TOP's Tuesday: A look Back to 94' and December 13'

Crystal Calloway, Director of Heidi Search Center in San Antonio, Texas and Lisa M Buske

Twenty years ago the Heidi Search Center located in San Antonio, Texas released its director and lead search and rescue expert, Rick Benningfield, to come alongside local law enforcement to help find our Heidi, Heidi M Allen. It was their sixth case outside of Texas and one of their 4% of unsolved cases (at that time).

Last June I received a message from Crystal, the center's current director. We enjoyed a wonderful conversation. Initially Crystal didn't know we were "connected" because of the center's involvement with my sister's case in 1994, but before we hung up the phone, she did. We agreed it was a "God-thing" and knew He brought us together.

On that warm June day, neither of us knew how God planned to work in our lives. Six months later, I boarded a plane and enjoyed a weekend in Texas. Each year the Heidi Search Center hosts an evening for families of the missing, this past year, I had the privilege to be their speaker. It was a bittersweet and empowering weekend.

Bittersweet because God opened the door, or in this case, airplane, for me to bring a message of thanks to the center who provided needed wisdom, encouragement, and hope to our tired family nearly two decades prior. On the flip side, it reminded me that my sister is still missing and her case is one of their 4% of unsolved cases.

I hoped to meet the Seemans, who founded the center but was unable to because the same storm that made my arrival tardy, prevented them from even making it to Texas. I hoped to see Rick again, but this wasn't possible. I did meet some amazing new people. The new staff at the center, the board of directors, and some precious families of the missing. As I reflect on the twenty year anniversary of my sister's disappearance and pray we know one day where she is. I thank God for the blessing this center was because Rick's know-how combined with local determination, we know everything that could of been done to find Heidi, was done.

TOP's Tuesday is a day specifically dedicated to Heidi...this week I dedicate it to both Heidi's - Heidi Seeman and Heidi Allen. I thank God for Auntie M finding this center through her Google search in 94' and for God reconnecting us in 2013 when Crystal Googled for birthday celebration ideas for their Heidi. You never know how today's event, friend, or memory might be next year's hope. A HOPE to Help Other People Evolve.

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Has something in your past helped you years later? How?