Where we live

 After years of dreaming of life in community, Eric and I took a leap of faith this summer, left our church positions, and moved our little family into Portland, jumping with both feet into the uncertain water. On a temporary basis, we moved in the 18th Avenue Peace House, a United Methodist intentional community started by some incredible peace activists 26 years ago. For four months, we've been meeting regularly with two other families who aren't currently living in community as we discern a call to start a new household together, and we've been learning about the good and the difficult of life together by sharing space and daily rhythms with 7 other people in the Peace House. We miss our friends and neighbors in Cornelius, and there have been lots of challenges (especially financial ones), but it has also been a time of incredible growth and fun as we've made new friends and as I've enjoyed days at home with Auggie. I've also been spending good time with my birth center community and with my new(er) roller derby friends and am thoroughly enjoy living right in Portland. Such a great city!

I hope to write more about life with the Peace House folks, but for now, here are some pictures of our home. Can you believe we live in this gorgeous place? 

 Downtown Portland is just over those trees.

 2nd floor landing and office.

 Afternoon nap in the family room. Sorry Jim and Jo!

 Those boxes are orders going out from Grief Watch, the cottage industry that provides resources for people experiencing grief and helps the Peace House pay its bills.

 The parlor.

 Looking into the kitchen.

 The living room that hosts tons of community events and support groups and where we gather for prayer each morning.

 The library and doors that look out to the back patio.

 Tom and Pat working one some Grief Watch stuff in the dining room.

 The kitchen in a rare quiet moment.

 Front porch.

 The labyrinth out front.

 Path to Peace Plaza, the beautiful brick patio that is open to the public and has seen many parties and weddings and kids playing.

 One of our favorite spots on sunny days.

 Peace pole.

 In the bathroom.

 Sewing room.

 Ceramics studio.

 Another lovely porch.

 Neighbors.

 Our room.

Come visit sometime!