Certainty In Uncertain Times

​2020 was a rough year for nearly everyone we know. For us working to build a retreat and ministry center, it meant much of the work was to be done by us. Several work teams had to cancel due to Covid concerns. The inaugural event to let the communities know who were are and what we do had to be re-scheduled for next year. Many of the individuals and families that had hoped to visit were unable to make the trip because of health concerns. Ministry here changed, but it continued, albeit at a slower pace. Several friends and family have suffered from health issues, career detours, and God-sized life interruptions. Fears, fatalities, and anger seemed to be everywhere. But God is, was, and will be on His throne.

That is why we go into 2021 with renewed energy and encouragement. The Lord has brought us so very far and provided so much even in the beginning weeks of the new year. We contacted a mission group called the Tech Team Advantage to see if were were available for their services. They are a group of retired professionals who help non-profits realize their dreams by helping with the planning and execution of building plans. We were determined to be eligible and our board voted to sign the agreement to get the services started as soon as possible.

New baby goats on the farm!

Our front wall a year ago…

Our front wall today.

Office log wall revealed.

Proposed replacement supports for office/bathroom wall.

Attic front wall is ready for the window seat/storage.

Patti enjoying some goat kid cuddles.

Ceiling in the attic is going up.

Mal likes the open beams.

Chris nocking out some ceiling panels.

Office ceiling is almost done.

Farm update photo gallery
​As you can see from the photos, the house/ministry headquarters has come a long way. We’ve been encouraged by people who saw the place a year or more ago and what they say about it now. With the majority of the infrastructure in place for the house, we can begin looking at the next building stages. With one of our HVAC units in place, we enjoy a toasty winter and look forward to installing the other one by the end of the month.

​One of our nannies gave birth to two amazing little kids. If you have any stress whatsoever, watching kids play will get rid of it. Our other mom should be giving birth in the next few weeks so more stress relievers are on their way. Our heifer looks to be with calf so we may increase our herd by a third this spring/summer.

As the year unfolds, we ask you to look at your calendar and see if there may be time to: A) Come out and volunteer for some demolition, moving heavy objects, or some green thumbery OR B) Come out and let some tension slip away while getting babied by the Carters. We just finished window seats that act as extra bedding so bring a friend or two.

​Thanks for reading. Hope to see you all soon!