Feb. 2, 2008 - Our new house
Since I haven't been on homeschool blogger for over two months, I thought I would show you what we've been doing since we came back. (By the way, I am fianlly enjoying getting to back through and read all of my friends' blogs and catch up on everything you all have been doing!)
As you might remember, we found out in mid-November that we had finally gotten financial clearance to return to Pakistan and discovered that if we wanted to travel on and be able to renew our current visas, we had to be in Pakistan before December 1st. So quickly, we packed, and arrived on November 29th.
Let me just say that it is never good when one of your co-workers meets you at the airport with the following statement: "Let's get you guys settled into a guest house and then we need to talk." Basically, beacuse we had been delayed in returning, our apartment had sat empty for 3 monnths. During that three months, there was some water leakage and possibly some rain flooding that took place. Almost everything was ruined by thick black mold. The most awful smell that I have ever encountered-and living overseas, I have encountered a few!
After tossing most of the old stuff, it was obvious that we needed a new place to live. Mold was growing under the paint on the walls, and it was the type that just being in the room for a few minutes made your throat tighten up and coughing start. So we began looking for a new house-not an easy job in Islamabad since the earthquake of 2005. Rent prices have gone through the roof! Finally, we did find a second-floor two bedroom apartment that fit into our budget.
Here is the before picture of the living room:
And now the after-after two months of cleaning and furnishing and getting it livable:
As you can see, we still need to paint where the AC hole used to be. We filled it in, but it has been damp so the concrete hasn't dried yet thoroughly. In a few months, we will install an AC unit on the wall so that the summers will be bearable. It does get to be 110 F and higher during the summers.
On another note, this has been the coldest winter on record here. We are having temperatures below freezing almost every night. Oh yeah, and the heaters only work in two rooms! BRRR! We have become the masters of quick clothing changes and short showers! But, thank God, our water heater works great so once we get the hot water flowing it does stay hot.
Comments
Feb. 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 4sweetums
Wow! what a great change! It looks so nice.
Blessings,
4sweetums
Feb. 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx
Oh wow, you've been busy! Great change in the room too. It really does take a family to make a house a home, doesn't it?
Glad to hear from you again, my friend!
Love,
Marsha
