Two Weeks Out

Here we are with the clock running trying to figure out how to tie up loose ends here and get us to San Benito. This whole trip has been orchestrated by one who has the whole universe at His command so I'm sure this is a piece of cake.

Since I like things orderly (somewhat), I feel that I need to do a recap for those of you that we have not completely shared the last month's happenings. As you read in our mission statement Ray and I were unsure what we needed to be about...but felt that we still had something to offer somebody. For several years we were busy with Pop (Ray's dad). He went into a rapid decline in January and after 3 weeks of hospital/skilled care he passed away ready to go on to a perfect world. In March I saw 2 ads in the Christian Chronicle for houseparents. Something sparked my interest and Ray agreed that we should make inquiries. Upon checking a map, there was one I preferred because of location, so composing a letter outlining all of our limitations, I sent it off.

Within a week we received a phone call from the campus director at Sunny Glen Children's Home in San Benito, Texas. He was interested in us despite our age and inexperience. But asked if I knew where they were located. Yes, I did and being in the "valley" with year round warm weather was quite appealing. Next question was when can you come for an interview. We had a trip planned to Tampa the middle of April so it seemed feasible to make a wiiide swing to go by South Texas. The entire time of our visit I felt like I was at home. Sunny Glen is small with 4 cottages/8 children each. The staff were welcoming and manifested a spirit of unity and purpose and joy in their chosen walk. We were greatly charmed and entertained with "our" girls (8 between the ages of 6 and 14) when we dined with them that evening.

The next day we were off to Florida. I thought Ray will never go for this. But very shortly I realized that he was making plans to go. God you are awesome and powerful! So our 4 days of vacation were filled with how tos - how to go back to Nashville and introduce this idea to our kids, g'kids, families, friends, work, etc. But things have gone so smoothly. Kids weren't suprised. Life will go on without us in Nashville...Vetter Electric will continue (I think they are glad to get rid of us). With the generous vacation time (3 weeks on and 1 week off) we will be back often.

Okay, I feel better. Everyone's on the same page. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue preparations.