Spinning in Gratefulness

We are building a new building! Have you heard? We have worked so hard to get here and now here we are. Before we started this construction project, people kept telling me that it is really hard. Construction is really hard and stressful. In fact, I remember when I spoke to another Executive Director just after she finished her building project. I asked her how it went.  Her words were, "It's terrible!!" So, I thought that I was going in prepared.  Well, I am here to tell you that they aren't lying!! I didn't really understand the stress that I would be walking into. There are so many decisions being made that I often don't feel qualified to make. There are compromises having to be made because of costs. All while determining the things that will never be compromised. There is also the stress of money!! We need more staff! And how are we going to furnish this big 'ole building? As our completion date approaches, there are more and more things that I feel are 'incomplete'. We aren't ready. How will we ever be ready?

I try to put this construction stuff in perspective, while in the middle of it all. I am also trying to settle on what really matters and not on my emotions. Trust me, that is a minute by minute choice. I continue to carry a lot of emotions. There are so many decisions! Last week, with all of these burdens on my mind, I walked into our new building. As I stood there, I just slowly spun around. And I looked. I really looked, trying to take in this building, I began to be overwhelmed. I mean, how come we get this? How come we get this great big BEAUTIFUL building? How did this happen? How did we get here? Is this really us? Do we even deserve this?

God did this. I am not sure why, but He did this. There is no way that we could be here without Him. He is the one who decided to give us this, and I feel so inadequate, so undeserved. I mean .....
All I could do is say, "Thank you. Thank you, Lord." That is all that I have. I am so grateful for the army of people that have been a part of this. That helped us get here. It has been a joy and privilege, an honor and a stressful path. It is truly miraculous and it is very clear to me that God loves the PARC, and He has chosen through these years to pour upon us His favor and provision. He has chosen to bless us abundantly. He has brought us here and we are blessed way beyond what we could think or imagine..

It is so beautiful!! (I will keep saying that.) I'd like to share with you some of the things we are still needing. Financial donations seem to be our primary focus. Due to increasing costs beyond our control, in order to pay off this building we need to raise an additional $600,000. We are also needing some material items for our new building. We are looking for office furniture, storage materials, a dishwasher,  functional furnishings, daily operational needs and supplies. 

We are moving in no matter what. The latest date of completion is mid-August. Our Grand Opening will be December 2. Mark your calendars! We cannot wait to celebrate with you and see everything you've helped us accomplish and the lives changed. 

Thank you for being part of this miraculous journey. Thank you for contributing. I hope that you will come by to see it. We would love to give you a tour.