3 weeks already-can it be?

I was so anxious to have the first week over and feel like we were in some kind of groove and now it's been 3 weeks and we've survived! After 2 weeks I had to fire the kitchen helper because he was stressing me out to the max. I was proud of how I was able to handle it very calmly and not get emotional at all. We had a huge show-down the day before and I knew he was furious at me. I became very bold and would not let him intimidate me:) He left and a huge burden was lifted. A few days later I got a wonderful young girl that I just love. We've already had some great conversations in the kitchen and I look forward to the day she will accept our message. Over all, I would have to declare that it's been a good 3 weeks. We spend an average of 69 hours a week at The Family Place. That's 13 hours Monday-Friday and 4 hours on Saturday. That's the minimum that we spend; usually a bit more than that! It is demanding to be sure but not overwhelming. There are hours during the day when we have no one and I can work on the jigsaw puzzle or write papers for my online courses or sit and read. Saturday mornings are proving to be very popular with our American breakfasts served from 8-11AM. You should have seen three of us flying around the kitchen this week, doing an amazing job of multitasking. At one time I had all five burners goings with pancakes, french toast and 2 omelets. Quite a few local friends came this week and that makes it a lot more fun. Our short-term couple is really a huge help and we couldn't do this without them. Sure wish someone else would step up to the plate and come help us out through July until our team arrives here. We have one single gal coming but she will not be able to handle everything. We're just taking a day at a time and know that God will provide in the nick of time. The preschool is going so well and I hope to train my kitchen help well enough that she can keep things going in the cafe during the morning hours and I can help up there with the kids. I'll attach a couple of pictures of the preschool. I wanted to take some on Saturday when the place was packed for breakfast but I couldn't leave the stove for a minute. The Fitness Center is hopping and that is our weakest link as far as people to sit up there and keep track of who comes and goes. We're getting a hidden camera added up there this week which will help a little. It's a lot for just a few of us to handle but we do what we can and have to leave the rest. We know this is just for a season so we press on, looking forward to the day when we're not so tied down! An older couple with prophetic gifts came by The Family Place this week and were very encouraging about what they believe God is going to do through this place. Just after they told me that the name God gave them for our place was "the Shalom Zone", a neighbor lady came by to use the internet and have a cup of coffee. As she was leaving, 3 other women came in and she said "you've never been in such a peaceful place; you're going to love it." Bring it on!!

adding things, one by one

We decided to stagger some of the activities so that we weren't totally overwhelmed all at once. Yesterday we began our preschool program and the first 2 days have been awesome! Our short-term gal has done a wonderful job heading it up. Not sure what we'll do once she leaves but I know God will provide! Here are some pics of the kids...

The Day is HERE!

Yup, the day we looked forward to and dreaded at the same time, has come! Our doors are open for business and we're scared to death that no one will come and at the same time, scared that too many will come and we won't be able to handle them. These have been stressful days, if you haven't heard me say that yet:) One morning, after I'd been awake most of the night thinking about the enormity of this project and wondering why we got ourselves into it, I was overcome with panic and wanted to run away from it all. I didn't like the thought that we are slaves now to The Family Place and can't ever leave (until we get some more help). But then I began thinking about all of you, our partners. YOU go to jobs every day and are "slaves" to them, in that you can't just stay home or go on a trip whenever you want. Why do I think that my time should be totally mine and that I should be able to sleep in or stay in my nice, warm house whenever I feel like it? Well, let's just say that I began to get perspective on things and it didn't seem so desperate anymore. God has very clearly been leading us through this process of registering, renovating and opening the Family Place and we have to believe that he has big plans for us. He knows what we can handle and he has entrusted us with this huge business so I'm going to just relax and rest in Him. I'm sure glad you all are with us in this!! Couldn't do it without you. Here are some new pics that were taken with my son's wide angle lens.