~ 208 Cline Ave. ~

I know that there are always many things to be thankful, but I do believe that sometimes they're just easier to see. Right now is one of those times for me!

First of all, I can't thank God enough for my co-op job! I am so excited about it... not only am I passionate about what I'm going to be doing, and not only is it such a huge "God-thing" that I ended up working where I am, I get to spend 8 months on the Mac campus! When I was deciding on universities, my heart was absolutely set on Mac. But God's calling was distinctly that I should follow Him to Waterloo, and I'm so glad I did. I don't know, this almost seems like some sort of bonus, with God saying, "See! Because you followed me, you got to go to Mac for a while too!" I look forward to whatever tests, trials, and joys God has in store for me there.

Yesterday, Mike Mak graciously took me to Hamilton. Mike Yung was supposed to take me, but had too much work to do (thank you for finding another ride for me Mike, even when I wasn't aware!). Mike (M) took me to my four housing appointments. The first was nice and very economical, but my spider senses were tingling. Something didn't feel right. The second place...lol! Cheap as dirt, and dumpy as dirt! =P

There's NO way you're going to live in THIS place...

~ Mike Mak

It was worth a try I suppose! Then, they always say that the third try is a charm, and just like Cinderella's glass slipper, it was a perfect fit! I was most hopeful about this place because God brought it to me; I did not find it myself. Anyways, this is how the third visit went. First, Mike and I drove in a forbidden entrance to the street (LOL!). We were about to turn around and go in the proper entrance, when we figured out we were only less than 10 houses down from where we needed to be, so naturally, we reversed to the house! ^_^ The house looked so cute, as if it was out of a story book! When we went inside, I met Erika, Karen, and Rachel, three Christian girls affiliated with the church I'm planning to go to in Hamilton. I instantly felt comfortable in their presence and very welcomed. The house inside was darling! The paint colours were so warm and others vibrant (including my room! A bright, vibrant, watermelon sort of green!). They have a reading room with the sun streaming in the window, and books galore! My room has a symmetical slanted ceiling (childhood fantasy #24: check!) and is really cozy! The doors are finished in a warm chestnut brown, which with the green looks awesome! And even better, the mattress is firm and even...essential for my back. I was happy to see that the whole house was clean, and felt like "home" already. What a blessing! I knew I had found the right place.

After that, since we were running early, Mike and I had some time to kill, so we decided to walk to the grocery store (only 5 minutes away!) and then do the walk to Mac. We walked down a little strip in Westdale village and got these amazing pastries from a bakery there. Once we turned into the residential streets, it was like walking in a fall paradise. The houses are all from my favourite era, the trees are mature, the gardens are well-kept...and Mac is so close! We clocked it at about 15 minutes, but we were walking slowly and catching all the nice scenery. Mike showed me Mac's really new and modern student centre, and then we headed over to the fourth house.

The fourth house I found to be very dark. Not to mention that it was very far, and would require a bus pass for the full 8-months, which made it more expensive even though the rent was reasonable. The one perk is that it had a piano, but I knew that it wasn't the right fit from the moment we stepped into the foyer.

Mind made up, we headed back to 208 Cline and I gave the girls a post-dated cheque for my first month's rent! What a sense of peace! And on top of that, a lovely day spent with an old friend filled with interesting and challenging discussions about life and faith.

If you're reading this, (both Mikes!) thank you for your generosity and sacrifice. May God bless you and continue to grow inside you every day.

*sigh*... smile...