Finding A Place To Call Home, Part Two

We want community. A place to belong.

And let me tell you, that's a rare and elusive thing on a house hunt.

How will you know, for example, if the neighborhood is friendly and welcoming to newcomers?

How will you know if you are likely to bump into a neighbor at church?

How will you know if there are plenty of residents of varied ages?

How will you know if there will be opportunities to meet your neighbors?

HOW WILL YOU KNOW?

The answer is you cannot know for certain until after you've moved in to your new home. And that is so unnerving!

We have lived in neighborhoods that were warm and welcoming, and we have lived in subdivisions that were subdivided. But we've never known which is which until after the movers have deposited our worldly goods and left.

But not this time.

This time, we've opted to live in a planned community called Mill Creek, where the housing options are varied, the amenities are plentiful, and the chances for community are great.

There is a church in the center of the community, and a marketplace too!

Golf course, biking and walking trails? Check!

Neighborhood pool and community center? Check!

Neighborhood schools? Check!

An interactive farm? How wonderful! This may become even more important when you consider that this is the size of our backyard:

But that's okay! I can make this work...I think. I was happy to hear that the neighbors that live on these streets have alley parties in the summer. How fun!

The house? Well, I hate to talk about it too much because it's not a done deal until the contracts are signed and the keys are handed over. But let me say just a few things: it's an American Four Square style house, with Craftsman details inside like coffered ceilings and board and batten wainscoting. The kitchen? Unbelieveable. I may need to host my own cooking show! The laundry room (because you know how much I love my laundry room!) is so pretty. There are spaces for the boys, spaces for guests, and a really nice basement with a movie viewing area for my husband.

But the thing that's got me really excited? A front porch! A place to sit with a cup of coffee and a good book. A place to meet and greet the neighbors. And maybe even a place to play the dulcimer again.

I have learned to trust my feelings when house hunting. I like to think of it as more of a spirit-guided navigational system that whispers to me.

Not this one. Move along.

That house in that subdivision? Sadness.

That town? Not for you.

But this house? In this community? In this town?

I have a good feeling about this one.

Tell me...have you ever felt that God led you to a certain house or town? I'd love to hear your stories!

Blessings on your Friday, cafe friends!