Can I just say wow? This past Friday, Frank and I met with one of the sweetest couples ever. Sal and his wife have operated a children's home outside of Waxhaw for many years. They came to NC to retire, and instead, found an undeniable call to take care of unwanted children. They shared story after story of children that came through their home. You could see the love for each of them as they shared.
They are "retired" now. Both well into their 80's, they deserve it. They are looking for someone, privately, to continue their mission.
We spent more than 2 hours with them. We shared our vision, they shared theirs, and we marveled at how similar they are. We were given the grand tour of their facility...one that's in excellent shape, but perhaps in need of some TLC and an update. It was built above code, with the future in mind, as was the land that surrounds it.
They have 125 total acres, with 10 currently developed. It's being offered either together, or separately. Of the 125, 50 of it is farm land, part of it boasts a barn, but noone knows what kind of shape it's in. The home itself is approximately 5,000 sq ft, with 10 bedrooms, each with adjoining baths, a separate living area, commercial grade kitchen and large laundry space.
To say that we are praying about this potential is an understatement. I know it has to sound like there should be zero questions, but is it ever that easy? It's one downfall, for lack of a better term, is that it's WAAAAAYYY out there. About ten miles outside of Waxhaw.
Question is, will that be too far out for people to feel ownership in Charlotte? Will we be so far out that volunteers will have a hard time committing to come? Too far out for people to come and serve? What are YOUR thoughts?
We hope to schedule a prayer walk around the property in the next week or two. How many of you would be willing to join us? We are interested in hearing your thoughts. Please take a minute or two and leave a comment.
Please, also, forward this and/or suggest to others that they join us on Facebook. Dogwood Ranch Carolinas.
As always, we covet your prayers as we seek God's direction for our family and the families we will serve.
With much love to each of you,
The Browns
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Trough List
You know, it's kind of like a bucket list, only it holds alot more. ;-) Seriously, after a load of great challenges from a new friend, we needed something a whole lot bigger than a bucket! Frank and I had the privilege of meeting with Michael last week. One of his true giftings is helping people refine and define their vision. We experienced that and so much more during our time with him. We walked away with our heads spinning, our ideas flowing and our faith challenged.
We've always known that Dogwood Ranch was going to be a God-sized project. I mean, realistically, what two people with a 2 kids of their own and a middle class lifestyle suddenly seek to build something like this? We don't have large sums of money stored away to just pay for it. We don't have acres and acres of land that we can just decide to develop. We don't even have an extra bedroom to put our first foster child in. (That seriously makes me laugh.) What we do have is the burning desire and absolute belief that kids deserve a place to call home, a place to belong, a place to feel safe and to know that no matter what happens, they are loved.
I don't think that either of us had tried to put a dollar amount on what it would take to get things started. Michael asked the question and we started throwing around figures that don't even make sense to me. When it was all said and done, the target was $5 million. I almost typed that without giggling, but that's it. That gives us a budget for houses, barns, staff, equipment, computers, etc. We know that won't happen over night, most likely. We do know that the lives that will be impacted by it are worth far more.
We are inviting you to pray accordingly. God knows His donors and already has the funding in place. We just have to be obedient in sharing the vision He's given us.
On a much smaller scale, we have a more immediate need. We have talked with the people from CORE (the COalition for Residential Education) and truly believe that they will be an invaluable resource for us. The membership fee for startup homes is $2000. That will give us access to training, legal help, help with our business plan, curriculum, etc. They are having a Conference for members and for those interested in becoming members in March. Our conference fees and travel expenses will be right around $1000. I can get exact figures if you need them. We are praying for those expenses to be covered very quickly.
We are assembling a complete top ten list. Right now, the CORE membership and Conference are at the top. If you know of someone who would be interested in giving, please forward them our information.
We have 2 critical meetings later this week. First on Thursday and then on Saturday. Please be in prayer for those as well. They could HUGELY impact how we proceed.
Blessings!!!!
We've always known that Dogwood Ranch was going to be a God-sized project. I mean, realistically, what two people with a 2 kids of their own and a middle class lifestyle suddenly seek to build something like this? We don't have large sums of money stored away to just pay for it. We don't have acres and acres of land that we can just decide to develop. We don't even have an extra bedroom to put our first foster child in. (That seriously makes me laugh.) What we do have is the burning desire and absolute belief that kids deserve a place to call home, a place to belong, a place to feel safe and to know that no matter what happens, they are loved.
I don't think that either of us had tried to put a dollar amount on what it would take to get things started. Michael asked the question and we started throwing around figures that don't even make sense to me. When it was all said and done, the target was $5 million. I almost typed that without giggling, but that's it. That gives us a budget for houses, barns, staff, equipment, computers, etc. We know that won't happen over night, most likely. We do know that the lives that will be impacted by it are worth far more.
We are inviting you to pray accordingly. God knows His donors and already has the funding in place. We just have to be obedient in sharing the vision He's given us.
On a much smaller scale, we have a more immediate need. We have talked with the people from CORE (the COalition for Residential Education) and truly believe that they will be an invaluable resource for us. The membership fee for startup homes is $2000. That will give us access to training, legal help, help with our business plan, curriculum, etc. They are having a Conference for members and for those interested in becoming members in March. Our conference fees and travel expenses will be right around $1000. I can get exact figures if you need them. We are praying for those expenses to be covered very quickly.
We are assembling a complete top ten list. Right now, the CORE membership and Conference are at the top. If you know of someone who would be interested in giving, please forward them our information.
We have 2 critical meetings later this week. First on Thursday and then on Saturday. Please be in prayer for those as well. They could HUGELY impact how we proceed.
Blessings!!!!
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