End of the season

We are nearing the end of the season here in South Texas. Already many of our friends and neighbors are leaving for their Northern homes. We pray for travel mercies for them and look forward to the fall when we all return again. We are not leaving for at least another month or so - have things to accomplish, but also reflect on all the wonderful ways God has shown us the path  that He wants us to continue to travel. We are so very thrilled that the two new ministries that we have been a part of are really thriving -- whenever God has a hand in anything, it seems to expand for His glory. The Great Oaks food and clothing ministry has been so successful - so many people have donated food and clothing for the people in the colonias here in S Texas. Pastor Israel and Becky Rodriguez are doing a fantastic job spearheading this project - it is with the help of God and  everyone that they can serve so many. The quilt ministry is going beyond our expectations!  Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask,or imagine, according to all His power that is at work within us, to  Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." After talking to the ladies who provide the quilt tops for us, the possibility of having 200 quilts ready for delivery next winter seems a reality. Those who work in the Alamo Rec Veh Helping Hands program, be ready!!!! What a project to accomplish. With God's help we can provide another, larger colonia with winter warmth - the warmth of a quilt and Christian love through the love of our Lord God.

So many people here at the park (and elsewhere, too) have donated numerous items- many more than can be counted, to CHI, to be sent to the refuge in Reynosa,  sold in the resale shop, or sent to the colonias.
Our vehicle has been filled to capacity many times taking them to the CHI resale shop in Pharr.  Your generosity does not go unnoticed. Others have donated medicine bottles to be used in a free clinic in Progreso, Mexico,  others clip Campbell soup labels  and labels for education to be used by CHI, saving used printer cartridges for printing and other credit at Staples for the church board and CHI - all of these ways of giving are part of Christian living - obeying God's message to us.

We have sponsored at least two additional tours to the haven in Reynosa, proudly showing others what faith in the Lord has accomplished. On March 24th, we will be having an open house at Casa #3, the newly renovated house at the haven. This project took about a year, and with donations in excess of $30,000, it is truly beautiful. Many ask why spend the money on updating an older home rather than other areas in the CHI budget. Our Tios and Tias (houseparents) are very important to us at CHI/RIN, and the ability to provide them with a bright and comfortable place to live as they act as parents to our children is a top priority.

We did take time to drive to South Padre Island for the day with friends who were leaving to head back home. It was very windy and the waves were high, but it was so relaxing and enjoyable. Of course, no trip to the island is complete without a stop at Dirty Al's for shrimp and onion rings!

A sand castle at the information center on S Padre Island

the back side of the sand castle - it is unbelievable

very high but gorgeous waves that day

almost too windy to even fly kites



our friend Karen feeding the sea gulls from the car window - the downside is that  I had to wash certain areas of the car after we arrived home

We are not leaving here until after Easter, at which time we will be spending a few days in Abbeville, LA to visit friends, then on to Memphis, Tennesse to visit my brother.  We do need to be back in Arkansas by the middle of May for our granddaughter Casey's graduation from high school. She is our youngest granddaughter from our youngest daughter, Christine. Please pray that she makes the correct choices in both her earthly and spiritual life. She is a very wonderful child (guess at 18 she does not want to be called a child), a gifted writer,  but very impressive to outside  influences. Pray that she keeps her eyes and heart open to Jesus.