I sold my house and so far have nowhere to live when I come back to Canada in July! Sounds crazy? Well, let me tell you about it.
For about a year, I have said to myself that I should start thinking about moving into an apartment or a condo in the next 5 years. This polymyalgy flare-up was a yellow light for me: my health is not getting better and better as the years go by. Rather, I must be realistic, knowing that my energy level and mobility will gradually decrease.
When I was home for a fast trip in February, I visited dear friends, Lucie and Normand Bédard. They are from Trois-Rivières and have been wanting to move to Repentigny, as Normand has retired, but their house hadn`t sold. Dropping me at the doorstep of my home, they said how much they liked my house and if it were for sale, they would seriously be interested ...................
Lights went on in my brain and we began a serious discussion. Yes, I would be interested; yes, they would make an offer when they sold their house. I thought I had lots of time!
Last week they had a serious offer, which they accepted. Whoa! Was I ready to sell so quickly? After reflection, a conversation with an old friend who gives me financial advice, and a conversation (or two) with my Abba, I said yes! Sitting back in my chair, I reflected ..... Do you know what you just did? You sold your home via Skype. You are in Belgium and not even there! They have to move in in June and you won't even be home until the end of July! Are you crazy? No, I love challenges and to sell without an agent to dear friends who love my house is ideal. The 3 of us will work out the details, and we've already started!!
I am into my last months here in Brussels and at St. Andrew's. I can't begin to tell you how difficult this is going to be. I love this city. Its dimensions are human and its culture rich and varied. There's always a new place to walk in or discover. And I love the congregation at St. Andrew's. My integration was almost seamless, and now I have to rip us apart. So many have become my friends. I am trying to find different ones to replace me in my activities, and not accept too many new jobs or visits. That's hard!
My "contract" finishes on June 30th. I will stay until the end of July, as I am teaching linguistics to the new group of PCA missionaries. Instead of going to New York, they are coming to Brussels this year, which suits me just fine.
The next months are going to be full, crazy-busy and emotional. Think I'm up to it?!!
my home here
the famous Mannekin-Pis wearing a well-known costume!
