The Eleventh Hour

If you've been keeping tabs on us, you've probably been wondering why there hasn't been a post all about our new house and the joys of moving. The simple answer to that question is that we haven't moved yet. About a week before we were set to close, and after being under contract for 2 months, we got a call from our Realtor telling us that our buyers did not qualify for their loan and we would not be closing. To make a long story short, we tried for the next few days to see if there was something we could do to still make things work with our buyer, but in the end learned that they really never should have made an offer on our house, as it was out of their price range and they were never really able to afford it. So, with our house almost empty and boxes crowding the garage, our house was back on the market at the end of June and until we sold our current house, we couldn't move into our new one. So, it has been back to the meticulous process of keeping the house clean, and we have had to drop the asking price 3 times, just to get people through the door.
Through this whole process, we really have felt guided by the Spirit and feel like the Lord has helped us in so many ways, but I honestly have had a really hard time since things fell through with our buyers. I have felt very frustrated, angry, and bitter at the fact that I feel we were not honestly dealt with and because of their dishonesty, our family has been put into a difficult situation. It has been very difficult for me to try to come to terms with all of this and be able to just move on. So often people just don't realize how much their choices impact others. If it were only Mike and I in this situation, it would be a different story, but I see every day how difficult this is for our children, who have all their things packed away and their lives completely disrupted. I have prayed quite a bit lately, asking for the Lord's help in blessing me with the ability to overcome my frustrations with these people, and giving me the strength to endure this trial with temperance and grace.
After we got home from California, Sam came downstairs in tears one night so frustrated with having to share a room with her brothers because they wouldn't let her sleep, and we knew we had to do something for the sake of the happiness of our family. So, Mike and I decided to see if we could qualify for a loan with both mortgages, which would enable us to move into our new house before we sold our old one. We submitted all the paperwork before I left with the kids to come down to Texas. The whole time I've been here, I have been attached to my cell phone waiting to hear if the loan went through.
A few days ago Mike called to let me know that we qualified for our loan and that as soon as the builder could set a closing date for us, which should be within the next few weeks, we would be moving into our new home. That same night I got another call from Mike telling me that we received an offer on our house. Two days ago we finalized the offer and signed the contracts, and are set to close on our current home on September 10th. As soon as I got the text from Mike that we had finalized the deal I just cried, which if you know me, isn't really a surprise. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted! Although we were taking a huge risk of ending up with two mortgage payments by moving before we sold the house, we knew it was the right thing to do for our family, and now, knowing that our house is sold and we won't have to take on that burden is such a relief.
Sitting in church a few weeks ago the lesson was about how we are here to be tried and tested, that we are to suffer first to know the sweet. They talked about how the Lord does hear our prayers and does always answer them, but often in the eleventh hour. The whole time I sat there feeling like that lesson was just reiterating the hardships and burdens I was feeling, and I honestly didn't feel any comfort in it at the time. This week has been such proof to me that the Lord does in deed answer prayers, and yes, even in that eleventh hour! Although I have felt so disheartened and frustrated lately, I have always had faith that my Heavenly Father knew my burdens and was going to answer my prayers, I just wasn't sure when those answers would come. Thank you to so many family and friends who have been with us through all the ups and downs of our house adventures. We have had so many prayers said on our behalf and we have felt your love and strength. We aren't finished with this journey yet, but I feel we are getting close and we are so grateful that we haven't had to walk this bumpy road alone.