These Days

I thought that I would do a blog post on this season of our lives, so that we can remember it (**cough, cough, or so that I have someone to "talk to").  Chad is at FRL which translated by Chick-fil-A means Fundamentals of Restaurant Leadership.  The first two weeks were spent with a total of 7 people that are considered to be new CFA employees.  That basically means that they have never been employed by the Corporate Office of CFA, but many have been working for individual stores for a season of their lives.  Others have no CFA or restaurant experience.

Each day is intensive (for Chad, I'll get to my days later) and full.  They are usually at the Corporate Office by 8am and get back to their room around 7pm with dinner, work outs (it was encouraged), and homework to fill the gaps.  After visiting this past weekend, I would describe it as a CFA Summer Project.  To be honest, I know my husband would balk at this, but the way the group is from a multitude of states across the US, servant-hearted, humble, loving, and thoughtful, it just reminded me of a Summer Project.  If Chad reads this and disagrees I will remind him that he has never been on a stateside project, so there!  I am the expert in this very minute topic.  :)

It has really been a wonderful and enriching experience for him and we are truly thankful for all the staff that have been teaching his team this summer!

OK-let me interject my part of the summer for that part of the time.  Greer was at Marmie and Poppie's (aka Chad's parents) the first week, so I only had Luke.  We had a great time that ended up being relaxing when we both got sick.  He got a cold and gave it to me.  His lasted 3 days, mine lasted at least a week.  The following week both of the kids were signed up to go to a summer class their preschool holds for three days of the week.  Greer made it the first day then her temperature started spiking and I ended up paying my first copay for a virus.  It is bittersweet when you hear those words from a doctors office- no treatment.  At least I didn't have to buy any medicine.  Saturday morning we went to see Chad in Atlanta and spent most of the day escaping the heat by swimming and watching a movie.  Then we returned to find out that we had to change rooms because ours didn't have power.  I sulked about that until I found out there were so many that didn't have power for days.  I can't imagine!

Luke became a tiger!

Making it to church on time was a miracle!

 Getting frozen yogurt in Clemson

Greer pretending to rest

So Sunday we came home and Chad's original 7 were invaded by the Interim Managers that have been working for CFA and are now getting their own stores.  The group grew to 17, so I am sure that has been an adjustment.  Chad is also trying to handle some preliminary things to set up our store in Mount Airy, so he doesn't have much free time.  I think this week has really worn on me and the kids.  We have been tired and cooperation doesn't come easy in that circumstance.  I can certainly see God's hand working on me and bringing more of my sin and selfishness to the surface.  I haven't really been thankful for that.  I am enduring.  My kids are doing well.  I wish I could verbalize to them what I see in my own heart these days.  I look at them and know the battle with my sin is worth it, so that I can more accurately display the love of Christ to them.  We have been reading about the life of Christ in our devotions at night.  Each night ministers to me as well.  Tonight we learned about Nicodemus and I was able to tell them about the time that God saved me while reading John 3:16.  It brings me such hope to be reminded that (John 3:17) "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."  I am so thankful that my loving heavenly Father, my Bridegroom, my Savior never leaves me and will walk me through this difficult time with His love and grace.

It might be Chad's one and only post....

Dear Friends and Family,

Reagan and I wanted to update you on some exciting developments over the past couple of months.  As you know, we have been living in the Clemson/Seneca area since March 2010 pursuing a career with Chick-fil-A.  This has been a great season for us in so many ways as we have been refined in many areas.  We have also grown closer together as a family and have enjoyed our time here more than we could have imagined.

I have appreciated the work environment and challenges at Chick-fil-A and have been continually affirmed that this is what God has called me to.  Reagan has been so supportive during every step of this journey, and it has been awesome to be able to work towards our goals together.

On March 1^st, Reagan and I visited the Chick-fil-A corporate office in Atlanta, where I had my final interview with the Operator Selection Team.  It was a very humbling day for me to sit with Andrew Cathy and others and share my passion and vision for becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator.  It was also humbling to be a lead candidate for a Chick-fil-A store as I reflected on an interview process that lasted nearly a full year!  At the end of the interview, I was offered the opportunity to be the Operator of a brand new Chick-fil-A location in Mt. Airy, NC.  Of course, I accepted the offer with great humility and enthusiasm.

The past couple of months have basically been “normal” for us as we await our transition from Seneca to Mt. Airy.  Fortunately, Chick-fil-A was able to finalize a real estate deal on property for the store in Mt. Airy, and construction began on the site on April 30^th!  I will continue to serve as a manager at the Chick-fil-A in Seneca until mid-June.  I will head to Atlanta on June 17^th for Operator Training, which will last until the end of July.  Our plans are to move to Mt. Airy in late July/early August and get ready for an awesome Chick-fil-A grand opening in late August or early September!

I want each of you to know how much we have appreciated your interest and encouragement during this season of our lives.  It is truly an honor to be entrusted to steward a Chick-fil-A restaurant, and I am continually humbled by the fact that this is really happening.  It is our desire to trust God to serve the community of Mt. Airy and surrounding areas by being faithful stewards of an incredible business opportunity.  

Please pray for us as we prepare for a very busy summer and fall.  Reagan and the kids will stay in Seneca while I am in Atlanta for training.  They have a full summer schedule, and Reagan will continue to work for Chick-fil-A until our move.  We also have a quick turnaround with our move to Mt. Airy, and Greer will start kindergarten immediately after we arrive in our new town.  We also need housing in Mt. Airy and will be challenged with hiring a brand new team of employees and opening a new small business in a new town in a matter of weeks.  

Reagan, Greer, Luke, and I love all of you and are thankful for the blessing of friends and family in our lives.  Please let us know how we can serve you, and please come have a chicken sandwich with us in Mt. Airy as soon as possible!  You are welcome any time.