I keep meaning to post pictures of our new house; but I never quite get to it. I’m wanting the picture to have some real estate “perfect house” vibes; for you to see my house at it’s best when it’s clean, neat and things are in their places. Of course that hardly EVER happens, so here we are months later with still no picture for you to enjoy.

Yesterday I walked in on the perfect snapshot to show you my real house – not the perfect real estate photo one; but the reality version. No camera was handy and I wanted to enjoy the moment so you have the verbal photo instead. . . . . Naomi and friends Beck, Rebek, Mary plus a few more have scattered our belongings hither and yon in their completely organized chaos. My clothes have become serenely draped and swagged wedding garments, books have become serving trays, flowers are the food. Our clothing, toys, and kitchen items are EVERYWHERE. Now the girls sit semi-circled around my friend Atibu, one of our students at CSB, who has picked through the box of scrap fabric I pulled out for her and is busily hand constructing multiple doll outfits. A, B, and D (house help) are working and laughing nearby; throwing out comments to the kids, me and Atibu. David is on the porch negotiating with someone needy and the sound of their conversation floats in through screened windows. African music plays loudly in the background and one of the little brothers who is joining our play time begins a spontaneous dance. Bread is in the oven and the smell fills the house along with the aroma of freshly slashed grass in the yard. Two dogs bark as yet more visitors arrive and queue for David.

This is my house – not beautiful, but beautifully lived in.

And slowly it will become more beautiful. I am slowly but surely making progress this week and each picture on the wall, rug on the floor, box of old clothing given away, helps my heart and spirit. I do love to be surrounded by the right kind of beauty – the rat-free kind!