Apartment 8

An open letter to those who get to live in apartment 8 after were gone.

Yes, the door is shut... no it won't close anymore if you lean on it. We kind of like it halfway open like that anyway...

No, you won't fall through that spot in the floor close to the tub... you might have, had our awesome maintenance man not come and fix the leak though. You're welcome. 

You may not smoke, but your neighbors below do. Which is basically the same thing. Candles were our go to, but after awhile you get used to your clothes smelling like smoke and you continue on.

The water heater was fixed about a month or so ago... but if something happens, expect the oven to be in the living room for awhile why our awesome maintenance man fixes it. 

Your neighbors can hear everything. I think that's why people keep their doors open most days... they gave up "being quiet" awhile ago. Plus... who pays for AC anyway. 

Sorry the front closet rack is jank... we don't know either.

The wifi password is actually the length of the Mississippi river.

Oh and if you want to talk to someone at the front desk... just forget that was even an idea. I don't even believe there is a front desk. 

These aren't complaints by any means. This is just me letting you know what we didn't, and eventually learned. Learned to love, and learned to live alongside some really cool people. 

Get to know the people in your building if nothing else. Their stories, hellos, good mornings, and late night conversations, are some of my favorite memories of being in apartment 8. You can't find a more diverse group of people than an east side apartment complex. 

That stoop, and the sidewalk around the side of the building is where I saw God this summer. Where I called home when things were hard, or a victory was made. It was also where I got to play in the rain with my roommates and read a book about stepping into the unknown. 

I'm glad I stepped into the unknown this summer, where I had a place to end and start my days well. 

Be thankful for the leaky shower. Be thankful for apartment 8. And the things you will experience while you live there. Maybe you have a family to take care of. Maybe you're here looking for work and your seasons change faster than others. Maybe you have roommates like us. Regardless, embrace the glorious mess that is your neighborhood. The gardens, the park, the windy streets that have powerful names like Selma and the like. 

As I spend my last days here I can't help but look back on the unknown blessing this place would be to me. The relationships I have with my roommates is something I can't express the thankfulness. Abby, Grace, and Lauren, you three are beautiful souls, game changers, peace makers, kingdom builders, and so much more. I am thankful for the countless cookies made, the prayer nights, adventures, workouts, game nights, late night talks, movie nights, jazz, making dinner together, coffee and tea shared, quiet mornings being encouraged by your devotions or just simple comments made. I could go on and on. This summer was full of crazy schedules, but the time we spent together in apartment 8 is time I can truly "Praise God" for!