A time to be ...
Words of insight from the Teacher. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die...a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh...a time to keep and a time to throw away... (Ecclesiastes 3).
It feels like once again a new season is beginning after coming to San Antonio, Texas in February, 2019. As most of you know, in April we were able to purchase a bonafide fixer-upper. It's kinda like giving birth. The new parents/owners know the features of the baby/house but what lies hidden inside only becomes apparent with time. There were days where we, like new parents, looked at each other and said, "What in the world were we thinking?" But in retrospect, it's been worth it and is turning out even better than we imagined.
Move in day was July 6th even though there are still outdoor 'projects' to tackle. We've already enjoyed hosting our three children, son-in-law, and two grandchildren for various weeks of the summer. The end of June was super special since it's the first in two years that all of us were together as a family unit. We hold those memories close as they have returned to their homes scattered around the globe.
The major concern of the spring and summer was Ruth's Dad's health. (Ruth's oldest brother and sister-in-law took the major role of caring for his needs over this time.) The same day we moved into our house, he moved out of his house of 42 years and into an efficiency at a retirement home. He had many adjustments to make as much was sold, given away, or thrown out and new surroundings and people added. He continued to live independently for almost 3 months but then experienced complications related to his congestive heart failure.
We drove to PA to visit with him for 10 days while he was in a rehab unit at the retirement home. But soon after our return to Texas, his health worsened and he passed away on August 23 with all of the nearby relatives having time with him over the last days. We flew up to PA to attend his Celebration of Life service and to recall the seasons of his 92 years. Especially poignant was the graveside service for close family members. As his body was lowered into the ground we each could take
a handful of yeast and stalks of wheat to lay over the casket...symbols of his years of bread baking to benefit missions. "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24
Now we wonder, what's next? We expect to volunteer more often with San Antonio Mennonite Church and other organizations here. Aiding migrants who just got dropped off here from border towns and detention facilities had been a huge need through the spring and summer. The city and churches had been working to assist up to 350 new arrivals every day, but that number has dropped off due to most now getting detained or sent back on the Mexican side of the border (a whole other humanitarian crisis). Our church also has a house that cared for vulnerable new moms and their babies, those with hospitalized children, and others with no other place to go. It appears the focus for now will be for the church's house to care for the fewer numbers since the city plans to step back from providing shelter resources. In this climate that is ever changing, the church and volunteers have to remain ready to adapt in whatever way needed to welcome the stranger/refugee--who Jesus identifies in Scripture as Himself. (Matthew 25:35)
We strive to remain grateful for each opportunity and person we meet each day, and hopefully, some of those persons will be you who come for a visit!
Peace and love,
Ruth and Jim Mellinger
It feels like once again a new season is beginning after coming to San Antonio, Texas in February, 2019. As most of you know, in April we were able to purchase a bonafide fixer-upper. It's kinda like giving birth. The new parents/owners know the features of the baby/house but what lies hidden inside only becomes apparent with time. There were days where we, like new parents, looked at each other and said, "What in the world were we thinking?" But in retrospect, it's been worth it and is turning out even better than we imagined.
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| It's been fun to finally prepare meals in the new kitchen and enjoy conversations around the table and in the living room. |
Move in day was July 6th even though there are still outdoor 'projects' to tackle. We've already enjoyed hosting our three children, son-in-law, and two grandchildren for various weeks of the summer. The end of June was super special since it's the first in two years that all of us were together as a family unit. We hold those memories close as they have returned to their homes scattered around the globe.
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| Mike, Jim & Ruth, Janala, Michelle, Josiah, Denise & Robbie |
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| Ruth with her Dad three years ago. |
We drove to PA to visit with him for 10 days while he was in a rehab unit at the retirement home. But soon after our return to Texas, his health worsened and he passed away on August 23 with all of the nearby relatives having time with him over the last days. We flew up to PA to attend his Celebration of Life service and to recall the seasons of his 92 years. Especially poignant was the graveside service for close family members. As his body was lowered into the ground we each could take
a handful of yeast and stalks of wheat to lay over the casket...symbols of his years of bread baking to benefit missions. "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24
Now we wonder, what's next? We expect to volunteer more often with San Antonio Mennonite Church and other organizations here. Aiding migrants who just got dropped off here from border towns and detention facilities had been a huge need through the spring and summer. The city and churches had been working to assist up to 350 new arrivals every day, but that number has dropped off due to most now getting detained or sent back on the Mexican side of the border (a whole other humanitarian crisis). Our church also has a house that cared for vulnerable new moms and their babies, those with hospitalized children, and others with no other place to go. It appears the focus for now will be for the church's house to care for the fewer numbers since the city plans to step back from providing shelter resources. In this climate that is ever changing, the church and volunteers have to remain ready to adapt in whatever way needed to welcome the stranger/refugee--who Jesus identifies in Scripture as Himself. (Matthew 25:35)
We strive to remain grateful for each opportunity and person we meet each day, and hopefully, some of those persons will be you who come for a visit!
Peace and love,
Ruth and Jim Mellinger
Thanks for the update, Jim and Ruth. New life and saying goodbye to what was. It sounds as if you walked your dad home well and the wheat tribute was beautiful. Your house looks beautifully simple and welcoming. All the best as you continue to find where your gifts can best be used.
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