Certificate of Appreciation

LTC Edwards, Sharon, Jackie, Susan, Lisa (behind Dottie), Dottie

As you have probably already read in an earlier blog, the couples retreat was awesome. We were blessed to be hosts to so many sweet gracious people.  During his visit on Saturday Lt. Col. Edwards presented Wounded Warriors at Nebo a certificate of recognition and gratitude for our work and support of wounded warriors, their families and staff.  We were delighted and humbled because what we do is nothing compared to what these families have been through. Also, the ministry could not survive without the many many faithful volunteers and supporters. You all know who you are - this recognition is also yours.

Funding Needed

A great example of GOD’s hand in this ministry is the opportunity to work with the Military Adaptive Sports Program.  We have tried for about two years to work with this group of coaches providing venues for wounded warriors on active duty and veteran service members in and around the San Antonio areas. “Something” always got in the way.  The coaches are now excited about the prospect of a two day sports camp this April.  Obviously GOD’s time is now.  The tentative plan is that Jennifer, the coordinator for Military Adaptive Sports Program and her rock climbing, cycling, and kayaking coaches will work with us to put on a two day sports camp for wounded warriors .  The group would go to the Lazy U Ranch in Seguin first for kayaking and possibly wall climbing at ZDT's Amusement Park.  Our hope is that the meals in Seguin will be taken care of by churches there. After the first day's activities they would then come to Fredericksburg. We would provide their meals and housing.  After breakfast the second day they would climb Enchanted Rock and go cycling. 

We need funding to provide housing and food for 30 (thirty) warriors & coaches.  We also need volunteers from the Seguin community to help when the warriors are there.

If you would like to help support this venue donations can be mailed to the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church office, 1800 N. Lano, Fredericksbug, TX 78624 or at the church office.  Make checks payable to FUMC– Wounded Warriors at Nebo. On line donations can be made at www.fredumc.org.  Click on “online giving” and mark donation as Wounded Warriors at Nebo. 

For more information contact: Sharon Massey  sharonmassey@earthlink.net or

                                                  Dottie Pieper  glass4art@yahoo.com

Catching Up!!

My Goodness! I feel like Ichabod Crane -  Like I just woke up from a long nap. I didn't realize how long it's been since we posted!!  We'll try to do better.  Right now let's get up to date.

November R&R (25-27)

 All but one of the warriors coming out for the November R&R weekend wanted to go fishing.  So we contacted Erin Jenschke Smith and got permission to fish their lake (it’s where the bass tournament was held).  

Ashley, Jeremiah & Kyle tempting fish.

It was very windy and all bank fishing but three fish were caught and everyone had fun.  Ashley got off to a rocky start when she startled a snake sunning on the dock. It didn’t stop her from enjoying the day.

One of two fish Kyle caught

 

Using vehicles as shelter from wind

At lunch time we were trying to keep the picnic lunch Bethany Lutheran Church provided from blowing away.  Finally one of the guys said, “Let’s take it over behind the cars.  That’s the way we do it in the field”.  

Ken joined us after an early AM bike ride.

Just as we started lunch Ken joined us.  He had gotten up early to join a group of bicyclists riding from Boerne to San Antonio.  





Susan Quindry took Sandra antiquing while everyone else was fishing.  They found lots of treasures.
  

Sandra examines a treasure

Daniel, Kyle & Chris

During the free time prior to dinner several of the warriors had fun hanging out downtown.

Kyle, Sandra & Chris

Sometimes you just have to let that inner child out to play!!

The Crew at Dinner

Everyone enjoyed dinner at Fredericksburg Brewing Co. Good food, Good Company.

WWAN team members Mary Cosgrave, Susan Quindry & husband Charlie and Sharon Massey joined the warriors for dinner.








December R&R (6-8)

To say Mother Nature didn't cooperate is an understatement.  We were so excited that 42 people (warriors/families) had signed up to come out for the weekend.  The big draw was Fredericksburg's Christmas Parade. When planning this weekend we recognized that parade night/day has sometimes been cold or rainy but always tolerable.  This year was brutally cold!    Well, 27 brave souls came out anyway. We met at Zion Luthern church for a catered dinner.

Chris, Daniel & Sandra

 

The Carr Family

Charles Quindry, Wayne Massey & Curtis Woodard

Then everyone bundled up and covered up with blankets to watch the parade. 

The Carr Family

Sandra momentarily joins parade

Warriors went to their cabins/housing after the parade seeking warmth.  What some found was more cold and frozen pipes so they had to move to hotels. 

KinderFest

The next day was still cold but several hardy souls took their children to the Pioneer Museum for the Kinderfest event. 

Mr. & Mrs. Claus were there. In addition, there was caroling, crafts and children made Christmas stockings.

We Made Christmas Stockings

Others went ice skating and enjoyed Markt Platz and downtown.  

  

The Carr Family

Lunch was at West End Pizza (Owners are  the same family that did a major fund raiser for us in October). Thanks for the support and a great deal on the pizzas!! 

Waiting for Pizza

Dinner was a pot luck provided by Fredericksburg United Methodist Church members.  Pot Luck says it all.  They out did themselves.  After eating, everyone piled into the church van and went to Trinity Lutheran Church on RR 1 for some scrumptious desserts.  Then back on the van for a tour of the Johnson City Christmas lights. 

Bee

Here's a shout out to Bee Bennett who drove the church van. 

 Perhaps you have noticed there is no mention of breakfast for either R&R weekend.  That's because with individual cabins/accommodations we put burritos (faithfully furnished by South Church), yogurt, etc. in refrigerators at the warriors quarters.  This allows them to sleep as late as they want and eat at their leisure.  This is just one of several changes WWAN has made based on feedback and experience with the warriors.  Another is changing the "Respite Weekend" to R&R.  Seems respite was sending the wrong message - some thought it was for cancer patients.  Everyone knows what R&R means and we are getting a lot more participation.

There are a LOT more photos of these events (and all of the others) on facebook.  Go to facebook.com/ww.nebo  Photos are arranged in albums by event.  

Well, that gets us up to January, 2014.  I'll get the blog for last weekend's couples retreat posted in the next couple of days.

Be Blessed