The winding road twists through shades of oak, pecan, and cedar elm. It follows the contour of the land down to a small grass meadow just before crossing a flowing creek, only to provide an identical attractive appeal on the other side. Dispersed in all this lovely scenery are homes built of wood siding, brick, and stone.

When driving into a neighborhood for the first time, our initial impression is based on its visual appearance. Realtors call this curb appeal. Everyone visiting Ruby Dell Lane freely admits how beautiful and unique our little neighborhood is to them. I can tell you with joy, its beauty transcends mere physical appearance.

My name is Dana Strickland. My wife Retha and I are one of Homer and Ruby’s neighbors here in Waco, Texas living on Ruby Dell Lane. Homer asked if I would write a letter describing our neighborhood. He usually has a scripture that his emails are centered around. I too have one in mind that fits well with the attitude here.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5 22-23

Most of us have heard of “Planned Communities”. These are developments that are designed by architects, engineers, and of course, lawyers. I have no doubt there are reams of paper to be read and signed by anyone wanting to live in one of these “Planned Communities.”

The neighborhood we live in was planned as well, but not by men with master degrees in architectural design or legal ease, its plan was birthed in the heart of God. Homer will tell you he was just driving to town and saw a man putting out a for sale sign, when the Spirit of God encouraged him to act quickly and he could have it. The Lord provided a way. With hard work from Homer, his sons, and others, it was established. But there is one thing that seems to be missing. Where are the legal documents to sign informing you of all the rules you must follow? There are none. Thankfully, they heard the Lord in establishing the spirit of the neighborhood as well.

Retha and I own a bed and breakfast here on Ruby Dell Lane. Guests that stay with us recognize something is different here. Many have said they felt a peace when they turned onto our lane. I am sure the visual appearance has something to do with that. I also know it is the Spirit of God making an appearance as well. I have told them “This is the closest thing to a commune I would ever be a part of”.
We tell a funny story about a couple that lived here with their ninety-year old mother. Their mother was observing borrowing taking place from one house to another - sometimes when the lender was not at home. She said to her son-in-law “Conrad, there is something strange going on around here”. He asked what it was and she described what she saw. He told her, “They are into sharing here mother”. Her reply was “I am into sharing too, but not my stuff”

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Act 4-32

I do not know if our little neighborhood has reached this level of devotion, but it is not far from it. There is a genuine companionship in the hearts of our neighbors toward one another and it shines to most that see it.

Retha and I consider ourselves very blessed to have the opportunity to live in such a place like this. We both know that it was first in the heart of God that we open this bed and breakfast, just as Ruby Dell Lane was created.

Homer, Ruby, Retha, our neighbors, and I want to extend an invitation to you. If you need a place of rest, come and stay with us. We want to provide for you a comfortable room, a wonderful breakfast, and the encouragement in the Lord you need. You would be blessed by our neighbors as well.

For a tour go to http://whiterockcreek.com and click on “Our Neighborhood”. You can contact us by email at dstrickland@hot.rr.com or call 1-866-333-7625.

www.samaritanfoundation.org
homer@samaritanfoundation.org