Our "Home"

When we first decided that we would be moving this summer to California, we decided not to buy a home right away. Part of that decision was the result of wanting to wait and possibly buy a new home. Joshua's parents' home was built by a builder that we really like and they are supposed to be starting a development near us. (We're still waiting for information.) But the other part of the decision stemmed from not wanting to be in the hurry to house hunt as soon as we moved. So, we decided to rent a one bedroom apartment.

Both of us are thankful for the apartment, and it has been fine for us. It is much smaller than our townhouse in Virginia, but it also encourages you to value and appreciate what the Lord provides. I know we will both be very thankful for whatever home we get in the near future.

We currently have furniture, books, unnecessary kitchen items, and other things (like decorations and pictures) in storage. We're making do with the space we have, and it is comfortable. The apartment doesn't feel like home, and I wish I could decorate it, but by not having it feeling like home, it will encourage us to make a decision about buying. By the way, we also have a dog and cat in this space as well. So, they probably feel confined also.

On the whole, it has been a fine place to live, temporarily. We will probably decide what to do about housing closer to the end of the year. We've been told that the new housing development that we like should have a sales trailer at the site in November. Lord willing, we will know then what we will do. In the mean time, we are learning about patience and waiting for the Lord's timing.

Virginia,California, and Connections

After almost three months of being in California, some things really make us feel we belong here, and then at other times, I really miss Virginia. Of course, we know that the Lord brought us to the Sacramento area, but it is hard at times to be away from friends and family in Virginia. I know Virginia - I grew up there. My family is there. Our friends live there. We have two awesome Bible studies in the Northern Virginia area. We met and got married there. I know what to expect with the weather. We could arrange to meet friends for dinner or just hang out. However, Joshua and I always wished we could spend more time with his family. It would be great if California and Virginia were next to each other, but they are not!

But, California is where God wants us, and He has made that evident. Joshua has fellow believers at his middle school, and one of them, Kevin, is friends with my friends Kevin and Amy, who relocated to the Sacramento area a couple of years ago. Our good friend Janice is a hour away from us, and God could not have worked that out better than He did. We found a church in Sacramento, River City Grace Community Church, which has made us feel welcomed as well as being fed each Sunday with solid teaching and God honoring music. Through Kevin and his wife and Kevin and Amy, we have met other couples in their Bible study, and we keep finding out how small of a world we live in. There is a couple in the Bible study that knows Joshua's brother Karsten and his wife Kim from college, and from our church, we have met guys that know Kevin and Amy and Janice! We thank the Lord for providing Christian fellowship for us, and we know that from all of our connections out here, He is showing us that He cares.

Also, since we are close to Joshua's family, we can spend time with his parents, Grandma Steinmetz, and his siblings. Karsten, Kim, and our nephew KJ live nearby, and so do Julie, Russ, and Isaac. Both of the nephews are adorable (pictures will come soon), and it is great to be near Joshua's siblings and their spouses.

Overall, I know I will always love Virginia, but I also know that California is now my home.

Briggs News...

Well Friends,

We finally broke down and created a blog. We will try to keep it updated regularly.

Carrie is enjoying her new job at Morrison Homes which thankfully (due to gas prices) is located close to where we are living in Folsom, CA.

Joshua is finding it interesting adjusting to a new school, new schedule and new parents. Coaching is going well. His 8th grade Girls' Volleyball team beat the rivals last week although they lost today.

Carrie really enjoys having Janice close by as they have been able to get together regularly and hang out. Carrie will be traveling back to Virginia in October for Joanna and Chad's wedding and she is excited about seeing everyone and anyone she can.

May God richly bless everyone!

In Him,

Joshua and Carrie Briggs