Our New "Post"

Well, it's been almost a month since I posted, and I'm happy to be back!  We didn't have Internet until Justin came over and helped Mark solve the problems with it in this building.  Thank you, Justin!
We are living here at Mark's new work in Idaho Falls, living on-site in the assisted living facility that he manages.  It's familiar territory, since Mark was around when it opened its doors, years ago.  We all remember how it was back then:  this was the cream of the crop, with a loving spirit and all the comforts of a fine home.  Since it was sold, however, it has experienced some poor management or owners, or something!  The building is still great, the residents and many of the staff are friendly and kind, and the food is fantastic.
What needs to be fixed or improved?  The training of staff, the documentation, the decor, a bunch of things like the sound system, the landscaping and upkeep of grounds,, the seating, reducing unneeded expenses, the activities department, the main nurse (a good, temporary one will, sadly, be done soon), sticking to menus, policies and procedures, and compliance with the state requirements.  Mark has already, after one and a half weeks, made real headway on the state requirements, which have to be completed by August 1st, plus he's addressed numerous issues and made some upgrades here and there.
The lightbulbs that were out have been replaced, he's written policies and directives, had lots of meetings, rearranged some furniture, planted flower (supervised), trained staff and corrected weaknesses and mistakes, and worked with the state and their consultants, besides a million other things.  Mark has met the residents and interacts with them well, and he's just generally good with their families and staff, etc.  It's so rewarding to see him helping this situation.
We love this facility, and we love living here.  We have a great little two-room suite with a large, open living room/half-kitchen (where we have our bed (new bed!) and tv are.  The second room is for computers, crafts, and shelves and storage.  I'll have to post pictures asap, but it's all very pleasant and charming.  We get the morning light through our windows, which are large and low enough to see out easily.  They look out on an undeveloped meadow (not likely to be developed until our economy recovers.
I can go out and participate in activities here, and eat my meals here or ride to Wal Mart (someone gave me a nice electric chair), or stay in, or do something at church or with Melinda.  It's great.  I hope and pray that the owners don't sell it or something like that, because it really feels right to me.  I love helping the residents and seeing things get better for them.  They are genuinely sweet people, from another era.  I love history, so it's great.

I'll write more later, but wanted to update you.  I'm writing our friends we made in Vegas, and I hope they'll come see us some time.  We love them, and we love you - and don't you forget it!
xoxoxo
PS  Phillip's vehicle was hit by an IED again.  All safe, thank Heaven!  They build their vehicles so that the passengers are protected and the vehicle takes the damage, but that's not a guarantee with the right hit.  Please continue to pray for their safety and a swift end to the war, which is so terrible in its consequences.  Pray for our leaders to have wisdom and courage, and for our enemy, that they might stop their hatred and killing and terrorism..
Thank you for all you do.   I know the power of a group of people sincerely praying for a miracle.