381 Corona Street

We rolled into little Ryder, North Dakota which sits in the center of miles and miles of farmland. It's fall right now so the trees are bare from losing all their leaves and it was cloudy as we drove in almost at sunset. It has a mixture of farm houses and mobile homes on little plots of land. Off to the side, I caught the glimpse of some kind of business which we will check out tomorrow. A young adolescent wrapped in a black hoodie waved to us as we drove in. You don't see that a whole lot. :-)

I saw the U-Haul turn into this grassy yard and I immediately recognized the large pines on the side of the farm house I've only seen in pictures for over 7 months now. We are home. Home for right now. Home for a few years. Home.

I parked and Cole and Corinne already wrapped from head to toe in new winter clothes we bought in Wyoming, ran with the house keys in their hands and went inside. Cosette and I looked at each other and laughed and some tears fell and we laughed as Matt came to our window. He's been here for over 2 months now, renovating, moving walls and staircases around. He's already made the transition. Home  to him hasn't been our house in Henderson for over a year as he has spent significantly more time in North Dakota than Nevada. But for us, this is new.

As we got out, Cosette shuffled through the dried fallen leaves with her crutches and walking boot and I followed behind her to the back door which leads into the kitchen. Newly nailed drywall was seen everywhere. Matt's been working. He showed me how he removed a wall and opened up the kitchen which is now more than twice it's original size. Dated decorations lined the upper edge of the wall paper and green appliances reminded us of the age of our home. It was built in 1917 and the previous owner had lived there since 1959. I'm sure my decor from our previous home shows resemblances of the late '90's as well. :-)

Matt showed us around and it is bigger than I imagine. We had our living room furniture already in place which was a nice view of our previous home. A reminder that not everything is so new. As Matt proudly toured us around, I had a flood of thoughts and emotions. Many I had to keep in check because I was acutely aware that my kids were watching me and my responses and how I responded to everything would deeply affect how they received everything as well. Cole and Corinne began their scavenger hunt around the house and delighted in the steep narrow stairs which they hope to turn into a slide someday. They braved the basement downstairs and felt the cool chill only basements in the Midwest can produce. They went out side and threw dried leaves around and some at each other having a ball and I was thankful.

Cosette hobbled around and we showed her her new room which has a little cubby that leads into a section of the attic. It is quaint and cozy.

 

We spent the next several hours moving boxes into any space that would hold them. Matt's employees came by to help unload. One of them, Tony has lived his entire life in Ryder and through his gregarious personality, he welcomed us and did his best to make us feel at ease. Tony looks like most of the men here. Baseball cap and sweatshirt. Jeans and work boots. But his friendly and I-feel-like-I've-known-you-all-my-life demeanor draws you to him immediately.

 

As we talked, he asked me if we go to church. This was not a question I would have assumed he would ask. I told him yes and we are visiting a few in the next few weeks. I asked him if he was connected anywhere and he said, "No, but I'm very open. I'm very open." We talked about where we are visiting and hoped his family would join us. That short little conversation seemed to remind me that bigger things are going on besides new homes and new jobs. We'll see where God takes us with some new friends.

 

At night, we snuggled Cole and Corinne in their room with mattresses on the floor and about 15 blankets on top of them. Matt came up for hugs and kisses good night which he has not been able to do nightly for almost 1 1/2 years. His presence and love infuse a confidence in the kids that is undeniable. I am thankful. He went into Cosette's room and did the same. When he left, Cosette teared up softly and said, "I don't know this room. I don't have any memories here." We laid together and cried a little and talked about that reality and that together we are going to make some more. That God had this  and for however long He has us here, that she will never be alone. I laid there with her until she fell asleep and carefully made the trip down the steep narrow stairs lit up only by nightlights.

 

My heart grew heavy for her and I prayed that God would do only what He can do in her heart. That she would take this adventure with us, remembering we are together and God is near. Cosette has always needed to come to things in her own time. You could never rush her but when she was ready, she would take on the world. I love that 10 year old with a love that surpasses understanding.

 

As I climbed into bed in our new room snuggled under layers of blankets, Matt laughed at me and gave me a hug. I smiled as I thought of how Cole and Corinne embraced this new tiny little home with interesting facets and their joy comforted me.

 

So we are here. For now. For who knows how long. My carpets are brown-orange. My appliances are avocado. My living room walls have brown panelling I haven't seen since my childhood home. These things I can live with. Us being apart for that long was something I couldn't. So we are here. Open and ready to see what God blesses with.

 

Feel free to write or visit although we are in air mattress mode for any visitors :-). But praying that Love reigns and Laughter fills and Grace flows. That is my prayer for 381 Corona Street, Ryder, ND 58779.