Stuff, stuff and MORE stuff!

If I may be so vague and general, I would describe things this way: 

American = Big houses, Lots of stuff.

Non-American = Smaller houses, No closets, Not a lot of stuff.

When my hindsight is 20/20 and this move is done, I would love to record our journey and what we needed to do to make this move happen.  For now, the list is short:  Expedite passports.  Get medical clearance.  Get rid of stuff, lots of stuff.  

One of those is complete, one of those is a complete pain that I cannot control and the last one is just ridiculously overwhelming and life changing.

While my kids played on their beloved play-set yesterday (Hooray for a warmish day in ND!) I sold it, right out from underneath them.  Being the flexible dandelions they are, they shed no tears, asked why in disappointed tones, then asked if we'd be buying a new one abroad.  To which I replied, "Let's ask God to give us trees in our new yard, so you can swing in the trees and climb those instead."  They immediately stopped and prayed.  What awesome faith to trust God to provide good things.  Specifically, they asked for apple trees; not so sure God grows apple trees where we're going, but we'll find out.  He might not give us trees at all, but this purge of STUFF is definitely changing our hearts and growing our faith as we let go of our tangible goods and trust God for the things He's planned for us.  

If you want to read up on how to truly purge your house of stuff, my friend Michele has several awesome posts about it.  I am definitely taking tips from her as I go room-to-room and closet-to-closet.  You'll find her latest, clutter-free post at: familyfaithandfridays.blogspot.com/2014/04/clearing-out-clutter-our-home.html