Christmas Time Again!

Christmas time again! Yikes I’m not ready. Anessa is clamoring for a letter to insert into the blog she created while murmuring “usually you’re more organized!” Yet the Marinucci’s have managed yet another move over the holidays! So, I’m squeezing in a quick update now…all be it late.

As you’ll recall, the end of the first year of Ger’s accident 5 years ago, while he was still in the hospital in Bakersfield, we moved out to the country in Aguanga the day after Christmas. That move was a blur to my memory. I recall others packing us up and tons of people assisting, as I was absorbed in Ger’s medical care. His release was eminent and he was having terrible orientation problems.
We knew something had to be done when on a short term visit home we had the episode of him escaping the house at 2:00 a.m and wandering on the busy road to be stopped by the police. At that point he didn’t recall his name let alone his address. My brother-in-law purchased the Aguanga property and we lived there rent-free for those years allowing me to stay home. It was unfamiliar territory, both physically and emotionally. I knew the fenced in yard would help but the anticipation of what life was going to be still was uncertain. Thus began a “good run” in the country.

There we witnessed with amazement Ger’s slow but steady improvement. The girls had chickens, dogs, rabbits, horses and a cat that looked like a cougar and hunted like one too. They had room to roam, a small pool, the lake, a neighbors’ horse arena, good neighbors and a great 4H program. We were settled, content and blessed!

However, with the recent financial situation, my brother-in-law, being in the mortgage business, could no longer afford to have a “non-paying” customer. This precipitated our move back into town. I began looking for rentals and determined in this market, rentals where just as high or higher than a mortgage. Mom graciously stepped in and agreed to help. At first we were looking to purchase a home where we could reside together. Then we found this home in the Vintage Hills Tract right around the corner from mom. She decided to stay in her own home for now, with the possibility of moving in later when she is ready. It is far beyond what I could think or ask! My mom is awesome and had generously stepped in when needed. When so many are suffering, we who have nothing to offer are blessed abundantly! God’s economy is so unique. Once again with lots of help from loving friends and family we moved again over the holidays. We are all settled in now and turning our attention to celebrating our Lord’s incarnation.

Earnestly praying for awhile for the “next step” for Gerry this move seems to be an answer to prayer. Ger has progressed to the point where safely he can safely stay home alone, he enjoys watching TV (too much) but resists our outings of shopping and school activities. For being a “social guy” the country was becoming very isolating. Yet any effort to involve him was a trip down the hill and time away from schooling—a tug for me between the “you know the good to do, do it” dilemma. Now, there is a retirement center behind our home and Ger says “I’m gonna find me a lonely old man who likes to play chess!” My assignment after Christmas is to see what opportunities God opens up for him. The Department of Rehab closed the door on possible “re-employment” but certainly, there is something meaningful for him. Please pray! There is a trolley that goes about town and his orientation has improved such that I think he can ride it to the library, mall, Barnes and Nobel, etc. He enjoys chatting with strangers. May God use this desire for His glory.

Anessa age 17, is counting down to her high school graduation in June, YIKES! All home educating mothers gulp “but I didn’t get to….” Having successfully completed two Junior College courses, she is wondering when the “light Senior year load” kicks in. She is hoping to take a photography class this Spring, but has a very late registration date and many of the classes are already full. A responsible and capable girl, she is a huge help to me, often running errands, managing the house and helpful in so many ways. She is currently the 4H President and has done a wonderful job of organizing and training up a much younger club. She is currently exploring a mission opportunity to the Chez Republic this summer. Uncertain of her future plans, but we have learned to live with uncertainty only to gaze in amazement how God opens doors.


Polina age 15, had to give up her beloved Buddy in this move. While difficult, he went back to the 4H horse leader and she can go and ride him at her ranch. She is my horse girl and amazes me with the facts she knows. She is the reporter for the 4H group and for only speaking English for a few years has done a remarkable job submitting articles into the local paper; ala her Auntie Carla. Academically, she is doing double duty. She is a freshman in high school so I require all of those subjects such as Biology, yet I don’t want her to miss out on the fun co-op clubs so she also participates in the Science Club studying Flying Creatures and Sea Creatures. She is the type that can easily handle the challenge.

Both she and Tanya participate in Keepers Club- like a Girl Scouts group, where they do craft-type projects and earn badges. Polina’s artistic abilities are evident as she enjoys the crafts of Keepers.


Tataina, soon to be 13, will make 3 teen girls under one roof! Her job in 4H is Communications Officer which appeared so charming to her when her sisters had the position—they got to chat on the telephone to all the club members reminding them of meetings, etc. Now that the club has tripled in size and it takes her hours to get through the list, she is not so enamored with the job. She is my little baker and cleaner, ala her Auntie Gina. You will find her rewriting recipes and often asking to bake some goodie.
Tanya is hoping to meet and befriend some of the children she sees playing on the block.

We have been fellowshipping at Providence OPC in Temecula, now literally a mile away. Personally, this has been a good year of growth; basking in good preaching, enjoying fellowship and friends for which I am most grateful. The transition in churches is not without heartache, yet I’m still very close to many at Grace. Being so close to church, I’m hoping to have opportunity to extend fellowship. I will be working a few hours a week helping at the Church, which will help me make the mortgage payment while allowing me to continue to stay home and educate the girls.

Okay Anessa, I’ve finished! Reflecting on this past year and our blessings reorients me to celebrate afresh what a Great God we have who would take on humanity for my sake!