Fixed...for now

So after much harassing on our part, the landlord decided to call a plumber. I think it had something to do with me mentioning that we should not have to pay full rent, due to the inconveniences of the power/plumbing issues. The 'real' plumbers arrived at 4 just as I was leaving for work. But thankfully it was Mr. Rooter. And not some guy he knows. When Mike got home at 7:30 they were just finishing up. Apparently the bill was $550. And here's why. There is a vent pipe that goes up to the roof. And it seems that someone who used to live in the upper suite decided to experiment with this pipe. They pulled out various items, including a block of wood and a CB radio antenna! Finally the drains flow properly and I don't have to worry about that particular issue anymore.

But now this morning, the power outlet that powers the all wonderful coffee maker stopped working half way through the brew. Craziness. We are still looking for a new place to live, and now Mike is a little more willing to move sooner rather than later.

It is Well

In my studies this morning I felt a real encouragement from God. As we try to figure out our housing situation, we are both feeling stretched and stressed. Again, yesterday we had another plumbing failure. I'm getting tired of this. But today as I read in Philippians 4 is was encouraged by the following: v4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! The notes in my study bible made it even clearer, that Paul was not saying to rejoice when all is well, but to rejoice in the trials we face because we know God is using those situations to improve our character. And of course, who can forget v6-7 Be anxious in nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This brings to my mind, my favorite hymn of all time: It Is Well With My Soul by Horatio G. Spafford. When I think on the story of Horatios life, it makes my trials pale in comparison. I have not lost children to tragedy, however, when I think on these words I am encouraged in knowing that God knows our hearts and struggles. And it is well with my soul.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

After the move

Well it's been a few weeks since the big move. The weather was fantastic on moving day and we had a lot of help from friends and family. Unfortunately the toilet did not appreciate having so many people using it, and it decided to flood all over the floor and down the hallway. The landlord and local handyman removed the toilet and attempted to "fix" it. As of this morning, we've had this happen on three different occasions. Rather than call a plumber the landlord continues to pour chemicals down the drains in a feeble attempt to repair it. I'm really hoping that he calls a plumber today as we cannot use the shower or the toilet until it is fixed :-(  On another crazy note, last week (when we had no use of the shower or toilet) the power got shut off. It turns out that the landlord hadn't paid the hydro bill in quite some time. I spent most of Thursday crying. We are fully unpacked and just settling into a routine and Whammo. Looks like we are going to have to move soon. The power was finally back on about 30 hours later. Just enough time to loose everything in the fridge and freezer. It would have been on quicker, but I refused to lend the landlord $2600.00 of the $3600.00 he owed to BC Hydro. Yup he actually had the audacity to ask me to help him pay the bill. Not on your life buddy. Oh well, as I said to my mother, at least the roofs not leaking (yet).

On a much happier note, we've added to the members of our family. We adopted a kitten. It all started when I was at work and a customer of mine asked if I knew anyone who wanted a 4 year old indoor cat. She was moving to Calgary and wanted a good home for Amber. I said I'd love to take her. I spoke to Mike that night and he finally relented and said we could take her. So a couple days latter Amber arrived. I have never met a meaner animal in all my life! She was a nasty beast of a cat. She hid in the closet and growled and hissed when we looked at her. I figured she'd take some time to adjust. The next night, she decided to stay in Diane's room and would not leave. Diane was too afraid to go to bed in there. I tried to get the cat out, but she would not move. So I called the previous owners on Saturday and told them to come take her far, far away. 

After that little experiment we decided that adopting a kitten (of our choosing) would be a much safer choice. So on Sunday the 12th we brought home Grizzly. He's a five month old black long hair. And he is perfect. He loves to cuddle. He doesn't growl and hiss. He is fabulous with Diane and of course Mike loves him. The cat actually sleeps right beside Mikes head every night. Its been great having him. He may not have been 'free' like Amber was, but he's worth it. Praise the Lord for little blessings!