It seems like it’s taken forever to get to this moment in SAM’s history.
We signed papers with the owners of the property here and now SAM has
a home address of 38509 Pickerel Trail in Crosslake, MN.

Judy and I (center back) are pictured with the owners, Jeff and Lindsay Balmer,
on the right hand side of picture. Standing next to me is our realtor, Lori Abear.
And seated in front of her is our closing agent, Krista.

Our dream of opening a retreat center for grieving parents and surviving siblings
took a giant step forward today. Many people responded to the $5,000 matching
fund grant, so that we were able to match that amount and more! We want to thank
our anonymous donor for that grant money - as well as the rest of you who stepped
up and gave.

Judy and I want to thank all of you who have been so helpful in giving money, and
supporting us in prayer. We have known from the beginning that this was some-
thing way beyond our capabilities to accomplish. So we cannot thank our faith-
partners enough.

Someone asked us what our next step is now? We have two priorities right now.
First, or course, is raising our monthly support level by another $1,200 so that we
will always have enough money for our monthly mortgage payments.

Our second priority is to be able to remodel the other half of the building that
is now on our property. We need to put in a floor so that we will have room for
one to two families at one time. This would include framing in bedrooms, and adding
bathrooms and a kitchen area. We are looking at cost estimates, but are guessing
this phase will cost between $50-75,000. This is an important phase for us because
opening the other half of the building will help us generate income. So this is
something Judy and I would ask all of you to pray about. And please, please tell
your friends about SAM.

Each step of this journey has been a step of faith, that’s for sure. Now we
continue to go forward, believing God for the results. And why shouldn’t we?
In the past month we’ve seen countless people giving, many sacrificially. One
young lady gave us a check and asked us to hold it for two days so she could
take the money out of her savings to cover the check. Others have given for
the first time to SAM. We have so many special stories of people who have
stepped out in faith. Your gifts have helped meet our needs.

Well, Judy and I are going to spend a quiet evening just enjoying the moment.
Tomorrow we start moving forward on our next phase. God bless - remember we
love you guys!   Pat  &  Judy