On this trip, I didn't have to worry about hotel accommodations. The head of the agency told me they had space where I could stay without incurring the added expense of a hotel room. I was grateful.
As I said, it was a day of surprises. I have stayed on several children's homes campuses and have always been appreciative of the hospitality. To say that yesterday was different is an understatement.
For starters, the hospitality suite was not on a children's home campus. The rural secluded environment more closely resembles a top-end luxurious "bed and breakfast" that even pictures don't do justice.
It was the second time yesterday that I was drop-jawed with surprise and disbelief. I had been provided the address and the code for the gate. When I turned into the drive which proved to be a half-mile from the house, I immediately thought something wasn't right. The gate was standing open. A code was not needed. In addition, the closer I got to the home, the more I was sure I had made a wrong turn. The majesty and upscale appearance of the home was beyond my grasp. Was I really at the right home?
A momentary sense of panic set in with the fear that I'd need to do a lot of explaining to whoever lived in the home. As it turned out, I confirmed by phone that I was at the correct address. I breathed a sigh of relief. No one was currently home, but I was extended an invitation to go on in and make myself at home. In addition, I was invited to go with the employee and her husband to dinner.
Philip and Shea Carter are a delightful couple who are living their dream. Their dream has nothing to do with living in an upscale home in a picturesque rural setting. Their dream has more to do with reaching people at the point of need and enriching their lives with acceptance, warmth, understanding, support, and love. By the way, as a couple, they are equally yoked. Both have the spiritual gift of hospitality.
The couple has always had a heart for foster/adoptive families. For the past four years, the couple and their agency have used their gifts and their resources to offer a respite to foster and adoptive families needing a break. The home is also a resource for mom's or dad's weekend gatherings, special activities including children, a place for child welfare workers to have a place to meet and regroup, and other support services for children.
The time I shared with Philip and Shea was an unexpected gift. Their passion for making a difference and offering a helping hand is simply a characteristic of who they are. More importantly, it is a characteristic of whose they are.
Sharing time with Philip and Shea was delightful!
All My Best!
Don