Letter/Photos of 1st visit to Paris to look for property

A letter written on 5/21/11.

Scott and I went to Paris Texas last Friday for a 2 day trip looking for houses/land. We were supposed to leave today and be gone for 10 days going around Texas, but thought we would get one town out of the way last weekend. 

We contacted a realtor ahead of time....and gave her a list of MLS numbers of homes we wanted to see....that were in our price range and seemed to have the other things we wanted as well. When we arrived she had them all numbered out to go see on Friday and the rest on Saturday. But rather than start with one we mentioned, she wanted to show us another one she had found, a little higher than our range, but she knew they would negotiate. 

That was our first stop and nothing the rest of the weekend measured up. The property has about 9 1/2 acres, a well, a large pond with lots of fish in it (Crappie, Florida bass, blue grill bream and channel catfish), a barn, lots of yard and land and a lovely home, although a little larger than we were looking for. Only 3 bedrooms, but one will need to be Scott's office since he works at home. We will have a guest room, and a bed in the office for when guests come to see us, HINT, HINT! 

We thought about making an offer before we left but wanted to wait and see what direction the Lord would take us. Since our home here sold in 3 1/2 weeks and we have to close on it the 3rd...we had options of places to stay, very kindly, but we were really drawn to this property. We prayed fervently, asking God to show us what to do, and if we were to make an offer, what should it be and when to close. The property has been on the market for about 2 years, tied up in a divorce. 

Scott and I decided to make an offer, a low offer to see what would happen. We negotiated for several days until settling on a price and closing date today. We close here (LR) on the 3rd.....go to Kuzins Kamp in Fairfield Bay with Scott's Mom and family until the 9th. We will close long distance on the new property on the 6th and move in on the 9th. 

I'm exhausted just writing this and know that only God can work the details out and will with our faithfulness and obedience. North Texas is not Scott's first choice to live, but it will be 3 1/2 hours from Little Rock, 4 hours from the boys in Fayetteville and 2 do Dallas, where Scott's sister lives. Not our will, but His. 

Before we made the offer we spent a couple of evenings looking at property in other parts of Texas online....and nothing met the same criteria and interest as what we selected. We will have room for animals, a large garden and green house, it has 2 small outstorage buildings and completely fenced with seperate pens in places behind the barn. I'm going to include some pics below for you to see. 

Please pray for several things: 

First our safety as we drive to the property early in the morning to be there for an inspection and return tomorrow night. 

Second, for Noah and Josh....Josh seems to be handling our move okay, but Noah is really having a difficult time knowing that he won't be in Little Rock during the summer as he had planned, close to his friends and the area. 

Third, that the inspection would go well and that everything would go through as planned, with the exception being of course if God shuts the door. 

Fourth, for me as I struggle with leaving all of you and the place I call home. Knowing that I won't be so very far away is comforting. 

Fifth, that God would give Scott peace and comfort as he handles all the financial affairs, moving planning and everything else.....he is so good at trying to protect me from difficulties and I appreciate that. Leaving this house with all the great memories of my parents is going to be tough! I was honored to be with them and care for them for several years here and I cherish that so much. 

In case you wondered.....I'll be okay. There are 3 sonics in the area, a Walgreens, Super Wal-Mart, lots of hotels, a community college, lots of restaurants and even a Sears and Pennys, all less than 10 minutes from our property. No Dillards or Chic-fil-A, but maybe that will arrive next? 

Love you all, Margie 


Front of barn