We're #1

one of many empty homes in 92508

92508, our zip code. We rarely hear about our enclave on a hill outside of Riverside, California. We've lived here 16 years- watched orange groves come down -gas stations, shopping centers, department stores, fast food and dozens of other little businesses spring up like wildflowers in a field with the changing of the seasons.

We've enjoyed watching the value of our home rise over the last decade. It's been fun living in the heart of a neighborhood that became "the" community to live in if you wanted good schools, safe streets, great parks, etc... We've loved Orangecrest.

Last night- while working in the kitchen -national news on in the background, I heard Brian Williams on NBC talking about 92508... our zip code... the Orangecrest neighborhood of Riverside, CA USA. According to NBC we've earned the distinction on the most repossessions of any zip code in the nation. Tried to confirm it online this morning but found no other details. Just the same- there they were -interviewing homeowners and those losing their homes, in my neighborhood- on national news.

Better than a plane crash or natural disaster- but I'm not losing my home... yet! 1 in every 5 homes in our little zip code- well little by California standards -is currently being surrendered to the bank. We've watched friends pack up and leave in the middle of the night. We also have friends who've bought the home of their dreams at rockbottom prices. The real estate crash is a mixed blessing. Just one year ago we were equity rich beyond our wildest dreams... while our adult children had no hope of ever owning a home. Today? Our 24 year old son is getting ready to buy a house at the lowest prices in over 20 years- maybe more.

When we lived in rural Indiana, in years when the crop yield was particularly good and farmers were getting rich on high prices- some wise old farmer would always point out that "if it's good for us now, that just means someone else is losing their farm somewhere."

Today- we're #1 -hopefully in these difficult financial times we all learn to lift each other up, build community, help our neighbors who are hurting, (it could be us), and love The Lord. He's with us through it all. He's #1

many blessings,

Eric