Hey y’all, I’m back with some real talk about life, faith, and the incredible power of community. God has been so good to us, and having a supportive community has truly made all the difference during some of the toughest moments of my life. Let me share our story it’s a wild one, but it’s a testament to how God places the right people in your path at just the right time.
A Health Battle and Unwavering Support
This past week, I faced a major setback when an infection in my leg returned with a vengeance. My blood markers more than doubled, and the pain was excruciating—some of the worst I’ve ever experienced. Honestly, I don’t know how I would’ve made it through without my faith in God and the incredible support of my husband, family, and our amazing church friends. Their love and encouragement carried me through the darkest moments, reminding me that we’re never alone when we have a community rooted in faith.
Finding Our Village: A Church Before a Home
Can you believe we’ve only lived in the midwest for a year and 9 months? In that short time, God has blessed us with the most precious friends. Before we even moved to this area, we knew finding a church was non-negotiable. We searched and prayed, and God led us to The Village Christian Church before we even unpacked our boxes. What a blessing it’s been! This church has become our anchor, our family, and our home away from home. Their support has been a game-changer, especially during our chaotic move.
A Move to Remember: The Airbnb Misadventure
When we first arrived, we planned to rent an Airbnb for a few months while we searched for the perfect home. The listing promised a two-bedroom, single-family home perfect for our little family, especially since I was recovering from a C-section. The pictures looked great, and we were excited. But things took a turn when we showed up to check in.
The owners informed us the house wasn’t ready and offered to pay for a night at a Marriott. With no other options, we agreed. The next day, we didn’t hear from them until 2 p.m., and when we finally arrived, red flags were everywhere. The owners were drinking beer and it smelt like a skunk, yuck! Worse, the “single-family home” was actually a house divided into three separate living spaces, with three flights of ancient stairs to reach our unit. Y’all, climbing those stairs post-C-section felt like a death sentence, but I made it!
Then came the kicker: there was only one bedroom, not two as advertised. When we asked about the second bedroom, the owner pointed to a stained twin mattress propped against a wall no sheets, no box spring, nothing. He casually suggested we could “put it anywhere” and even offered a shower curtain and rod to hang as a makeshift divider. Oh, and there was no AC unit installed, so my husband ended up helping the owner set one up. To top it all off, the key to the door didn’t even work. Talk about a rough start!
The Spooky Basement Surprise
The next day, it was time to do laundry, and let me tell you, I was not prepared for what came next. Growing up, horror movies had me convinced that basements were where really bad things happen. This one lived up to the stereotype cobwebs, concrete stairs, a flickering light that felt straight out of a disco-themed horror flick. I was terrified! I threw the laundry in and bolted upstairs, telling my husband, Cesar, just how freaked out I was. He promised to handle the laundry from then on, and I was so grateful.
About 30 minutes later, Cesar went to switch the laundry to the dryer. He was back in a flash, gasping for air, and shouted, “Pack your bags, we’re getting out of here! There’s a homeless guy living in the basement!” I couldn’t believe it. At that exact moment, our pastor’s wife texted to check in. I told her about the basement situation, and she was horrified. She immediately sent her husband to help us pack and offered for us to stay with them until we found a new place. With two kids under one, we didn’t want to impose, so we made the Hampton Inn & Suites our temporary home for a month. Wanna know what’s even crazier? The Airbnb owners knew of the homeless man and never even told us? BUT don’t worry because after we left they updated their listing to say that there may or may not be a homeless guy living in the basement. NO thank you!
A New Beginning & The Power of Community Shines Through
After a whirlwind of house hunting, we were thrilled to find a temporary rental to call home while we searched for the perfect fit. Despite submitting dozens of offers and facing countless rejections, God’s timing was perfect, our offer was finally accepted on the house meant for us! The night before our big move, we had most of our belongings still in boxes, and Cesar rented a U-Haul to start loading. The next morning, I reached out to our small group from church, asking for help. Y’all, everyone showed up! These were people we barely knew, yet they poured their hearts and energy into helping us. Some even stayed until 5 a.m., helping us set up cribs so our boys—and we—had a place to sleep in our new home that night. I’m still in awe of their kindness.
A Community That Carries You
That same community has continued to show up for us, especially now as I recover from being hit by a car and battle a recurring infection. Their love, prayers, and support have been a lifeline. It truly takes a village, and I’m so grateful for ours.
If you haven’t found your people yet, keep looking! Here in South Carolina, I highly recommend checking out Seacoast Church—the Summerville campuses are amazing, and you’ll feel right at home. And if you’re in the Midwest, The Village Christian Church is the place to be. You’ll find lifelong friends who’ll walk with you through every season of life.
Thanks for reading, y’all. Let’s keep leaning on faith and community—it’s what makes this life beautiful, even in the toughest times.
Product Recommendations:
During our wild moving adventure and my ongoing recovery, finding moments of peace is a game changer. The Gratitude Journal for Women & Men by Kamoy Store became my go to for holding on to my positivity. This beige, linen-covered journal offers a simple 5-minute daily practice with inspiring prompts and quotes to spark happiness and mindfulness. Morning sections encourage gratitude and affirmations, while evening prompts help you reflect on acts of kindness and the day’s joys. Its undated format fits perfectly into busy lives, and the sturdy binding ensures it lasts through your journey. Whether you’re navigating chaos like we did or seeking daily calm, this journal is a beautiful way to focus on life’s blessings. Check it out on Amazon and start your gratitude ritual today >>> https://amzn.to/3GrVd8H
TableTopics: A Game for Joyful Connections
I was never into Cards Against Humanity, too negative for this Carolina Cupboard girl who loves a G-rated vibe! That’s why TableTopics Dinner Party is my jam. These conversation cards spark laughter and heartfelt chats, perfect for dinner parties or church gatherings. They’ve brought our community closer! Grab TableTopics on Amazon!
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/4nsutpm
Crafting Connections with DIY Bookmarks
Y’all, there’s nothing like gathering with your girlfriends for a craft night! We’d pick our favorite Bible verses, write them out, and decorate beautiful bookmarks with colorful designs. This DIY Bookmark Craft Kit brought us closer, creating cherished memories and keepsakes I still hold dear. It’s the perfect way to blend faith, creativity, and community for your next Lowcountry get together. Start crafting with your favorite crew!!
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/4l7sWmW (paid link)
Check out our most recent post on all things Charleston here: https://carolinacupboard.com/2025/06/25/charlestons-southern-charm-your-ultimate-lowcountry-visitors-guide/
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