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

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.