Where should we/could we go to “Shelter-in-place”?
We contacted Alan and Karen Johnson (cousin) to see if we could come and spend some time with them in Cochise, AZ. We had planned a visit, but now we needed a place to stay for a while! They said “of course, come on over!” Check out their website www.chapelranch.org
It was a beautiful drive from Texas through New Mexico to Arizona. BIG SKY COUNTRY! The Buttercups were in full bloom with the backdrop of the blue sky and the mountains we were blessed with a lot of “eye candy”!
We passed the “worlds largest” road runner as we traveled through New Mexico (Las Cruces). The one at Fort Stockton (2nd largest) was 22 feet long, this one, made out of recycled junk, measures over 20 feet tall and 40 feet long! Impressive
We made it to Chapel Ranch, AZ! This is a beautiful setting! Alan and Karen have purchased 40 acres at the base of the Cochise Stronghold (mountains in the background). The stronghold is a National Park with camping grounds and many hiking trails. It was great to see what they have been creating and learn their heart to provide a place of spiritual retreat for others!
So many roses! Karen has a real gift for propagating roses! She has taken cuttings from a few rose bushes and has planted a huge rose garden with 1,500 plus roses! When these are all mature and blooming can you imagine the beauty and the fragrance that will be here in the desert? There are walking paths, benches, and an orchard sitting in front of these spectacular peaks!
Since we offered to help work in someway – Alan introduced us to this … a “Hula Hoe”! It slices through the dirt just below the surface and cuts the roots of weeds – either pulling or pushing the blade.
We became professional ho-ers in a matter of hours! After several days, we completed the entire rose garden before we left Alan and Karen’s place!
Alan is working to put in a large Koi pond with rocks. plants, and streams just off the front deck of the house. He’s got all the pumps, filters, and the plumbing completed and is real close to laying the rubber liner. We definitely want to return to see this and the rose garden!
Alan took us out to where they have a vision for a future Chapel building. The setting here will be amazing! Check out how Ginger is helping by tearing down the yucca. She really was vicious with these plants – they don’t have a chance!
The face of Jesus
One day while sitting on the front porch, Alan asked if we “could see it?” After looking around, he pointed out the “face of Jesus” in the mountain rocks looking over the ranch. We did see it! The unique thing about it is that it is only visible certain times of the day with everything “just right”. The face is made up of shadows, boulders, outcroppings of trees, and sunshine. Very Cool!
We know that God will use this place to minister to so many souls. We said good-bye, but we plan on being back to help another day. Thanks Alan and Karen for sharing your ranch with us, giving us a safe place to be during these crazy days, and for sharing your vision to encourage others in God’s Kingdom! We leave refreshed and spiritually encouraged!