Ken Snell from the North Atlanta Church of Christ brought Dr. Chi Ekwenye up from Atlanta on Thursday the 22nd. We had a hard time getting her to come into “The Cafe” at Clear Creek Church of Christ. She wanted to go look at the library as soon as she got to the site.
Joanne and Amy Ewing prepared a great spread for a short reception. We visited with Geoff Giseman from Shelbyville. He drove over with two new friends of ours: Mary Ellen and Buddy Koonce. Mary Ellen coordinated the collection of 13000 diapers for the ophanage. The church van was loaded down and now the container is with the diapers. It was enjoyable to see them.
We were so touched to see Mary Lillian and Frank Thomason. They came up from Dalton to meet Chi and see the library.
Kim and Will Honeycut, along with the awesome threesome: Simeon, Eli and Jessie, planned their return from vaction to be at the reception and open house. They have the ”World Next Door” free trade store downtown on Market Steet in Chattanooga. The Honeycuts also team teach a resource position at Calvin Donaldson School. They have been a trendous encouragement throughout this whole project. It was a joy to see such fantastic folks as the Honeycuts and Chi meet and visit.
Taylor Bowling became our official door greeter for the evening. Taylor’s parents, Laura and Jason, made so many parts of the library come together. Taylor’s sister Caroline was also very cute while Chi read to her in the library.
It was nice to see Carol Golden. She and Bobby have been a great encouragement. From cold beverages, fudge sundaes, helping with the shipping and literally powering the project with a borrowed generator; the Goldens have stepped in and kept us going.
Chi was very touched by Melinda Grohman and the Signal Mountain String Ensemble providing music for our reception. I was personally moved by all the Ensemble members who came to be apart of the reception.
It was good to see Buddy and Mackie Parks, Glenna Johnson, Exia Lane, Blayne and Laura Harbin, Sharon Sanders and Carol Fox. Exia was so kind to bring her bananna bread and pumpkin bread.
We were also blessed by Joanne’s aunt, Joanne Kerley. She brightens everywhere she is. I was glad she got to hear an meet Chi.
Steve and Marian May were also in the house for the reception. I appreciate them taking the time to be there, see the library and help out so much with the shipping.
Mary Grace introduced Chi to the group. Chi spoke with and about Mary Grace for several minutes. That was a highlight. Dr. Ekwenye talked about her work, the state of need in Nigeria and the children of Susanna Homes.
After Chi finished, we had a great ceremony naming the library after our good friend Greg Ewing. The library is now the Greg Raymond Ewing Library!
The second highlight was watching Chi get to see the library. Ken Snell prayed for the library. Then, Mary Grace took Chi through for the first time. Let’s just say we were late for dinner reservations later that night because of how long Chi wanted to soak up the library. It was awesome. It made all the long, hot days in August worth it.
