Joyce

Bert started working for Joyce in March of 2009.  Joyce owns several acres of land, and Bert was her handy man of sorts...he did all kinds of yard work, built fences, refinished her porch, moved a wall inside her home, painted most every room in her house, etc.  He started out working about 20 hours a week for her.   She was completely and totally flexible about when he went to work and how long he worked. Some weeks he would work a little more, and some a little less, but Joyce never minded either way.  As we were preparing for the arrival of Emily in April of 2010, Bert started looking for a more full time position so that I could say home with Emily.  He asked Joyce if he could possibly cut back to just working for her on Saturdays for about 6 hours a week (so that he could work at Archwood Tuesdays through Fridays).  She was, as usual, totally gracious and flexible and was totally fine with the new schedule.  So, for the past two years Bert has just worked for Joyce on Saturdays.  I can't begin to tell you what a blessing this sweet woman has been to our family.   Joyce was constantly sending Bert home with goodies and gifts for me and the girls.  At the end of the day she would ask Bert how long he had worked, he would tell her, and she would often reply with "surely you've been her longer than that....you can't count.":)  More weeks that not she would send Bert home with extra money.  Every few months she would take our family out to dinner.  We usually went to Red Lobster, but for our going away dinner we went to the Olive Garden in WF. We had a GREAT time, so I wanted to take a few pictures of the occasion!

Joyce holding Hannah!  

Joyce not only adopted us, but she has also adopted my sister and Bert's sister and their families.  The last several  dinners she has insisted on taking all of us out.  We always have such a great time!  

Joyce, we are thankful for the way that God provided for us through you., we are thankful for your kindness to us, but most of all we are thankful for your friendship.  We miss you and love you!