CN 6190: THANK GOD FOR HELPING ME BUYING MY HOME
Today is May 31, 2023, the last day of the month of May, the end of The Blessed Mother's Flower month. It is also the day that Our Blessed Mother visits St. Elizabeth. Today is also the date that 38 years ago we moved into our new home in the city of Garden Grove, California.
There is always a blessing in disguise. God always helps us in everything, especially He provides us with a safe home for my family. I thank You, Lord!
I had rent an apartment in the city of Huntington Beach from November 1980 to May 31, 1985. At that time, the new owner of that apartment just bought that property. He gave us 2 months in advance to move out. He also ordered another Vietnamese family in that property to move out, too. He did not say that because my family and my neighbor had many children, but we knew that was the only reason.
At that time, I just lost my job at the DMV because I was not a permanent employee. I did not have a job. I could not rent a new apartment for my family to live. I was under a lot of massive stress. I did not know how to find a new home with 7 children (my children and a nephew, Nam Ha). No owner wants to have such a big number of children.
At that time, I did not have any people to help me finding a new home. I wanted to kill myself so I did not have to worry about the headaches. Fortunately, Pastor Merle Unruh and his wife Marcella came to my home. They prayed with us. They consoled us. They were the benefactors who helped us at the beginning of our time in the USA.
Then I began to think about buying a house for my family. At that time, the house that we bought was only $100,000. We had to have at least 20% for the deposit. Now the house price in Southern California is rocketing. Not many people can afford to buy houses in this area.
Until now, I often remind myself to thank God, my own family and my benefactors who helped us having enough money to buy that house.
At the time we began to buy my house, I had only 900 dollars in our savings bank. My mother lent me $10,000.00. My brother Thai lent me $3,000.00. My friend Tai On lent me $2,000.00. I sold my brand new piano for $1,500.00. Mr. Tung Trinh, my realtor gave us back $1,500.00 from his commission. I sold everything in my household in garage sale to make up for $1,100.00 left to have enough $20.000.00 for deposit. If we have $20,000.00, that is 20% of the whole price then we did not have to buy extra house insurance.
My home is located in a street with a lot of jacaranda tree. The purple colored flowers make the street so beautiful. We have a big front yard and a big garden in the back yard.
On the first day of moving in, we went to the back yard, there was a swimming pool. We drank tea and enjoyed the moon reflecting on the water of the swimming pool. We laughed joyfully! We prayed God for His kindness and goodness!
For many years, my husband and I worked very hard. We earned a lot of overtime money to pay everyone back their money.
My God, I thank you for your Providence. I thank my family members and my benefactors to help me in spirit and money. They actually lifted us up. They consoled us in our difficult times. They lead us to see the magic of true love and kindness. Without their love, I might die of grief and sufferings, agony and misery. Many times in that terribly grievous time, I just wanted to die so I can be free of pain and torments.
In conclusion, I just want to encourage you:
"Please try to reach out and help those who are sufferings. Console them and give them your love and support. Lift up their spirit. Show them the light of hope. Tell them to trust in God. Tell them to wake up with determination. God is Love.”
O My God, I appreciate You to the rest of my life. Your love and care are forever. I love You and trust in You! I praise You forever. Amen. Alleluia!
Kim Hà, May 31, 2023
