Visitors

I have become an avid bird watcher. Every morning we are visited by Quail, woodpeckers, finches, falcons, squirrels and amazing bright red cardinals. We have a rabbit we call "slim" living on the hill behind us who visits early in the morning and late afternoon. We have the occasional javelina family (not my favorite) and a bird of prey I have not clearly identified yet. They have truly helped me in some of the more difficult times, especially when I am here alone and Robert is traveling. I have always loved birds and to see so many up close and be able to enjoy watching them has been a blessing for me.

 However, they can never compete with friends and family. Last week one of our dear friends, Chandra drove up to stay with us for a few days. She has been a part of our family for years. We have shared and laughed and worked endless days and nights putting together Missions conferences over the years. It was so good having her here. We shared what we have been doing, we took her to a local Mexican restaurant and coffee shop, we watched dumb movies and laughed. She asked us if there was something we had been wanting to do here but hadn't done it yet. Well, everyday driving home we pass a sign that says Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park. We have been wondering exactly what is up the road less than 5 minutes from our house. We decided to take a look. After a 15 minute video explaining the native ruins built by the Salado Native Americans, we walked around the ruins themselves. We climbed ladders and walked where natives walked and lived nearly 800 years ago, again less than 5 minutes from our house! It was a fun afternoon but not because of the tour, but because our friend was here! Thanks Chandra!!!
Next stop, Pinal Mountains, who wants to visit?

...And away we go...

This is already a crazy year.
Snow, freezing water pipes, "Wholistic Missions" Conference (No I didn't spell it wrong, that's how they spell it. It's that way to differentiate it from "holistic", Wholistic includes the spiritual.) and Shelby going back to So Cal.
But, The great part is the time I got to spend time with a couple guys from the Rez. We went to see the Phoenix Suns. It was a good opportunity to get to know them. (I didn't mention their names because I didn't get to ask them for permission) Tory and I went to speak with the housing director. He showed us a family that is living in a one room "house"; 150 square foot max. A man and wife and three children. The director asked us to build them a house. How could we do anything but say yes? We have a group from a Church in Tucson coming to work on it. I'm hoping the will get a lot done. Maybe even decide to "adopt" the project. That would be amazing.
Ok, I know, that was real personal, wasn't it? NO!
The entire truth is...I wanted to cry. You see this "house" has no water, no heat, and no electricity. They run an extension cord from the house next door (about 200 feet away) to their house just so they can have a light. They have a wood stove for heat but they can't use it too much because it fills the room with smoke.
I was complaining the other night because it got down into the teens and our pipes froze. They didn't thaw out until noon. We left the water trickling in the bathtub so they wouldn't freeze. And we turned up the thermostat so the house would be warmer.
And while I was complaining there was a family, oldest child 9 and the youngest child 1 , with no heat. I wanted to cry, no, I cried.
I'm not sure what is going to happen. But I do know, this is exactly where God wants me.
Will you please pray for this family? Liz and I will be...
Robert

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:40