Welcome to the neighborhood

This morning when we were getting ready for church, the doorbell rang and when David opened it, it was one of our new neighbors whom we had not personally met yet. She had a gift bag for us that held a pretty plant and a card that made me cry. Both David and I felt that God knew exactly what we were needing today -- encouragement. Here are the inspiring words from the card:

Welcome to our neighborhood!

What a wonderful thing you and your family have done in building such a beautiful home in our neighborhood. Although you may have received much criticism, I feel you must have a dream of developing this area back to the family neighborhood it once was.

I was raised in this neighborhood, and have fond memories of it being full of happy families and businesses. I was born during the time of segregation. Because of that situation, we had our own doctor, churches, school (now ARC), beauty shop, grocery stores, and even a hat maker! For family entertainment, we would go Window Shopping. My Dad would drive us down town and we would walk around, looking in the store windows at the window displays, and dream. :-)

As kids, we didn't have bowling alleys, skating rinks, etc that we were allowed to go to, so we would meet on the corners and sing, dance, and tell ghost stories. In fact, my aunt lived right across the street from your house. We use to visit the family that lived where your house now stands and tell stories, sing, and have fun!

You and your family have taken a big step and will receive positive and negative comments. If and when you receive negative ones, just look at this plant and remember your dreams; also, remember that you are fulfilling your neighbor's dreams that we will once again live in an area full of happy families. I hope and pray that I will live to see how your dreams for this area will develop.

Wow -- humbling, inspiring and exciting!