Mountains & Valleys: Colorado Housing Quest

A couple weeks ago, Dave and I drove out to Clark to do some real house hunting. It had been nearly impossible to secure a good housing option from across the country, especially since so much information is word-of-mouth in a community like Clark. Thus, we set out with the goal of solidifying housing as well as visiting family, visiting Denver Seminary, and squeezing in some hiking along the way. The drive was long but not too bad with the stops we had planned. We stayed with Rebekah, Andrew, and Avery (my sister, brother-in-law, and niece) both on the way out to Colorado and on the way back, which made the drive much more surmountable. We happened to be there the Sunday Andrew was preaching at church and really enjoyed hearing his message. It was a unique Sunday, however, as a huge snowstorm had swept through overnight and we were two of only about 30 people who braved the snow to make it to church that morning. It was funny to return the following week, Easter Sunday, to a warm and sunny Kansas City with hundreds of people filling the auditorium; we were 0 for 2 in experiencing a typical Sunday at Andrew and Rebekah's church!

The next leg of our journey was a campus visit at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado (just south of Denver). They put us up in a really nice student apartment (for free!) while we met with and learned from office staff, took a tour of the campus, and had lunch with one of the professors. It was a a very helpful visit and everyone was so hospitable. We could really see ourselves living there eventually should David decide to complete their MDiv program (David is thinking of starting an online course or two in Spring 2014). We spent that afternoon visiting an old family friend of David's who works at World Venture and spent the night exploring downtown Denver, namely the REI flagship store.

The next day we set out for Steamboat Springs/Clark, only stopping to do some hiking at Red Rocks Park. We made it to Clark that evening and settled in for our stay. The following days consisted of pursuing housing options, visiting with some of the church members, and exploring the area. One church couple in particular, who have been beyond helpful with our transition, had us over for dinner as we discussed ideas and visions for the church. They even lent us their snowshoes beforehand to work up an appetite in the wooded hills behind their house. Their friendship and care was so encouraging and uplifting.

By the beginning of our trip we had about four housing leads, most of which had dropped like flies only days later due to various reasons (one having a buyer, another not being available until August, etc.). So by lunch on Friday we were feeling very unsure about what to do and we were running out of time. During our lunch at the Hahn's Peak Roadhouse, I received a call from a woman looking to rent her cabin. We had just received an email that morning about the opportunity and I was waiting to hear back from her. She mentioned that we could actually see the property from the Roadhouse; she gave us the lockbox code and we were able to head right over and check it out. The house blew us away! It was not ideal in the sense that it was further north than we would like and it came fully furnished but it was priced more affordably and had a warehouse-like shop where we could store our furniture in the meantime. Needless to say, we have committed to living at this particular house for the summer and possibly beyond (see photo of it below). What would have been a fruitful trip either way, turned out to be such an example of God's provision.

Although things are moving forward and God is lining things up, we still have much ground to cover as far as raising support goes. We have been so blessed by the generosity and support that has come in thus far. If you haven't, please prayerfully consider partnering with us in this ministry that God brought us into. Our goal is to have the $10,000 start up costs raised before we move on the last weekend of April.

Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue to prepare to move in just over TWO WEEKS!

Yes, we drove. Yes, Kansas feels as long as it looks.

Pit stop in Kansas City to spend time with my sister Rebekah, her husband Andrew, and little Avery (Baby #2 due in June). Snowstorm Virgil passed through overnight but we made it out alive!

Aerial shot of Denver Seminary

Denver Sem's student apartments where we stayed while visiting

We met up with Adam Bradley, an old family friend of David's, who is now working for World Venture - an organization that supports missionaries.

David at The Mothership (aka REI's flagship store)

View of Denver at dusk from REI

We were able to do a little time traveling as well. If only it had worked on the drive through Kansas.

A little morning hike at Red Rocks Park before driving the final leg to Clark, CO.

The Red Rocks Amphitheater. It was named the #1 concert venue so many times in one magazine that they eventually took them out of the competition and called 1st place the "Red Rocks Award." It is also on my bucket list to see a show here.

View of Denver from the Red Rocks Amphitheater

Caution: Stationary Icicles in Falling Motion

We stopped for lunch on the way to Clark at Beau Jo's in an old mining town, Idaho Springs.

Hiking Fish Creek Falls (frozen over) in Steamboat Springs

We made it! Population: At least 2

Our first morning in Clark...

Misty early morning on our way to look at a housing option.

Main Street in Steamboat Springs. David was able to meet with a Steamboat pastor at a favorite local coffee shop - Steaming Bean. Dave is looking forward to building relationships with pastors in the Steamboat area (which is 30 minutes south of Clark).