William Chong

“Unless the LORD builds the house, whose who build it labour in vain.” King Solomon (Psalm 127:1)

Today, Cheryl and I signed our very first rental agreement.

With our wedding less than 3 months away, we decided it would probably be easier to make living arrangements at a different time to the madness of wedding preparations. And since Kim’s going back to Malaysia for a holiday in December, it presents a good opportunity to start moving things into our new home.

Here’s a brief Q&A session (yes, this is a new writing style called self-interviewing), for those who are curious:

Q: Ooo a house! Where?
A: We went for a 2-bedroom unit that’s pretty close to amenities, bus stop, and slightly easier access to the motorway. It’s nice and homely, gets pretty good sun, and has a single garage below us. It’s close to Howick and to family and friends we love and care about. Rent was at a good price for a location in Howick.

Q: Did you look long and hard for a place?
A: God’s been a great provider. We started seriously looking about 2 weeks before, but have been checking the market out in the Eastern suburbs for about a year now. We were able to find one we both liked in a matter of days (chalk that up to a blessed provision). After praying and asking around for advice (e.g. concerns and issues), we were told by the landlord: “It’s yours if you want it.”

Q: Aren’t you getting married in February? Or are you moving in together first?
A: I’d plan to move in first on my own, and Cheryl would move in once we’re married.

Q: I wanna rent too. What’s the market like out in these here parts?
A: Rental prices seem to have actually fallen slightly over the past year, but may pick up now with the economy straggling upwards again. We called and enquired about 10 different properties, Streetviewed about 15, and visited a couple that looked like potentials on paper. Not all were as beautiful as their Trademe photos…

Q: Why rent? Isn’t it a great opportunity to buy?
A: Yup, if you have a big deposit in your bank account ready to go (we don’t), and you know you’re putting your roots down in a particular place for 20 years (we don’t know). For now we’re content to rent and see where it goes from there.

Q: Why not just stay with your parents and save up your rent money?
A: As much as we love our parents and where we live, I think God knew what he was talking about when He said: “A man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife” (Gen 2:24). Some people we talked to shared their experience of starting out fresh and gaining a new understanding and insight (e.g. how to make your groceries go further when you’ve run out of money that week). Others told stories of conflicts arising from living with your parents as a married couple and running into difficulties asserting leadership of one’s home – who is the head of the house when you have a young husband and his father or father-in-law there? These are hard questions to resolve, particularly in my case when I’m a Christian and my dad is not.

Q: Can I stay at your place? Like in case I get locked out of my house and stuff?
A: Sure! I’ll look for a sofabed on Trademe right now!

If you’re curious feel free to ask more questions. Then again you may not really care! Whatever your disposition, it’s an exciting time for us. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated!

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