There's No Place Like Home

"Where thou art- that is home" Emily Dickinson

Piamonte Place, that's what we will call home for the next month. Its a far cry from our native Montana. We have traded in our "big sky" and prairies, for moss covered cobble stone roads and  lush green tropical forests. As I sit on our open air balcony and stare out at the landscape it is green as far as the eye can see. Down below me there is a thick forest of trees, plants and flowers. Amid those trees and flowers are secret trails and passages leading to tucked away waterfalls, ponds, picnic spots and gazebos. For the kids it is a never-ending opportunity for exploration. Each day is a filled with new sites and spectacular sounds. 

Piamonte Place is actually situated on the side of Barva Volcano, a now extinct volcano. I've been told that when

Piamonte Place was first purchased there was little to no vegetation here. But over time the care taker has planted trees, flowers and plants of all kinds. There are bannana trees, orange trees, palm trees, calla lilies the size of my hand and many unique plants that I have never encountered before. It is all a testament to our Creators extrodinary handiwork.

Our house is a two story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. We have been blessed with all that we need. I say "need" because it is of course lacking in a few amenities that we often take for granted and forget to be thankful for, like hot showers, reliable internet and an oven. But we are extra greatful for running water, flushing toilets and reliable electricity. 

So far our adjustment to "home" has been relatively smooth.  We have estabished the routine of mealtimes, chores and school work to make all of us feel as "normal" as possible. We've quickly learned to make adjustments for the rain, the amount of daylight, and the lack of technology. We are learning the art of slowing down, playing games, journaling, drawing and soaking in our surroundings. 

 

Matthew 6:25-34 says,  "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air they do not sow or reap or store away in the barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ……..But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

Here at Piamonte Place we are learning to not worry, but to rely; to rely  on the one who created the birds of the air, the lush tropical forests and the beautiful plants and flowers. We are learning that life can be lived at a much slower pace, with less stuff and more meaning. We are relearning the art of seeking His kingdom and His righteousness.