A.N.T. Part 2: New Mexico

A.(N).T

Part 2: (N)ew Mexico

A few years ago Naysia and I decided to do something wild for her Spring Break.  The animals we are led us to Deming, New Mexico.  Once into the state, familiar and fond of the area, I jumped in front of the Monster truck to lead Mom and Charles to a clean and friendly gas station off of exit 20.

Bees hovered over the trash cans and there were very few people there.  We took the opportunity to stretch, get our snacks in order, use the restroom and gas up.  Mom told us about Charlie's taste of music and we speculated about the runners along the road.    

I had a room reserved at a Best Western in East El Paso so we could get some sleep before facing a long day ahead.  Since I was feeling quite energetic Charlie and I talked about blowing thru El Paso and stopping in Van Horn for the night--putting us halfway to San Antonio.  

I tried repeatedly to call the hotel to cancel the room and no one answered.  The nimbostratus clouds that initially seemed so distant were soon over our heads.  I couldn't imagine it being any worse than the second storm, boy was I wrong.   

No sooner than we pulled onto the freeway the rain began.  The storm was....---torrential, teeming, superabundant, exuberant, scaturient, copious, abounding, cornucopia, inundant, and downright churlish! 

I was scared.  Never have I, nor do I ever want to drive thru a downpour like that.  Sheets of rain fell and I could not see.  The wipers couldn't wipe the drops away fast enough and soon we were crawling at 20 miles per hour. 

I imagined the truck that was once clearly behind us was going to rear end our little Civic.  I feared driving off the road into a ditch.  I just new that we were going to ram into a vehicle in front of us.

"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus"-----Me

"Don't worry mom, He's right here with us.  It's going to be okay.  Maybe you should 

pull over"-----Naysia 

"Heavy breathing"-----Imaunii

"I am not going to stop!  This has to end soon, right?"-----Me

"Mom, I think you should just pull over so we can wait for it to stop"-----Naysia

"No where in sight"-----Charlie & Mom

It seemed like forever, but eventually we got thru it.  

As I looked in the rear view at the dark clouds I got a word:

Storms will come.  In the moment someone you love may encourage you.  That same person may want you to give up before the lesson is learned.  Those that have nothing to say may be facing the storm and are also afraid; you may be the person to bring them through.  And worst of all the person or people you look to for guidance may be nowhere in sight--but they still love you all the same.  Patience is key, keep pressing thru.  Don't worry about what's behind or be discouraged by what may be ahead.  It will be over soon, Jesus is with you.  

We eventually caught up with Mom & Charlie, ate up the road and soon we were at the border.

100 miles later, Hello Texas 

A.N.T. Part 1: Arizona

(A).N.T

Part 1: (A)rizona

Wednesday, August 3rd, the afternoon knock at the door frightened me!  Charlie Bee showed up earlier than I expected so we could pick up the moving truck.  After clowning around with him, Naysia and Yaovi we headed over to Pantano Loop.  As we pulled in, Sharon was bringing the 16ft truck out for us.  The first thing Charlie said was, "It's too small".  Sharon spent a considerable amount of time explaining the ins and outs of driving the truck, I listened, Charlie just kept saying, "I know, I know."--although he paid close attention to how to utilize the car dolly.  

When we got home I spent the next 30 minutes reassuring Charlie that everything would fit----until I stepped inside, it was definitely too small.  I embarrassingly called Sharon to request a bigger truck.  The next size up was a 22ft and I was told one was available.  We went back only to learn all the 22ft trucks were spoken for and the only thing left was a beastly 26ft diesel monstrosity.  I was terrified, Charlie was thrilled!!  I was concerned because I'd been over budget on the entire move and dreaded the increase, but God is good, and the price difference was tolerable.  We parked the truck in front of the neighbors house and the car dolly was pulled up into my walkway.  Thank God I didn't have to move it. 

 The morning of Thursday, August 4th started off early, very early.  I left Patty's house about 4am and went home to try to clean the kitchen before my mom got there :)  About 430am my mom called to say they were awake and ready to come over.  I tried to convince her otherwise, but the excitement of it all was the best alarm clock ever.  

Upon arrival everyone was in work mode.  Mom discovered my poor housekeeping and started in with hanging the curtains that came with the rental home and finishing the kitchen.  Naysia and Imaunii ran random errands.  Charlie Bee was itching to start loading the truck.  EVERYTHING was in the garage, ready to go.  A dozen of donuts, box of coffee and bottles of water were available. The moving crew was scheduled to arrive at 730am; our first arrival was at 715am. 

Jack is the son of one of the residents at Oasis.  Immediately after I announced our plans at work, Jack approached me an offered to help load the truck.  At first I dismissed him, I thought he was kind but was not going to accept his offer.  The next time he brought it up he was not going to take no for an answer.   

Mary and Jim are former co-workers, become friends.  They both retired from FS this year.  Prior to his last day, Jim offered to help in any way possible.  In my stubbornness I wasn't going to ask for help.  About a week before the move Jim called to not only catch up but to ask when and where they needed to be to help.  

Winona, also former co-worker become friend.  Upon learning we were moving Winona offered to stop by to assist with packing, cleaning, anything we needed.  And, surprise, I declined her offer, too.  Not only did she show up to load the truck, but she came with an amazing, heartfelt gift in hand.  

This crew was the fastest crew in the West!  In 2 hours everything was loaded, my car was on the dolly and the house was clean.  Upon completion we all stood in the garage, hand in hand, as Winona lead us in prayer.  We bid adieu to my dear friends, split up the snacks, picked up some No-Doze and were on Interstate 10 by noon.

Charlie drove the monster truck and pulled my car.  We followed behind in Naysia's car.  Naysia and Imaunii controlled the music from the back seat, we had some girl talk and giggled a lot.  It was smooth sailing until we hit a monsoon storm in Willcox.  We passed thru it quickly.  Imaunii had not been through Texas Canyon or seen the balanced rocks along I-10E.  Naysia and I were thrilled to share the experience with her.....but as we approached the skies were frighteningly dark.  As our RPMs slowed, we entered the storm.  On I-10W we saw even slower traffic due to an overturned vehicle.  My hands gripped on the steering wheel, the girls quieted down and it certainly lasted longer than the previous monsoon.    

As the rains became a mere dark sky in the distance, ahead of us we numerous Native Americans running along the side of the road.  I'm still trying to research what that was about.  We blazed thru the state, no stops for gas, no turning back. 

 152 miles later, Hello New Mexico.

Under the Bamboo Mirror

I have been enjoying the company of my Tucson "family" as we get together over a meal and talk future. A huge thanks to those that have carved time out of their busy schedules to be a blessing to me.  Here's what's been going on--

Dinner with Winona and Michael at Olive Garden.  I enjoyed ravioli with meat sauce and tiramisu for dessert.  Winona will undoubtedly come to Texas for a visit--and Michael prayed a beautiful prayer over the move just before we bid adieu.

A late lunch with Yaovi at....Olive Garden.  The ravioli was so tasty the first time I had it again.  I've worked with Yaovi for years and never knew what a clown he is.  We ate good and laughed hard!  I'm going to miss him and his Lobster Bisque.

Happy hour with Yvonne and Vickie, lovely ladies from my days at Hospice Family Care.  It's amazing when you stop and think about how long you've known people.  These two are the type one can go without seeing and pick back up without a problem.  We met at Pita Jungle, my first time there.  The food was surprisingly delicious and the bamboo mirror was quite impressive!

Breakfast with Theresa at Jerry Bobs on a busy Saturday morning.  She is a wise woman full of encouragement.  And good at keeping secrets, it was her birthday and I didn't even know it!  She is excited for our new chapter.

Hannah, Tenaysia and I met at Cheesecake Factory.  Being around their combined energy is like swimming in the fountain of youth. We talked business, pleasure, future, and of course, cheesecake.  Shortly after I returned to work that day they each sent me a photo of themselves, head on pillow, about to fall into a food coma.  #jealous.

Patty and I have spent time together at Monsoon Automotive, Starbucks, Nico's, and stealing away for a laugh or prayer at work.  Lucky me....She's coming out for my birthday!

Mary Ann Conway has been a part of our lives for at least 13 years.  We met while working at Sterling House and never lost touch.  We began working together again at Fellowship.  She hosted an afternoon at her home with homemade pizza, my favorite haagen dasz ice cream, and relaxation.   

Girls Night!  BJs guests were certainly entertained by the conversation and laughter that Susan (all the way from Phoenix), Andrea, Patty and I offered.  Andrea has a $544 credit with Southwest Airlines, mayhap she'll be out next year. 

My God Mother Yvette and I had a quick shopping trip at Target where I was able to use an expired coupon and save good money.  Afterwards we sat at Starbucks for hours sharing secrets.  She and her husband Terry may be passing thru the city in September, I sure hope to see them then. 

Michael "Thanksgiving" treated me to a night out at Pita Jungle where the meal was kicked off with a beautiful prayer spoken by him.  We ended the night over gelato, Death by Chocolate and Maple Butter Pecan.  There's a chance he'll be out in December to visit.

Beth Montgomery, one of the best friends I have ever had, drove all the way to the east side so we could chat over breakfast at IHOP.  Dakota came along and Naysia eventually joined us.  Three hours later we said goodbye for the 20th time.  Her generosity has been so instrumental in our lives.

A fun Friday night dance party was hosted by the Oasis staff.  It was located upstairs in the dining room.  My staff along with their kids and grandkids were present.  Caregivers that were no longer employed by FS stopped by, we all danced and broke bread together.  And the gifts were mind blowing.

Breakfast with Sammy Early at First Watch where we were served delicious food by a very handsome young man.  She gave me a lovely card with beautiful words etched inside it.

My last day of work was August 2nd.  From 11am-1pm the clubhouse was open to staff and residents who stopped in for Mexican food, mariachi music and a hug.  Once again I was showered with words that touched my soul and gifts that caused tears to flow.  Even as I tried to leave the oncoming staff chased me down to give some love and Joanne caught me just in time with a gift of powerful prayer.  The send off was beautifully overwhelming.

Our final sleepover was with Yvette.  She came over and helped clean the kitchen, picked up sushi for dinner, chose photos from our collection and girl talk kept us up late.

On moving eve we dashed over to Shammah's to deliver all the goods from my fridge and freezer, hug on her, Martin and all my beautiful nieces.  We then went over to see Grandma and Papa Jones.  That night Naysia stayed with Grandma Peewee and I passed out on Patty's couch.

There were so many people we didn't get to see.  I view it as a great opportunity for them to come out for a visit.  *hinthint*

Each encounter lifted my spirits higher and higher.  

I am blessed and highly favored.

Fragrant Fellowship

March 2009: I nervously sat in the admin office among women who had been in the "industry" for years.  Women who were certainly more knowledgeable and experienced than me.  I interviewed not once, not twice, but 3 times.  Naysia and I had just arrived in Anaheim when I received the phone call from George with the job offer.  I was shocked, thankful, and in no way prepared for the task ahead. 

Next to motherhood, working at Fellowship Square has been the most challenging job I have ever had.  

I've had the pleasure (and sometimes the frustration) of managing caregivers, taking care of residents, engaging with families, working alongside other leaders and serving the community.

Over the years the Oasis became my family.  We laughed, fought, hugged it out, defended one another, celebrated life and mourned during death.  We had potlucks, dance parties, fun staff trainings, and come to Jesus meetings.  

Every year in October they would graciously give me a "Bosses Day" potluck.  This last year Mary Ann hung a poster to announce the party details.  I drew on the poster, defaced my own face.  I could hear them whispering in the office next door as they tried to figure out who would do such a thing.  Eventually I was found out and payback ensued.  This is just one of many examples of the laughs we shared as a family. 

The caregivers graciously allowed me to lead.  There were moments their energy and love brought me back from the brink of moving on.  They may never fully understand how much I depended on their willingness, respect,  support, dedication, hard work, ideas, and enthusiasm. 

I had the pleasure-the honor-of being able to come to know their family, and pray with and for them about personal matters.  They came to church with me and blessed not only me but my daughter time and time again.  I could go on and on about how incredible these mamma and papa bears are!

I have also been fortunate to have made friends with other department managers as well as peers on other campuses.  My office was a place of safety, security, and the presence of the Lord.  I revealed my heart, lent an ear, and eventually friendships were created.  Favors were given and reciprocated, secrets were shared and heard.  The sweet fragrance of Fellowship was produced.  

So....imagine how hard it was to announce the news that I was leaving.  I won't soon forget the day.  I tearfully paced in my office, heart racing, feeling like I was about to break up with a boyfriend.  I won't soon forget the tears they shed.  I won't soon forget the fear, anger and disappointed some of them expressed.  

I won't soon forget how in the end they sent me off with prayers of love, words of life, and sentimental gifts.  I won't soon forget those that sacrificed time to help load the truck.  I won't soon forget those that made financial contributions to send us off.  

In exchange I was only able to give them all written prayers, personalized cards, crosses as a reminder of the mission statement, and a rendition of the 2015 Bosses Day poster.
    
Yes, it was a challenging, exhausting, aging, stressful 7 years.  But, I am forever transformed as a result of the loving kindness that my Fellowship Square family so generously poured into me.  

thank you guys!  Now, come see me :)