CIA Story – Celebrating at Lifecare

Who would ever think that a small dream could have such great impact on an obedient follower of Christ? I have had the pleasure to be able to sit in the presence of some of the most amazing people you will ever meet. These people have lived long lives and hard lives. They have raised children, grandchildren and so on.

I happen to be a Great Grandchild who had the great privilege to sit with my Great Grandmother and listen to her tell the story of life during the depression. What amazing strength and resilience to live through a time where you had to work to live. And again to sit with gentlemen who made the ultimate sacrifice to fight for their country, to fight for the freedoms that we take for granted every day. Sometimes we forget, but there is so much to learn from those who have come before us.

So a month ago when my small group leader and I discussed CIA, the dream was born. How can we give back? Saturday, October 15th was that day. Since the dream was born, God has blessed this venture in so many ways.

When I first contacted Lifecare, they were ECSTATIC to have 12Stone visit their facility. Even more so to learn that CIA was the same week as the birthday of their oldest resident Lorene Evans! The details took shape. We were going to have a birthday party for this woman who is turning 109 years young.

On CIA Saturday, we celebrated this beautiful lady and her Birthday with many of the fellow residents who also call Lifecare home.

I had an incredible partner in Holly Pastor. She kept me grounded and helped me organize this dream which took shape. Once the dream was born, it took a life of it’s own. God was in charge and we were merely taking His lead. From the finding of supplies to the 100+ Point students which took the time to decorate the banners, and the Volunteers, everyone had such a giving heart and truly humbled me in their willingness to serve. God placed everyone where they needed to be to bring this great day to fruition.

We were able to show His love to others who do not have outside human contact very often. I watched volunteers take such great care in making these wonderful people feel loved. And this was God’s plan. We decorated, we visited, we shared our time, and we danced. They must’ve thought we were all crazy to see a group of Church members dancing the electric slide! But they held their pom-poms like real troopers.

I feel so honored to have worked alongside these wonderful people, which God brought together to bring a little sunshine into this place.

Thank you 12Stone and thank you to Lifecare Volunteers!!!

-Eve