the Garage Sale

Really a whole house sale. What isn't bolted down has been listed on Craig's List is going. Shane told me yesterday that it feels like a cleanse. It is refreshing in someway to purge our earthly treasures.

I am keeping my eye on the prize, the children and specifically the young entrepreneurs. Those who want to work. This little boy is carrying his water and box for shoe shinning. He was one of my favorites. For about 40 cents he will clean your shoes like no one has ever cleaned them before. I just like him! Maybe he could be a future business partner?

Ethiopian Mansion

Well, it is official. We have moved into our Tualatin "Ethiopian Mansion" as Harrison calls it. Moving into an apartment by choice, is an interesting adventure. We already see that we are being taught about our own social prejudices about apartment living and the people that live there. We have been delighted by our new neighbors, although nothing could shadow the neighbors we have had in the past, as they will be our forever friends. Our new neighbors have brought us gifts, helped carry stuff, showed us the ropes around the community, and have been delightful. Most of them are 11 and under.
Shane isn't sleeping well yet as the toilet doesn't stop running, the dishwasher sounds like it is going to "take off", and hearing the neighbors using the bathroom in the middle of the night wakes him up but he is delighted by our choice. The long term implications are good. We have much to learn.

Letting Go...the rich young ruler

As we begin to purge our house of the extra stuff, some recycle, some trash some Craig's List treasures we just don't need anymore, it feels very exciting and liberating. The thought of using our leftovers to leverage into a meaningful help for Africa comes at very little cost.

It wasn't until some of my favorites possessions came into question, like my Anthropologie kitchen table, a tea pot from my grandma or a Crate n Barrel side table that just makes me warm inside to look at it. It was as if I could hear Jesus saying to the rich young ruler, "sell all of your possessions and give them to poor and follow me". But Lord, I don't want them to be wasted. The investments I have made on these treasures will not be restored to me. I don't think the idea of being without my treasures bothers me as much as the idea of the lack of return on my investment. How much have I spent to create the wonderful encumbering web?

Looking forward I want to be able to just say "yes". I will follow you Lord. I will walk away from my earthy accumulations without hesitation. I will give you the little I have to mix with your endless supply. Use me as you will and let eternal investments be sewn.