It’s not just a hop, skip, and a jump away to the nearest neighbor out here in the country. That’s why we never expected to get to know anybody… not in a real personal way. So imagine our surprise when in the first week of moving in, we got not one, but TWO full-out dinner invitations (which we accepted). For our family of eight, it’s no small feat having us over.
When a neighbor saw our moving truck hurtling down the road, he and his son sped over on their bikes to help us unload. Another neighbor brought us a plate of home baked cookies, and another brought us a box of chocolates. That sweet couple even brought a pen and paper to write down all the children’s names and ages so they wouldn’t forget.
As someone who likes everything just so before inviting people in, it’s been a humbling experience for me. Everyone wants to see the fixer upper in its “before” state. Oh my!
I never expected how much this house would stretch me… physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. I also never expected the blessings we would receive through the kindness of strangers we now call friends.
You know, we live out a ways, too....and it is like that. We all take care of each other and at the same time have a lot of privacy. I think in general people are more friendly and accommodating in the country. In our little town, you can hardly pass anyone in the car without waving!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you Rie! It sounds like you are going to LOVE your new house and "neighborhood!"
~Julia
That's wonderful! We live really close to everyone here in suburbia, but I'm lucky if I ever see my neighbors. It does seem the further out you get the more people want to reach out and be friendly!
ReplyDeleteI'm so GLAD to hear you were welcomed with open arms like that! We live waaaaay out in the stix too, but we've lived here forever! Perhaps you've inspired me to 'go be neighborly' on some of our 'newer' neighbors?!
ReplyDeleteBlessings~
Rebecca
What a blessing you will be to each other! I am so happy for all of you. Share your blog with unknowing neighbors and they will see what a treat the farmhouse has in store.
ReplyDeleteDianne
You deserve this. Take it all in and know there is a reason for it. You are truly blessed with your family, new adventurous house, and the following of new friends.
ReplyDeleteLet it all sink in........and of course, ENJOY every minute of it.
Keep us posted on your accomplishments.
Barb
I am loving following your new adventure, and I love the way you think about things on a deeper level - how the experience is so much more than just home renovation (though I can't wait to see the post of those, either!)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing? Such a sweet welcoming!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy every moment in the country, it's a blessing!
love this.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you have nice neighbors. I have been following your blog for a while now and I love the gentleness of it. Your home is beautiful and I love how you aren't braggy or boastful about it. You seem to find the balance between what is important, being your family, and the fun and creativity of decorating...or knocking down walls! I also have six children, so it's fun for me to see you manage all of this...I've always wanted to totally redo a fixer upper, so I'm living vicariously through you while living in my 18 month old house!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing for your family. Up until about 3 years ago, we lived in the same home and knew all our neighbors well. Many of us had each other's keys..just in case. When we moved to our new home (in a neighborhood), not one person even came over to introduce themselves. We still don't know them!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to your new home and friendships,
Susie
Oh, my Rie! Have I ever been where thou art! The memories this post induced brought tears to my eyes. *gulp* What a lovely HOME you've moved your precious family into-- neighbors so good, money couldn't buy them. I'm a living witness of this warm fuzzy. Congratulations! Your lives will never be the same...
ReplyDelete... Good!
I dont think I have ever commented on your blog... just recently found you. But this post touched me.
ReplyDeleteI often think the act of being neighborly is lost on most. I grew up in a neighborhood where all the kids would play together up and down the street... swim in each others backyards and the parents all trusted and knew on another. Its not often that way anymore. As a grown up, I try to live like my parents do. Watch out for your neighbors and their needs. Helping them when I can... giving of myself, rather then thinking why they cant be more nice. its amazing what the power of love can do. Especially when your not doing it to get something in return. As my father drilled into me as a child "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Not do to others what they do to you...
Im happy that you have neighbors that have already shown what it is to be a neighbor... to give of oneself.
Cant wait to hear and see more!
That is so sweet. We HAVE missed you!
ReplyDeleteClaire
love your blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely neighborhood! Have a fabulous weekend, Kellie xx
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you Rie! It sounds like you are going to LOVE your new house
ReplyDelete1 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas
very sweet!
ReplyDeletethis post touched me and it also reminded me how important it is to love on our neighbors...you know, the ones right near us.
ReplyDeletepraying for your adjustment and all the "Stuff" that goes on in our hearts and minds during change and transition.
Bring on the 'before' pictures, please!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have great neighbors, too. One day, with another friend over, a neighbor stopped by to deliver a loaf of banana bread - she said, "what is this, Mayberry??!?!"
Yummy it looks!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. I love this post! Our family moved one year ago into a new neighborhood and most of the neighboring homeowners are retirement age. I have made a point of getting to know them by name as I am out each morning pushing my 1 year old in the stroller-it is old-fashioned comforting to be able to wave to your neighbors and say "good morning, Anne!" Don't you think? . . . I am sure it is humbling to have everyone in the midst of your dust, thanks for sharing your journey, you are now the only blog I make time to "never miss a post"!
ReplyDeleteI think this is my favorite post you've written! We're a military family, and moving is our life. It blesses my heart to hear that people have made you their opportunity and those you'll get in return.
ReplyDeleteTime for another update.....PLEASE!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely thrilled to have found your amazing blog! So many wonderful ideas, I need to make a huge pot of tea and settle down to read! Thank you so much from you newest follower and from a 500 year old farmhouse in England filled with French brocante! Glenda xxx
ReplyDeleteRie,
ReplyDeleteHave been following your blog for a while & just love it! Such a quiet gentleness & beauty to all of your postings. Wish there were more blogs out there like yours. Now, for a question that has been burning on my brain, & forgive me if you have explained this on a previous post, but WHY did you move?! Such a beautiful house you had! Also, do you miss the home that held so many memories?
Thanks,
Cat
I have been humbled recently too! My husband and I are an interracial couple that lives in Alabama. I have always been polite to my neighbors, but also tried to keep to myself for fear of offending my neighbors - I don't like to force people to accept me and my husband. Anyway, recently, a storm completely destroyed my family's home while we were out of town. All of my neighbors protected the home from vandalism, tracked us down to let us know about the damage, and then, when we got back in town, they offered us home cooked meals, laundry service, mail pick-up, the works! One neighbor begged us to rebuild saying, "I love having your family as neighbors." It was humbling. I can relate to just being overwhelmed with so much love and hospitality by people that don't even know you. Anyway, great post! Looks like you picked a great place to raise your family. God bless all of you!
ReplyDeleteCat-we moved because we are desiring to be mortgage free... so basically we've downscaled considerably so we can get a step closer to that goal. And we're crazy. ;)
ReplyDelete