I am LOVED!

Wow! I just want to say thank you to everyone who has blessed me with notes, emails, words of encouragement, home videos, phone calls, and even visits in San Diego. This adventure here at the Ranch was a big leap of faith, and I know I could have done it with out the God, my family and friends. My Whittier family made me a video of my Stride class from the last 2 years with all my adult students saying hi, and then later in the video I saw many of my YMCA family in SPIN class. It was such a joy to hear from everyone. Many of the people on the video even wished me Happy Birthday, which was funny because my birthday is in April, but it certainly made me laugh. It was also good to see the Inouye family in San Diego on my free day. We has a wonderful picnic and mexican dinner together catching up on life, what God has been teaching me here at the Ranch, and being encouraged to press on. My family has grown over the years with all of my travels and I am so proud to be able to share with everyone my experiences. I wish you all a wonderful THANKSGIVING with family, and friends. 1 Peter 4:10 "as each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Let us all remember to give thanks and count our blessings for we are very rich indeed.

Crisp November Air

The month of November has almost come and gone. The Ranch has been busy with many visitors these past few weeks. We have had groups from Hume Lake (70 people in the Joshua Program), Alisha's church from Auburn, CA, who built the teachers a new deck and put in brand new carpet. Our house is amazing and smells like new. We have also had a small group come from Bakersfield to visit and repair all of the door knobs and locks. The groups that are coming this weekend will be staying a preparing for all of us a traditional Thanksgiving meal (the works!). As the weather changes slightly many of us have to bundle up at night, but it is nice to have some change. This month we have taken the kids and many groups hiking up to Snoopy Rock to look down on the Valley of Guadalupe, now that the weather is cooler it is safer to take hikes, since the snakes don't like the cold. God has blessed us with so much support here at the Ranch. When our pantry is empty then a group comes and brings food, when many of our staff are waiting for support to come in, again God provides, and even as teachers when we are tired God gives us the strength to teach. The wind is blowing outside, the birds are singing, the kids are cleaning, teachers are planning, and some of us are resting. Each day is filled with life lessons. I am blessed and there is so much to give thanks about. Remember this month especially is a time where we can give thanks to all. It is a great day to be alive.