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Our New Home, Part IV

On our drive through the neighborhood, a smiling man approached our car.  He was waving us down, waving us over, waving, waving.

I think he wanted to talk to us.

I put down the window, and he started talking.  “I’m the neighborhood ambassador!  Let me tell you about that house that’s for sale – the owner is a general contractor, so everything inside is top-notch.  They’ve taken excellent care of it, and the inside is immaculate.  Beautiful, beautiful home.  We are a close-knit neighborhood – we watch out for each other and all of the children.  Plenty of room to ride bikes, plenty of new friends, really, you couldn’t choose a better neighborhood.  What else can I tell you about it?”

“Well, I’d like to tell you that I bought it yesterday.”

He broke into a gracious, genuine smile.  “Well, welcome to the neighborhood!”

He pointed out his home, and he introduced me to another neighbor who was out washing his car in the driveway.  He told me, “We’ve lived here for nineteen years, watched every house go up, watched every family move in and move out.  We’re so glad you’re joining us.  So it’s you and your two sons?”

“Yes, I’m a widow, actually.  So for now, it’s just the three of us.”

He touched my arm.  “You couldn’t live in a safer place.  We will take care of you and those boys.  I promise.”

“Oh, and I know every floor plan in the neighborhood.  I’m the fixit guy.  If something breaks, you call me.  We’ll take care of you.  I promise.”

I foresee block parties

and trick or treats

and emergency contact numbers

and neighborhood watch

and new friends

and peace to close my eyes and rest.

How can you go wrong in a neighborhood with an ambassador and a welcoming committee?

Tricia Lott Williford

Comments are closed

  1. Jennifer Berlyoung says:

    I’m so glad it’s so perfect. <3

    We chose our house when we weren't really looking (had given up a year previous) and the day they held the open house, there were 2-3 pretty blonde little girls selling lemonade on the street corner. Less than a year later I recognized them as we started at a new church as a fellow parishoner's daughters. Like it was made for us to be here!

  2. Jo says:

    I’ve been following along with your journey (though I’m not one to comment regularly). This, however, brought tears to my eyes. So happy for you and your boys! Love it when the unwanted, not-so-attractive journeys we find ourselves on cross into unexpected beautiful places. Such a God-thing. 🙂

  3. Keely says:

    Chills here too! Neighbors who not only talk to each other, but also look out for one another? That’s fantastic! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see the pix.

  4. Jessica says:

    Did you say the neighborhood you’re moving into is–Heaven?

  5. Lisi says:

    Absolutely amazing! Love to hear about God at work in people’s lives! I am very happy for you and your boys. I love your blog and enjoy your posts each day. I can often relate to all of them and especially love the ones about your move as I am moving soon as well. I admire your strength with being able to stay in your previous house as long as you did, especially under the circumstances of your husband’s death. I am having a hard time in our current house and it has only been 8 months since I lost my precious husband. You are truly an inspiration and a great help to me on this whole unexpected journey being a widow. Thank you.

  6. Linda says:

    Love such HAPPY endings! God is great!

  7. Claire Pisor says:

    Should every neighborhood be so gracious and caring! He hems us in 🙂

  8. Patty Kline says:

    Wow. Just wow! Good job, God! He definitely placed you there, in that house, in that neighborhood, with those neighbors. You will be safe, feel peace, and thrive there. So happy for you!

  9. Tracey says:

    That is beautiful!

  10. Shell Drummond says:

    So Awesome !! God is an awesome God and only Him and Him alone can be in the midst as He was in your situation. Continued prayers for you and you boys

  11. grannymom says:

    Tears here. How wonderful our God is to provide so well for you, Tricia. He cares for widows and orphans. He is good, in every way. I praise Him and thank Him for being so kind to you.

  12. Amber S says:

    That is so so great to hear! What a perfect neighborhood! 🙂

  13. Becky Johnson says:

    Can you feel me grinnin’ like an idiot? 🙂 Talk about yer sign from heaven.

  14. Elizabeth Velderman says:

    what a wonderful gift! it’s like a hug from God. soooo happy for you & your boys!

  15. Lisa says:

    *chills* That’s beautiful.

  16. Mellany says:

    I feel a lot more stories and blogs coming on! A neighborhood that is really a neighborhood! It’ll be like living in Mayberry! Do you know that Rascal Flatts song? If not, look it up, it will make you smile and dance!!

  17. His Sparrow says:

    And God has indeed remained faithful and caused your boundaries to fall in pleasant places!

  18. olgastorey says:

    that is awesome!!! i’m agree with Andrea,god chose it for you,the best one the brighter and safer
    very happy 🙂

  19. Pat says:

    “Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.”

  20. Darla says:

    Did he have wings?

  21. andrea says:

    Chills. It’s more and more obvious that God chose that home for you, didn’t he?! I’m so happy for the three of you. Congratulations on your new home!

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