Boy Did We Goof!!

Recently Sharon and I were blessed to have three of "our" visiting warriors attend church with us.  We were so excited that we lost sight of all the precautions we take when planning events.  Knowing PTSD causes stress when in crowded areas we always ensure there is a clear 'escape route'. Meaning a visible open path to a door or exit. The best thing is to avoid putting warriors into crowds or crowded areas altogether. 

That Sunday both of us must have been brain dead.   First, we sat towards the middle of the sanctuary.  There was lots of space around us but the door was behind us; not visible from our seats.  Then one of the Sunday School classes invited all of us to their monthly covered dish luncheon.  Two of the warriors said sure, they'd like to go.  The other one was a little reluctant but went anyway.  Sharon and I were so wrapped up in our own excitement that we didn't see the warning signs.  When we got to the luncheon it was wall to wall people.  Our brains finally kicked in and we suggested fixing plates to go.  Of course the damage was done and the class was disappointed they didn't have a chance to visit with the warriors.  But I'm sure will understand once they know why we left so quickly.  Later we apologized to the warriors for putting them in stressful situations.  Guys, next time you can pick where we sit in the sanctuary. 

So, lessons learned:

1. Don't let your excitement overshadow the "rules",
2. During orientation ask the warriors to tell us if/when we are getting them into stressful situations.

Our prayer is that these warriors will forgive us and participate in more WWAN events. 

All of you Warriors and families reading this, PLEASE tell us if you are uncomfortable with what we are purposing before it becomes a problem. 

GOD Bless you!!

Dottie Pieper, Sharon Massey, Janet & Hal

Janet and Hal symbolically presenting the funds raised at the October Open House at West End Pizza to welcome Hal back from Afghanistan.  They decided to make the event a fund raiser for Wounded Warriors at Nebo (WWAN) in addition to welcoming Hal back.  What a blessing!!  The funds donated by West End Pizza and others who attended the event will enable WWAN to increase the number of warriors & families invited for R&R weekends.  THANK YOU Hal, Janet and everyone who participated. 

New Opportunities

Mouse Santa

Christmas card time is just around the corner so what we made at WFSC yesterday is really timely.  Lisa Davis, artist/instructor, designed two beautiful FUN cards for the class. 

T'is the Season (almost)

Lisa helping Hunter

Attendance at the class was very good!! There were seven adults and one young man making cards. The class concluded with a light lunch.

It's always a treat being at WFSC because you never know who's going to pop in to say hello or who you will see while passing out cookies.  This weeks cookies were provided by Barbara Johnson of the DAR.


Sharon tracked down Chaplain Casteel and confirmed that he will be moderating the Couple's Retreat in January.  In addition, the new chaplain (his replacement) will participate.  That's great because it gives us a great opportunity to get acquainted and for him/her to see some of what WWAN does.

One of GOD'S gardens

We left WFSC and headed for Segin to meet Craig Russell and visit with him about how our ministries can work together.  The Russell family has the Lazy U Ranch on Lake Placid.  It is breathtaking, relaxing, beautiful.  I could go on and on but you get the idea.  You will be hearing more about the ranch.  In the meantime check out their website lazyuranch.com. We are already brainstorming events.  It's one of those places you can look around and see GOD'S work in all it's glory!!  I was so busy looking only one picture got taken. But there are lots more on their website.


December 6-8 is the next R&R weekend.  Lots to do (see last blog posting).  Time is running out so if you are interest contact Sharon Massey to see if there is still space available.

Fast and Furious

What a wonderful busy time of year!  There will be "a full house" at the November R & R weekend.  In fact, we are overflowing.  Some of the warriors will go fishing, some shopping and some will just hang out and rest.

In addition to planning the weekend, Tuesday the 19th we teach the card making class at WFSAC.  It's always fun.  You make two cards (this time it's Christmas cards) and they are yours to keep. Come join us or just stop by to say hello.

Laura & Chris

Another thing looming on the horizon is Thanksgiving.  I'll be with my son and daughter-in-law, my grandson, his wife and my great granddaughter.  Lots of family fun.  Both my son and grandson are Marines!!  OORAH!!

Nevaeh, Me, Jesse

Shonda & Nevaeh

December R & R weekend is 12/6 - 12/8.  There are so many things available to do that weekend including the lighted Christmas parade Friday night!!  Also Friday is the First Friday Art Walk.  Art galleries are open till 8pm with snacks to enjoy while enjoying the art work displayed.  On Saturday there is Kinderfest (Children's Festival) at the Pioneer Museum Complex.  Market Platz is a Christmas fairy land complete with ice skating rink and the hand carved, 26-foot tall wooden Christmas Pyramid from Germany. And much more!!  At night, this time of year, main street reminds me of a Dickens village with all the Christmas decorations.

If you are interested in joining us you need to email sharonmassey@outlook.com ASAP!!  There are only a few spots left.  You can also come on your own on Saturday and enjoy Fredericksburg if the
R & R spots are all filled.

Abundant Blessings

GOD just keeps pouring out blessings and opening doors!!  As a result the R&R weekends and events just keep getting better and better.



Mike & Lisa at their cabin

 October 25-27 was our most recent R&R weekend.  Normally (or what used to be normal) we are pretty well limited to three couples because Nebo sleeps six.  Anything over that and we have to go looking for other housing.  Well, a week or so before this event a couple of locals called to offer their private guest houses.  Then, Mike and Debbie McCurdy negotiated with Day Dream Cabins and got a great rate for the weekend and generously offered to pay for them.

Debbie & Mike

I can't tell you what a blessing all of this is!!  We ended up with four couples and three families coming out for all or part of the weekend.  An eighth had to cancel at the last minute due to his health.  Everyone had "their own space" and privacy - a place to rest during the day.


Shelia Watts

We all gathered at Faith Baptist Church Friday for orientation and a delicious dinner prepared and served by Shelia Watts, Juanita Redd & Barbara Burchfield.  Pastor George helped but was camera shy.

Barbara & Juanita with future Cook

Dessert was Debbie McCurdy's famous crock pot pecan pie.  I think a lot of us wished we had started with dessert - it was decadent and topped with blue bell ice cream!!

Sharon Helping Jeremiah with Dessert

Curtis Woodard & Barbara

 The advantage of having a nice dinner Friday night as guests arrive is they get acquainted with each other, dinner hosts and the WWAN team.




While we were savoring that after dinner coffee and visiting, Debbie gave each couple a number.  Seems an anonymous donor provided funds for a drawing.  What fun and a nice surprise!!
THANK YOU ANONYMOUS!!

Guests Enjoying Crossroads

 Instead of having planned activities for Saturday,
we had a list of "Things to do in Fredericksburg" the guests could choose from or do nothing but veg and watch the grass grow (which some did).

Lunch was at Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse compliments of George Sanchez.  We could eat anytime between 11:30 and 1:00.  Ironically everyone was there by about 12. It probably drove the hostess and wait staff crazy because as more came in they wanted to sit with those already seated.   Super patient, courteous, efficient wait staff.  Yummy food and great fellowship.  What more can you ask for??

"Barn"

The McCurdy's have this beautiful ranch just outside of town.  It is
such a serene setting and perfect for a Chuck Wagon Dinner.  And yes, they have an authentic chuck wagon.

View from Barn at McCurdy's

 I think Debbie cooked for two days getting ready for everyone.  And GOD blessed us with perfect weather for outdoor dining and entertaining even though rain was predicted.

Haywire

Haywire, a blue grass band, provided really good music.  One of the warriors remarked while tapping his toe, " I haven't heard good blue grass since leaving home"!!  In addition to entertaining us a couple of the musicians gave Gabriel lessons on his new guitar. Watch out George Strait, Gabriel is after your job!!

Gabriel gets Private Guitar Lesson

The children had a great time running and playing in the wide open spaces leaving Mom and Dad free to visit.  It was a great evening thanks to the generosity of Mike and Debbie.  Thank you, Charles Malineck for arranging for the band to play for the wounded warriors and their families. Haywire thank you for donating your time and talent.  Your generosity is exceeded only by your great music.

I keep saying, "This was the best R&R we've had"!!  It always warms my heart to watch the warriors change as the weekend progresses.  We watch them unwind & relax.  We see stress, bitterness & anger recede to be replaced with hope and determination.  One thing we hear over and over that keeps us doing this is "It helps knowing people care".

 A 22 year old soldier told me that he was so surprised to see so many people that really care and are grateful for his service.  That knowing people care and want to help makes "it" easier. 

This was on one of the evaluations of the weekend: "Starting on the day of Lisa's retirement and last day of a 23 month ordeal, this retreat was a God-sent for both of us.  You all are a blessing and we're eternally grateful."

Visit facebook.com/ww.nebo to see all the pictures from this weekend!!

GOD is Good.

R&R Weekend



Carr Family enjoying Clear River Pecan Co. Ice Cream

Although several events happened this past weekend, I'm only going to talk about the R & R weekend at Nebo right now.  The Carr family, Don, Stephanie, Sierra-12, Hunter-10, Annabelle-4 and Abigail-3 joined us Saturday at the Best Fest complements of the Knights of Columbus.  After enjoying the great German food, music and other activities they spent the afternoon exploring Fredericksburg. 


Annabelle & Abigail

Thanks to the generosity of Fredericksburg Theatre Company, the family was scheduled to see The Miracle Worker Saturday night.  Now I don't know about you but the thought of taking 3 & 4 year old children to the movies is scary enough but to live theatre?  So in an insane moment I offered to take the children (all 4) and let Don & Stephanie have a date night.  They felt it would be good for the older ones to experience live theatre.  So Annabelle, Abigail & I  got to spend the evening at Nebo playing and watching the cats beg to come inside.



What delightful little girls!!  Made me wish my granddaughters were closer. The evening flew by and before we knew it Don, Stephanie, Sierra & Hunter were home.  They really enjoyed the play and the quality of the performers!!

Sunday afternoon Sharon & I went to Nebo to shut off water and gas, etc. and feed the kittens.  On the counter was a beautiful card the family had made for the WWAN team.

Fishing Tournament - Winners!!

Ok, so everyone there was a winner!! We finally have names, pictures and placement from the Sept. 28th fishing tournament.  Trophies were awarded for Total Weight and Big Bass.  The club member name appears first followed by his team mate(s).

 Total Weight Placement

Raul, Henry & Wayne

First Place: 10.25 lbs - Wayne Alberthal, Henry Douglas and Raul Encinas.

They also placed 3rd in Big Bass category with one at 5.40 lbs.

Caldwell, Chase, Shepherd

Second Place: 10.05 lbs - Chase Mier, Caldwell Yancy and Shepherd Holms.

 Placed 1st in Big Bass with 8.05 lbs

Bruce & Jermand

Third Place: 9.60 lbs - Bruce Kaiser and Jermand Parsons.

Placed 2nd in Big Bass category with one at 5.50 lbs.

Lee Cain

 Fourth Place: 4.46 lbs - R.C. Cantu and Lee Cain

Keith, Carmen & Dale

Fifth Place: 2.45 lbs - Dale Land, Keith & Carmen Madere

Tom & Walter

Sixth Place: 2.30 lbs - Tom Cooper and Walter Taylor

 

 Seventh Place: 2.10 lbs - Chris Burleson and Paul Williams - PICTURE NOT AVAILABLE

 

Kyle Rose

Eighth Place: 1.30 lbs - Donnie Hohmann and Kyle Rose

Open House & Benefit at West End Pizza

Join us to at West End Pizza

• Welcome Hal Degenhardt home from Afghanistan.
• They are paying tribute to the organizations & individuals for supporting the Degenhardt family through the 13 month tour.
• T-shirts will be available for purchase with the proceeds going to Wounded Warriors at Nebo.

  The weekend of 9/27 - 9/29 was really busy but so much fun.
On Friday Michael and Maria Hicks, friends we haven't seen in a while came to spend the weekend at Nebo.  They have been restoring a home and really needed to 'get away'.  We had an early dinner and left them to the peace & quiet of the hill country.

  While at WFSC visiting with the warriors, a sergeant said he was flying his wife in for her birthday and looking for a special weekend. Well, being incurable romantics we said sure, no problem. 
The McCurdys offered their cabin for the couple's stay.  It's a perfect setting in the country among trees with lots of wildlife and farm animals around and private. Knowing the couple wanted privacy, we filled the refrigerator and left them a note regarding other activities available on Saturday. Oh, yes, there was also a birthday cake, flowers and gifts waiting for them. The couple took this opportunity to enjoy each others company and savor the weekend alone.  Before leaving they thanked the McCurdys for their generosity, saying that indeed the weekend was wonderful and exceeded their expectations.

  On Saturday Dan, Genette, Gracie and Kayle Burgess and Bobby, Jessie and Layla Bernier arrived to spend the day.  The women stayed at Nebo making cards. We arranged for a babysitter so Jessie could unwind and have fun with the cards.  After lunch they had time to visit and share experiences while waiting for the men's return.

  Charles Quindry took the men into town for the afternoon.  They met up with the sergeant and pilots at the airport.  Henry Hickman and Steve Allen, local pilots, were waiting to take them flying over the hill country.  Due to the front moving in there was a narrow window in which to fly.  Thankfully the weather held off until they were through. It's hard to say who had the most fun, warriors or pilots.


  Meanwhile at Jenschke Lake the Fritztown Bass Club was hosting a fishing tournament for 11 wounded warriors. The warriors arrived about 9am and immediately partnered up with club members, got out on the water and started fishing for that Big One. 

Heading for the Perfect Spot

 Boy Scout Troop 135 cooked lunch for everyone.  GREAT JOB SCOUTS!!

Scouts Flipping Burgers

Preparing for Lunch



Our work here is Done!!

One of several Trophies 





  The club was very generous.  They had lures, artificial worms, etc. as welcoming gifts and bags full of fishing 'stuff' and a $25 gift certificate for each warrior.


 

  In addition, there were beautiful trophies to be awarded. As soon as I get the information I'll post who won what.

Kyle showing off Catch

  The following Tuesday I saw Kyle Rose at WFSC.  He was still excited about the trip and said everyone went home with fish.

Raul Encinas, Henry Douglas  & Wayne Alberthal  10.5 lbs of fish

 Wounded Warriors at Nebo ministry thank each and everyone who helped with this wonderful weekend.
Fritztown Bass Club - you were generous beyond belief! Best of all you gave of yourself.
Troop 135 and all your leaders, sponsors & parents - You did a great job.
Henry & Steve - The guys loved it and want to go again.
Debbie & Mike - Your generosity is exceeded only by your love for these warriors.
Rachael Houy - Your caring for Lalya made this a real respite for her mom.
Jenschkes - Your lake is a great place to forget the chaos for a while.
Susan & Charlie - Your always there providing whatever is needed.
Jackie, Lisa & Sharon - Your card designs allow all of us to feel creative.
Sharon - You generously donate the use of Nebo and your time organizing these events.
I'm probably forgetting someone so am asking for forgiveness now.

Wounded Warriors & Family Spend Day in Hill Country

And a good time was had by all!!  Saturday, September 14, was our first Family Fun Day event.  Both LBJ State and Federal Parks waived their fees for the Wounded Warriors & family members.  Park personnel were gracious and very helpful.

Setting up Movie Projector

We all met at the Party House (the park refers to it as the Dining Hall).  Volunteers arrived early and got everything set up for our guests.  There were games, movies, puzzles, fishing and of course food.  When the warriors arrived everyone went out to greet them.







Setting up Games





Getting Ready to Fish

I personally had a special moment when I saw the volunteers on both sides of the walk greeting our guests.

Domingo feeding butterfly

 There was a special butterfly exhibit which was a real treat.  The 'butterfly ladies' gave us lots of information including how to attract butterflies. They also had a screened in area you could enter and attempt to get a butterfly to land on your hand and eat some ripe banana.

After feeding the butterflies everyone decided they were hungry so we went back to the Party House for lunch.   Some park personnel also joined us.

Warriors, park personnel, volunteers getting acquainted

 After lunch we were off to the LBJ Ranch & White House.  We had a CD that explained various aspects of the park on the drive through the park. Chad took control of it and pointed out sights as we drove. We would have missed a lot without the CD.  

Heading for White House Tour

Domingo & Tony

 At this point it was getting late so we took a vote on whether to go fish, tour Sauer-Beckman farm or tour Becker Vineyard.  You know which one won!!

Becker had a tasting table set up in a room with huge vats all around the walls. Henri, our 'tasting guide' was a treat.  He regaled us with stories as well as information about the wines, vineyard & winery.  Time flies when your having fun and this was no exception.

Good Food - Good Friends

 The St. Joseph's Society from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fredericksburg had dinner waiting for us back at the party house.  They prepared a feast of fried catfish, coleslaw, beans & french fries.  For dessert (who had room?) were the biggest cookies I've ever seen.  Donated by Clear River Pecan Co.

Renae, Emma & Chad 

Although the day was packed with activities, volunteers and guests had time to visit and make new friends.
GOD is so good!!

See more pictures on facebook.com/ww.nebo