House hunting was truly a lesson in faith for both M and I. We came to Geneva early to look at a few places. It was rather nerve wrecking at times as we recalled the many experiences recounted by previous people who have gone before us -
vacancy rate is low, throw in whatever application you need because you don't know what you can get...
There were also barriers - agents who don't reply, agents who only spoke french, everybody only works mon-fri 9am-5pm... Time was also limited and we were desperate. The time spent waiting in between of things happening was really 😰.
However, during those first 2 weeks, even though we were far away from home, living in a hotel room and frantically scrolling the housing site, emailing or texting the agents, waiting, etc, God came to me in my devotional lessons. I was reading Ezra 5-6 on temple rebuilding. The governor of Trans-Euphrates came and questioned the Israelites about who allowed them to rebuild the temple. However, a search was made and indeed it was proven that King Cyrus had indeed approved this temple to be rebuilt. In fact, King Darius further decreed that whatever they needed shall be given to them to assist them to complete this work they started. God is amazing. Because His hand was on the Israelites, though they faced oppositions, they were able to overcome it and usually got more than what they hoped for.
A few days later, i read Nehemiah 3-5. Nehemiah also faced many problems rebuilding the city of Judah. He was taunted and ridiculed by Sanballat, his labourers were tiring out from the work, his own people were afraid of being attacked by others... Yet, he chose the best thing to do- continue to pray and strategise. He refused to let fear destroy or stop them. It reminded me that the only person who knows and can make a difference in any circumstance is God. He is the only one i can and should be calling upon. God can do what no man can. So we prayed.
We found a beautiful place that was near M's work and E's school. It was a nice quiet neighbourhood and near a pharmacy and grocery place. It was fully furnished too. The only problem was that it exceeded the rental ceiling given by M's company. There was another cheaper place but much further down the road, not furnished, no ceiling lights. We considered it still as it was near Lake Geneva and a beautiful park. We made applications for both. The fully furnished place we saw replied real quickly and accepted us!! We were confused because frankly, we did not dare pin our hopes too high. It was unbelievable that she responded within half a day and made us an offer. We decided we would pray some more as it may mean forking out the excess rental each month since it was over the budget. M decided he would write to his company too to give them a heads up. We waited for another few days and talked over the 2 places alot, comparing the pros and cons. Then M's company replied to say that they would raise the rental ceiling!! It was clear as day- we should choose the first place. God is indeed good. He not only provided a house, He provided the furnishings, good location, a landlady who lives near by...
There were many other hitches in between like getting the bank account, paying the bills that were rolling in even before the bank account could be opened, etc. However, in the past 3 weeks, i also see God's hand at work in our small insignificant lives.
Indeed, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
