It is a bittersweet year for me as it relates to "Christmas in Mexico". The past two years I have spent this day in the basement of the Presbyterian Church with information about my "upcoming" book release and my availability to speak. In April when Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released I was excited for this day because I would not only be able to meet more people and say "Merry Christmas" to friends I've met in past years...but I would have the book many stopped to purchase before it was even a reality. Thank you all so much.
This brings me to the reason for it being a bittersweet day. As much as I looked forward to being with all of you in Mexico, New York today to celebrate Christmas in an old-fashioned and Dicken's way...God opened a different door and opportunity. One I could never of dreamed. While you are walking amidst the snow and singing carols, I am doing the "River Walk" in San Antonio, Texas!
In April of 1994 my aunt and uncle found a search expert at a different "Heidi Search Center" and invited him to join us in New York to come along side our local law enforcement to help in the search and rescue of my sister, Heidi M. Allen. Although we didn't find Heidi while Rick was here, he brought expertise, education, and hope to a tired community seeking assistance to do all they could to bring Heidi home.
Well, this is where the bittersweet part of my trip to Texas comes in. Last night I had the honor to speak to the families and volunteers of this very same "Heidi Search Center" as part of their annual banquet. To say I was overwhelmed, humbled, and blessed by their invitation is an understatement. So although I can't be with all of you today, I'm representing our wonderful New Haven and Mexico community. Over nineteen years later and we have the opportunity to share HOPE with them.
God is good and even though both Heidi's have been taken from their families and communities - hope, love, and compassion remain a bond keeping us connected.
Merry Christmas! Be sure to follow the blog this week for a new series. A series to share the HOPE I shared with the "Heidi Search Center" in San Antonio last night, one I pray will also encourage you as you forge ahead this holiday season. See you Monday for a joyful journey to Texas!
This brings me to the reason for it being a bittersweet day. As much as I looked forward to being with all of you in Mexico, New York today to celebrate Christmas in an old-fashioned and Dicken's way...God opened a different door and opportunity. One I could never of dreamed. While you are walking amidst the snow and singing carols, I am doing the "River Walk" in San Antonio, Texas!
In April of 1994 my aunt and uncle found a search expert at a different "Heidi Search Center" and invited him to join us in New York to come along side our local law enforcement to help in the search and rescue of my sister, Heidi M. Allen. Although we didn't find Heidi while Rick was here, he brought expertise, education, and hope to a tired community seeking assistance to do all they could to bring Heidi home.
Well, this is where the bittersweet part of my trip to Texas comes in. Last night I had the honor to speak to the families and volunteers of this very same "Heidi Search Center" as part of their annual banquet. To say I was overwhelmed, humbled, and blessed by their invitation is an understatement. So although I can't be with all of you today, I'm representing our wonderful New Haven and Mexico community. Over nineteen years later and we have the opportunity to share HOPE with them.
God is good and even though both Heidi's have been taken from their families and communities - hope, love, and compassion remain a bond keeping us connected.
Merry Christmas! Be sure to follow the blog this week for a new series. A series to share the HOPE I shared with the "Heidi Search Center" in San Antonio last night, one I pray will also encourage you as you forge ahead this holiday season. See you Monday for a joyful journey to Texas!
In case you are at Christmas in Mexico and were hoping to get your signed copy of any of my three books - they are available at The Carriage House Shoppe on Route 104 (Dr. Harter's old house), across from Beck's. They are always available at The River's End Bookstore in Oswego too.
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