Remember, No Good Byes...So...See Ya Strong Foundation!

I can't believe our time at Strong Foundation is already over.  Yes, because we took an unforeseen quick trip back home, we extended our stay at Strong, even with extending our stay it felt like our time went too fast.  It always does when you are with family and friends, which I consider Strong Foundation family!

With this being our second trip to come along side of them at their ministry serving homeless families with children it just seems like our bond with each other is even closer.  They are doing a great thing in San Antonio and I consider it an honor to be one of the many volunteers that help support and help donate time to the center.

We had a great time with everyone there, from staff to residents.  The smiles we would get from the children were priceless and the hugs where the best ever.  

As we leave ministries, we like to post our favorite part or time at the ministry.  So for me, I will have to say I have two favorites.  My first favorite part being there this time was the same as last time, getting to spend time in the office with Cheryl.  I love being back in an office, answering phones and having that one on one contact with the residents as the day to day things are done.  But, not just for me, I love being able to "help" her in any way possible, to give a break when possible.  My second favorite part at Strong was being able to stay in the Mission House while we were there.  I love love love being able to stay in the house with the residents that live there as well.  We made it known up front we are all about family style dinners and all getting up in the kitchen together and cooking.  And boy did we!  We had so much fun in the kitchen. We were able to have several family dinners together all sitting around the table.  Then the day before we left we had a big ole family style cook out!  Everyone brought a dish and we all ate until we could eat no more!  Thanks again Brad for grilling all of the chicken and Bianca for helping so much with that!  I know that for the time we were there, it felt like a family and there was nothing like sitting around a table together laughing and sharing stories.

So thank you Strong Foundation for allowing me to come and help out.  Always a pleasure to serve you!!!

Carol....

So hard to decide on "favorite times" during our time at Strong Foundation.

The holiday times are always a joy.  I loved watching the parents "shop" for their children's Christmas gifts. It amazes me at the generosity of the people of San Antonio and their support of Strong Foundation, especially at Christmas. Then, of course the excitement of the children showing us their gifts on Christmas Day as we gathered for Christmas Dinner at the Center.

The children just wrapped their arms around my heart. KidzTime, a time on the playground with the children while their parents are in classes, is a fun time with them. I loved seeing little Chase's face as he slid down the slide with me holding his hand. He would "land" then look up to me with the biggest smile and clap his little two year old hands. Then hold his hands up for me to put him on the slide again.  I was also privileged to be the teacher with the older children in Children's Church. Their energy is amazing, but their little hearts are like a sponge soaking in God's love for them. Coco, who is five, loves God with all her heart. You can see it in her face as she sings praises to Him in worship time and when she prays. I would love to be around these children in the years to come to see how God's plan works out in their lives.

 

A special blessing from our time at Strong Foundation is the relationships....

with the residents where sometimes just a smile is encouragement enough to get them through the day, or praying with them during a difficult decision, or just a hug that says "this is God's arms around you and everything will be okay".  They will never know how much they have encouraged me.

with the staff as we deepened our relationship them. It was good to spend some relaxation time with them and talk about "life". Thanks, Carolee, for the fun time at the unique little coffee shop you took us to. The cookout with the Mission House residents and the staff was a good way for our goodbyes or maybe I should say our "see you later" as we plan to return on our way back home.  I am inspired by their obedience to God's calling as He has placed them at Strong Foundation. It's not always easy to be obedient but obedience is so

full of blessings as we glorify our God. Thank you, Father for sending us to Strong Foundation.  

 

Bob....

It was a wonderful time again being a servant at Strong Foundation as we served the Lord.

I worked with Brad and Roger doing maintenance and grounds.   I also helped renovate a house for a family to live in.

I worked in the warehouse helping to fix pole bars to hang clothing for the residents to come and get, if and when they are in need.  I also built shelves and re-organized the lawn maintenance tools.

All in all it was a great time serving and working with the people at Strong Foundation.  I am looking forward to working again this winter on our return trip on our way back to Florida, if that is what the Lord has for us.

Thank you Lord and thank you Strong Foundation.

Kristi again ...
Being a ministry that is active, open and going 24 hours a day 7 days a week, you can see how there are times where you might get a little weary, a little down trodden or lets just face it, worn out.  These are the places where we love to come and love on them.  They have a small but very efficient staff, full time, part time and volunteer, but they are all one team.  They are in it for the Lord and to help those who are serious about having a changed life.  As we know, it is Jesus that is the difference, and the residents are helped in every way possible with the prayer that the Lord will open their eyes and open their hearts to who He is and that they will see their need for Him. So, yes, I love being at Strong Foundation and seeing where God is at work.

Our prayer and parting words until next time for you ....

   "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."  Galatians 6:9-10

I truly pray that we were as big of a blessing to you as you are to us, don't grow weary, keep doing what you are doing, stand firm and never give up!  You are doing great things for the Kingdom with great eternal significance!

We love you Strong Foundation, no good-byes, so we will see ya soon!!

If you are reading this and are interested in volunteering with Strong Foundation, please visit their website (see link below) and click on Contact Us and shoot them an email.  Tell them the Vandeventer's sent ya...They would LOVE to have you come out and help!  

 STRONG FOUNDATION WEBSITE

Thanks again for taking the time to read our posts to our blog as we go.  I am writing this from our beautiful campsite in Albuquerque and WOW are there going to be some great pictures in the next post!  It is BEAUTIFUL out here!!!

Serving our Lord and Serving others ~

Kristi

Bob & Carol

Galatians 6:9-10

Thanks again Pastor Jim and Carolee
We love ya'll

Roger

Shannan & her son Nic

Izelda's awesome pinwheels
and salsa/cream cheese dip

Mom's cousin Charleda was able to come
help for a few weeks while we were
here too!  What a blessing!

Santa Clause made an appearance at
Jesus's Birthday party for the children.

Roger and Deb

Cheryl and Troy - Love them!!

WE LOVE YOU STRONG FOUNDATION!!!

Strong Foundation, helping families with children who are serious about having a changed life!

Thank you so much for those of you who have donated and or help to sponsor our journey across the United States.

If you would like to donate or would like to sponsor us, the information is below. If you have any questions or concerns, please just let us know and we will get back with you right away.

Donations and Sponsors are welcomed and most appreciated!
Giving is a blessing for others as well as a blessing to us.

PayPal account -

Enter kristiskreations1@yahoo.com (my business account) and follow the instructions.

If you do NOT have a Pay Pal account there is a .59 cent fee for the transaction.


To mail a check - please send it to our home church ~

First Baptist Church Salt Springs 

C/O Mary Beth Gervais

24100 NE Hwy 314 

Salt Springs, FL 32134.

Either way, whether you choose to make a contribution or not, please know that your prayers are very much wanted, needed and appreciated. We are walking by faith and know that God will provide! Thank you and God Bless!