Jen's Pen: Big Changes

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Big Changes

SO much has been happening in our lives in such a short time!

I wasn't going to share this until we had a check in our hands, but I have time right now so I am going to put it out here. After lots of prayer and discussion, we felt moved to explore selling 817 Tydings rd. We decided that we would ask what we wanted for the house, and if we got it, we would take it as a sign that we are supposed to make the change. The listing went live on a Saturday and by Monday we had a full asking offer. It was a little overwhelming. The process is moving along, and at every step we have left it up to God, and we have gone on to the next step. There was the inspection to get through, and there were a few things that had to be done, but after 24 years, surprisingly few. We agreed to fix the biggest things and they have apparently accepted it. Then we had the appraisal this past Friday, and we still haven't heard whether it appraised high enough, but if so then we will be getting ready to close on the 16th of December. Tim found a nice townhouse up the hill to rent until we can go to Texas. Don't have any idea when that will be, but obviously it's in the big plan at some point. This is such a huge thing. We have lived in that house, really lived, for almost a quarter of a century. We have raised out kids, there. Tim has redone the whole thing and I love every room. However, Tim is ready for a break and that house is a lot of work. If he's not working, he's got stuff to do around the house, and I really want him to have some time without constant maintenance. We are also really heartsick at the direction that Maryland is going. It is just not a place that fits us anymore. The taxes that we are paying are going to things that we just can't be a part of. It's sad, because we love our town and our parish so much. We have so many dear friends, and of course we still have kids there! That's going to be really hard, but we will be renting for a while and Brendan may decide to go on his own adventure one of these days. Nina and Lilly are happy where they are! Everyone else is in other places already.

So we'll see if we get to closing. I have to say, that I am fine either way. It is entirely up to God! That is a good feeling.

Last week I was up in PA, at Blackrock, for another Theology of the Body course. This one TOB and the Interior Life. Our main instructor was Fr Timothy Gallagher. He is one of the greatest minds in the area of the spirituality of St Ignatius. What a gift. I will be unpacking it for a while. I'll take the test and then after I am finished with the School of Spiritual Direction, I can focus on finishing my certification in TOB. Who knows what I will end up doing with that.

It has been super warm this past couple of weeks, but that changed today....It feels like winter out there.

We are headed to Texas to visit the Cookes this week. We're in Cookeville TN right now, and tomorrow night we'll be in Kyle! It will be so much fun to see the family!! Tim gets to come this time! Then when we get back we will be packing like crazy.

Here are a few pictures of things that have been happening....