I'm so close, please pray

One of the houses that I submitted an offer for is a foreclosure. It was priced very low, which was a sign, according to my realtor, that the bank is interested in having prices driven up, meaning a bidding war. My realtor has a relationship with the seller's realtor, so she gave him my story including our frustration since investors are swooping in with cash and pushing people who want a home out of the market. He let her know that there were over 50 offers submitted (as of the time she spoke with him), but that I was the highest one. However, there was an offer coming in that is going to be in the ballpark of mine. He would call her and let her know so that I could adjust my offer if I needed to.

This morning, I took a friend of mine over there after church so that she could look at it, at least from the outside. When we drove up to the front of the house, someone had put some X's and notes in colored chalk on the front of the house by the door, as if they already had plans made. I don't know if that was to psych someone out or because they have they house already, but we're not supposed to hear until after tomorrow and certainly before Friday. I have e-mailed my realtor to find out more, but I'm nervous about losing the house.

I have been trying so hard to not get emotionally attached to any of the houses, but that's hard for me to do. This is the housing market and it is a business. However, there are human beings involved. I'm not looking for a castle, really. It's a very simple 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, 935 square feet. It's perfect for me as a starter home and it's cute. It just needs some cosmetic updates, which I can do over time. It's the first house that I have walked into during my search so far that gave me that feeling you get when you know it's the right place. I've bid on others and I'll be perfectly happy if I get them (they're short sales so who knows how long it will be), but this is the one that I felt a real connection to. My friend asked if we could pray. So, we stood in front of the house, hands held, eyes closed and she said a beautiful prayer which made me cry. I was so touched by her lovely words.

This is not about being material in owning a piece of property. Yes, it's an investment, but right now it's not the most important thing about this whole process for me. This is about me finally living in a place I can call my home. Except for a time when I was too young to remember, I have never even lived in a house for my entire life and I'm 37 now. In fact, as nice as the apartment is where I live now, I have nothing hung up on the wall and it doesn't feel like my home ... it's just a place where I stay. I so achingly want a home. I know it comes with work, but if you've never lived in a rental where you are at the beck and call of landlord, you will never know how this feels. It's a dream and it feels so close. So, if you have it in your heart to do so, please pray for me. I am seeking God's will throughout all of this. My soul is full of love for Him and I do trust that someday I will find a home, whether it is this one or another. My thanks to you in advance. Now I'm off to put all of this in my God box.