6/28/2006 to 11/1/2006

It is hard to conceive of a family willing to give up half of their house, much of their privacy and control just because they see the opportunity to be of service to friends, expecting nothing in return. Jim and Charissa moved their kids (2 boys from one bedroom, 2 girls from the other), all the kid’s toys and furniture, into their upstairs family room and master bedroom (a few things went to the attic). They moved everything out of the downstairs bathroom drawers and cupboards. And we moved in.

They did everything to make us feel welcome and desired us to feel like it was our home. And although we heard them say that they enjoyed us being there, we had difficulty believing them. We more than doubled their household! We knew we were guests, but always they treated us as though they would love our living with them always.
For the kids it was like summer camp the whole time. The nine of them just fit around the table and that is where they ate. The adults sat nearby on the living room furniture. The amount of food to feed that crowd of 11 or 13 every meal was a real education for Charissa and me. It took several weeks for us to figure out how much to make so that everyone got enough. Every meal was a lot of work. When we moved in we had intended to buy and convert a bus. After a month the bus was bought and we had many difficult moments and decisions with it, deciding at last to sell it and look for a travel trailer. Jim and Charissa were patient with all our struggles, never knowing how long we would be invading their space, never pressuring us in our decisions.
Charissa is such a good friend, the best I’ve known. Living with her was a blessing I will never forget. I’m sure many were concerned about its effecting our friendship, and not every moment was easy, but nothing could reduce my love for her and her family. We will always be grateful for the opportunity they gave us to follow a different trail.