the middle of December, a dear lady from Missoula, the city that the VA wanted to move us to, stepped in and began to help us break down walls. So many people say "support our veterans," but this lady came beside us and began to kick in door. It was this dear lady who went to very door of the Missoula Housing Authority and asked the director to consider helping is get a apartment, to be willing to give us a second chance.
Bless her sweet heart and the director of Housing, they did meet us, talk to us and was willing to work with us.
Mark and his VA social worker wrote a letter to our former landlord, asking if he was willing to work with us as we began to off the past-due rent. He was not only more than willing, but gave us a very nice recommendation, saying we were very good tenets and the only problem was that we couldn't pay the rent. A copy of this agreement was send to Housing, so they could see we were indeed working off the eviction. But the progress is slow and it meant a long wait.
The beginning of January was a dark period for us. We really needed a place of our own and yet we could not find a place that would overlook the eviction. Mark and I worked hard not to take our black mood out on each other, but sadly angry words would be exchanged. But more often than not, we hung on to each, and to G-d.
There were so many times we wanted to give up, but we knew there where wonderful people praying for us as well as with us. Having not heard from Housing, we were beginning to think this application had also had been turned down.
Thus, I began once again looking for Section 8 apartment that would take the voucher and overlook the eviction.
But renewed hop came the second week of February when, after many teary phone calls, we finally began to get answers. There were a few forms (back ground checks from Virginia, etc.) that Housing was waiting from. But Missoula had indeed approved our application and was willing to give us a home.
Finally! Our own home.
Shalom;
Well it's March 1.
Not really; I write my post on a Word Document and cut and paste it to the blog when I get a chance to get on line.
I just looked outside my bedroom window and it is snowing.
Still.
But this is Montana and snow is part of the course here.
However, the state of Montana hasn't had this much snow in five years, so it is somewhat of a record.
We literally have to clear a patch for Monti to "do his business." It is so cold, he has to wear a Parka outside to visit his little Out House.
Harder is spending Mark out in this stuff to go to work. Not only does the temps drop, but the roads are slick.
I am thankful Mark has a job, but I will be even more thankful when he doesn't have to work nights, let alone travel in this weather.
Today was a quiet day, my thoughts on my dear friend and big brother David Walton. He would have been 57 years old today if he had lived. I give thanks for the memories I have and rejoice he is in heaven, his suffering over. The pain is less, but it still hurts.
Last week, we looked at an apartment. It was an "Green Apartment" everything recycled. It took a few minutes for it to grow on us, but we came to really like it. It is dog friendly and has several doggie walk paths as well as parks to take the little guy.
It's small, yet cozy and welcoming. Once it passes inspection and we sign the lease, I shall post pictures.
But until then, we still live in a small mountain town, waiting to hear if this place will be ours or not.
I am so thankful to those who opened their home to us, but there is nothing like having a home of your own.
Shalom:
The next day, after a light breakfast and a quick rearrangement of our luggage, we were off again. This time, heading for West Union, Ohio, the home of Mark's brother Todd and family.
We stopped in West Virginia for lunch. The weather here was must colder, so Montaque got to wear his new packer. Knowing that the weather would still be chilly in Montana, we brought the furry baby a new coat.
Turns out he needed it now.
I had just gotten a copy of the Chronicles of Narnia on DVD. It is the radio program Focus on The Family had produced years ago. So this is what we chose to listen to as we travelled.
Listening to the Narnia series kept us both awake as well as something to talk about.
It was a long trip and I was thankful for packing bottles of water, fruit and nuts, as well as doggie treats for Montaque. Our little guy prove to be a very good traveller. How he love to step upon my lap and look out the window. At other times, he would crawl into his bed in the back seat and sleep.
That afternoon, we received a call from Todd.
He had asked if we could hold a Passover Seder for the family. It would be good for the children since they had never been to one.
Mark and I were delighted. Since we were travelling, we had made no plans for Passover, thinking we would have to wait until next month to do so. And now here was an golden chance to not only keep the Feast, but to share with family.
Reaching Ohio, we entered into a snow storm, even hit a patch of black ice and spin out. Everyone was fine. Montaque was thrown from his bed, laying on my jacket and went back to sleep.
We made it in safe. Mark called Todd to let him know where we were.
Todd told us how to get to the nearby MacDonald's, where he would meet us and drive us the rest of the way.
It was dark and late, but no matter. Within thirty minutes, we were with family, being embraced by nephews and a niece that I feared would not remember me, but did.
We were embraced in the arms and warmth of family.
What an amazing feeling.
Shalom:
It has been one month since our lives changed.
It still feels like yesterday that we moved in and Mark started his new job.
And yet, at the same time, it feels as if we have lived in this house for years.
The feeling of the house is truly family; me, Mark and our roommate Chris, along with the furry babies, Monti and Peanut.
More about Peanut later.
It is clear that G-d has knitted our hearts together. Chris, who is going through a new beginning as well, is more like a younger brother than a roomie.
Peanut and Monti are still working through their relationship.
And me? It is so nice being the lady of the house, having a nice big kitchen to cook in and once Mark cleans the stove, bake in.
This is Mark with Jose and Monti. Jose and Monti were the best of friends. But Jose didn't like men and began growling at Mark and snapping at his owner, Chris. So, sadly, Jose had to be re homed.
A few days later, came Peanut:
Peanut is a 16 or 17 year old Beagle who's owner was moving out of state and couldn't take Big Girl with her. And she is truly a big girl, but like Monti, very loving. However, both Peanut and Monti are use to being The Dog of the house, so they are not exactly great friends.
At least Monti doesn't try to push Peanut off my lap.
We are still unpacking and packing, trying to find places to put stuff. There are days I am ready to just throw everything into the trash.
And then I remember the goodness of G-d and change my mind.
One month ago, Mark did not have a job and we were facing eviction.
One month later, we are now living in a house we are renting for less than we rented our former apartment with everything included. Mark has a job he loves and this evening he will come home with his second paycheck and will be able to pay our rent.
How good He is. How faithful.
Just today I was encouting the deeds and miracles He has performed, the love He continues to pour into our lives.
How easy it is take such blessings for granted.
That is why I believe keeping a journal is so important. To remind ourselves what He has done. This is the purpose of the various Feast of the L-rd; to remember, to recall, to celebrate.
For all my readers who are still looking for work, for are in of a movement of G-d in your life. He did it for us and He will do it for you. He has brought us through the fire and the storm, and we have come through intact, not even smelling of smoke.
Hold onto His unchanging Hand.
I haven't.
Shalom:
This is our new home, the living room. And of course, Monti enjoying his afternoon nap.
We placed the Ark in the living room, because there really no other place to put it and I really didn't like the idea if being in store-age.
The fireplace. We are looking forward to getting it clean and using it this year. Since the fireplace is in the living room, really the centerpiece, I am looking forward to greeting friends and family with a warm welcome.
And this is Chris, who opened his home to us and little buddy Jose. More about Jose later. While we are room-mates, the house feels more like a family. Mark, Monti and me with brother Chris.
I sit back in amazement in what G-d has done.
A new home. A new friend.
A new beginning.
Shalom:
I have so much to share with you, my friends. And yet my days remain busy, it cuts into my writing.
I like busy days. I like seeing things come together, to see a room I am decorating become a work of art and I can stand back and go, "ahhhh!"
Yesterday, we took a break from unpacking and went to see my mother. She was so happy to see us and of course little Monti.
Monti loves to go and visit his 'grandmother." She even allows Monti to kiss her on the nose. It's so cute. He gets to sit on the pillow she has set out just for him and after they catch up on their news, Monti lays down on his pillow and goes to sleep.
Mark shared about his job, I updated about how the house was coming along, and mummie share about how her week was.
She is so excited about coming to share Thanksgiving with us this year. Because there are only two steps that lead into the house, mummie can manage that, so she will be coming over a lot to visit.
Thanksgiving in Williamsburge is out this year. But we might be able to go in December, if only for one day.
I am happy to report that I was able to unpack two big boxes in the bedroom, leaving about six more to go. I am hopeful to get knock those last six down in a day or two.
As I look back on things, I am truly thankful for this new, fresh start. The street we live on is a quiet one, even though there is a mini-mall right across the street. No trucks running back and forth. The air in the house is so much cleaner, fresher. No film of dust coating everything and everywhere. We even sleep through the night. Even Monti is happy; he has a huge backyard to play in.
Mark is happy as well. He loves his job; he now comes home tired, but happy. His boss is pleased with his work and he likes the people he works for. The stress lines that were upon his face are now gone. He sleeps so much better. Monti and I even get to see him at lunch time, since Mark comes home to share the noon meal with us.
It is a new week. It has been chilly these past several days, so I need to make Monti a sweater for our daily walks. Both Monti and I are ready to explore our neighbourhood, see what new adventures we will we shall encounter.
That is of course, after I have my coffee.
Shalom:
Well, two week ago tomorrow, the Reels have moved into their new home.
While it looks small, it is rather large inside. But most important, this is now our home for at least the next six months. I should have pictures up in a few days.
It has been a busy few weeks since we've moved.
First, the day we were suppose to move was cancelled because one of the mover's had thrown his back out. So, it the move was set for the next day. This gave me an extra day to pack, which was needed because we still had half a house to pack.
The next morning, a friend came, the plan to help me clean the apartment. However, we ended up packing up until the movers came later in the afternoon. Mark and another friend who had a truck, had been going back and forth with some things.
Around one that afternoon, four guys from the church to move the big stuff. However, due to another commitment, the movers could give us only an hour and a half. Which left us still with half of an apartment filled with our things.
Thankfully, one of the deacon's came back with his truck and a trailer attached to it, so we were back in business.
So with the stops and starts, we were finally moved in our new home around 1 am.
While our things are still on the trailer, the past two weeks have been trying to get everything setup.
The living room, dinning room and bathroom are pretty much finished and now onto the bedroom. Because we had eight days to pack AND move, many of the boxes weren't well labelled and in some cases, some things just got thrown into boxes. We are pretty much down to maybe ten boxes. All in our bedroom.
I am really hoping to get it in order this week.
And in the mist of all of this of course, we had Hurricane Sandy blow through and I developed an abscess tooth that turned into a raging infection, with me looking like I should be seeing with Alvin.
And little Monti? He is having a blast. A huge backyard that he loves to explore, two news friends; our room-mate Chris and a four legged buddy by the name of Jose.
We are now going into three week of our new home. I feel like I can now take more time to sit, truly enjoy a cup of coffee and once I find Monti's sweater, we can return to our morning walks.
That sweater has got to be in one of those boxes.
Shalom:
Hey boys and girls, we are half way through packing the Reel Tent.
My sitting room is no more.
But Mark promises one day, when we have a home of our own, I will once again have my lady's chamber.
But in the mean time, we push forward with the move.
I awoke this morning around four with a will. After morning prayers, I got busy packing up the Shabbath table, the place where I set up for Shabbath each week.
I got the idea from a friend who set a small table with all the holy objects for Shabbath. It is my special holy place, where I am the woman of the house ushers in Shabbath.
It was hard taking it apart, for my precious treasures have rested here in this same place, this same space for seven year.
That's 364 Shabbaths! Not counting the Feast of the L-rd.
As I break down the Dinning room. I cannot help but think that we left a little of the Holy in this place, that His sweet Presence shall be felt by those who live here next, that they shall be blessed by the sweet memories and by the Divine that dwelled here.
We were blessed two friends come over and help us move some boxes this afternoon. This will make more room for the workers tomorrow. I hate moving on Shabbath, but it can't be helped. The church that is helping us move is only free tomorrow and we are blessed to have their aid. I know the Holy One will bless their kindness.
Monti is slowly beginning to adjust to the move. As you can see, Monti is sitting in my chair, watching the work taking place. He will be going to stay with another family tomorrow so that the little guy doesn't get in the way.
Well, back to packing.
Until next time,
Laini
Shalom:
Well after taking the day off, it is back to packing.
As we pack up the Reel Tent, I find myself often asking the question, "do I really need this?" And often the answer is no. Either Mark and/or I have out grown it or don't need it.
So we have a box set aside for thing to go to Good Will. Not junk, but loving second hand treasures.
We have been blessed boxes; Hope Haven where mummie Jordan lives, saved a brunch of boxes and new friend Jerry, saved boxes for us as well from a recent shipment of comic books (Jerry owns the Comic Book Store where my brother David use to work.)
Our neighours have been dropping off boxes for us well, sorry to see us leave, but vowing to keep in touch. Already we have the phone numbers of seven of our neighours and when we have the house dedicated, we will invite them over.
We are really having fun as we pack up. Memories of the first weeks we moved in, having to dig out long johns because the heat wasn't on yet, creating the sun room into a breakfast nook, only to find the sun didn't shine into the room until four in the afternoon. And Monti running through the apartment with our undergarments.
A few days ago, I had gone into the kitchen to turn off the tea kettle and returned to the living room, to continue packing. From the corner of my eye, I noticed a large box moving slightly.
Knowing we don't have ghosts, nor were any trucks driving by, I figured there was another reason.
And I didn't see Monti any where....
"Monti?"
Just as I thought. Since the box top is the same level as the sofa, it would be logical for Monti to check it out....
I think he looks rather comfortable.....
Shalom;
On Tuesday, 1:00 pm, Operation New Beginnings sprang into action.
Tuesday evening, with boxes in hand, I began the task of packing the Reel Tent for our new base of operation, trying to figure where to begin.
After all, we are talking seven years of living in this apartment.
Seven years.
We moved into this apartment three months after we were married. I remember that afternoon, after looking at several apartments, saw this one and we both knew this was it.
We had myold livingroom set from my former apartment. Mark has his bedroom set.Over time we would replace it all with new things, creating our home together.
Seven years later, here we are, with twice as much as we came here with. And a Monti. Where do I begin?
This is where our marriage grew and matured. Where I would welcome Mark home from two deployments. Where we mourn the lost of our unborn baby. Where we welcomed friends and family for Holy Days, Shabbath and just fun get togethers.
Now, we are leaving this place. This apartment bathed with the love of two people who dearly loved each other and the G-d that brought them together.
Our engagement picture. Once sitting on a mantle, now in a packing box.
But soon, this picture will sit upon the mantle of our fireplace.
A new place. A new beginning. As I let go of the past, I am so ready for what the Holy One, Blessed be He has for us.
Now if only we can keep Monti out of the boxes.
Shalom:
Yesterday morning, Mark headed off to court. We knew what would happen; Mark would appear before the judge, admit we have not been able to pay our rent and we would have to leave.
Mark didn't even get to see the judge.
He met with the landlord's lawyer, the lawyer told Mark judges don't even listen to these cases unless your fighting the eviction. "I'm glad you came Mr. Reel. You own a lot of money. You have ten days to leave the apartment.
It was that clear cut.
So after he got home and had a bit to eat, Mark called the Deacons and took them all that happen. The deacons on their part began to get the funds together to pay the first month's rent. I could see the struggle; being asked to leave your home isn't the easiest thing to handle. I had to remind him this isn't a reflection on him as a man; Mark had done everything he could to meet the rent.
And while this is tough, at least we have a place to go. Not everyone is so blessed.
So today, Mark went over to sign the lease. Chris, our new landlord, said if we could pay him the rent today, he would knock off 200.00 off the deposit.
So Mark met up with the deacons, they gave him the check, got a copy of the lease and Chris got his check.
And 200.00 was knocked off the deposit.
When Mark returned home, he had several boxes so I can start packing.
So we have ten days to move out of the apartment we have called home for seven years to our new home. It is a new start, a fresh beginning. A second chance.
A new path to travel on this adventure.
Shalom:
This morning, I awoke with a sense of new beginnings.
After all, it is a new year, a clean slate, a fresh start.
And I can only pray it is the same for Mark and I.
Well, it is.
Last Friday, Mark finished the last of his week long tests and came home with a huge smile on his face.
I am now married to a Jewish Carpenter.
Today, Mark begins four days of internship at a local millitary housing community. If housing manager likes Mark's work, then he will be hired. So we are praying that this is the job. If not, then somewhere else.
This friday, I shall go and see my beloved graducte from the Building School. I am so happy for him. We could pay off our bills with that million dollar smile.
So while Mark is off at work, Monti and I are falling into our own routine.
I have pulled two hoodies to wear along with my sneakers, placing them where Monti's lead's hangs. This way when it is time for the morning outing, I am ready to go.
One of our neighours has placed us onto his internet account until we get ours back, so I can once again blog.
I also begun my Fall cleaning. Placing Monti for a long walk in the morning, means I can clear in peace because Monti will be asleep on the love seat and not getting under foot.
Last friday, I took my cameria with me as Monti and I walked, getting some wonderful pictures of our little guy.
Monti was hanging around this tree when I placed him into the hallow at the base. Knowing I was going to take his picture, he stood still so I could get this picture. So now, whenever we go for our walk, Monti stands next to this tree and waits for me to bring out the cameria.
