05/31/2026
A few weeks ago, I shared that Red Bird was exploring the possibility of purchasing a building in town that had been placed on the market, and I asked for your support in helping make that dream a reality.
God moved in the most amazing way, and I want to share what He did and where we are now.
For more than a year, I've known that Red Bird would eventually need more space. As we've grown, I've dreamed of having a space where Red Bird could become everything God told me it would be. A place where families linger a little longer, friends gather around a table, students study after school, community groups meet, memories are made for generations to come, and yes, a place where we could make more ice cream and continue growing.
During that time, I looked at properties outside of New Waverly and explored several possibilities. Every time I thought I had found the answer, something just didn't feel right. The numbers didn't work, the location wasn't quite right, or I simply didn't have peace about moving forward.
And quite honestly, I wanted Red Bird to stay in New Waverly.
Then I learned that Mrs. Powers was planning to close the auto parts store. That news hit me hard.
Mrs. Powers and her late husband are deeply rooted in New Waverly and have been such an important part of this community for generations. Over the years, I've come to cherish the friendship we've formed with her family, along with her well-known love for a good milkshake.
When I heard the news, my first thought wasn't about Red Bird at all. It was, "Who is going to take over that building?" I hoped it wouldn't become a big box store, a gas station, or something that would erase the history and memories held within those walls.
That building has been part of New Waverly for over 100 years. It represents so much more than brick and mortar. It holds generations of stories, relationships, and memories.
Then another thought crossed my mind.
What if Red Bird was in that building?
What if this was the answer to prayers I had been praying for?
What if God had been preparing this space while I was busy looking everywhere else?
The more I thought about it, the more I couldn't get the idea out of my head.
The problem wasn't only that I couldn't afford it. The truth is, I wasn't passionate about owning a piece of commercial real estate. There are so many things happening with Red Bird right now that the thought of purchasing a building, managing renovations, and taking on property ownership felt overwhelming.
However, when I learned there was another buyer interested, I suddenly felt like I had missed my opportunity.
I began exploring every possible option and trying to figure out how to make it work. I even asked family, friends, and you all to help make the purchase possible.
The response was overwhelming. So many of you reached out with encouragement, prayers, ideas, and offers to help. I will never forget that.
Then God stepped in.
The day after my post, a friend from our Bible study group reached out and asked if she and her husband could meet with me. At the time, I had no idea that conversation would change everything.
When we sat down together, they shared something I never saw coming.
They were the potential buyers. In fact, they had submitted an offer on the building the day before.
And not only were they interested in purchasing the building, they wanted Red Bird Creamery to be part of its future.
Their vision is to restore the building with the look and feel of the original mercantile store. It was more than I ever could have hoped for. They asked me to help design the space and share the vision for what it could become.
And it gets even better. Rosey Opals Collective Market will also be expanding into the building alongside Red Bird. The space is simply too large for us alone, and our partnership with Rosey Opals has been such a blessing that I couldn't imagine being there without them. They will continue operating from their current location while also expanding into the new building with additional vendors and opportunities.
I left that meeting in complete awe of what God had done.
The very thing I had been trying so hard to figure out was being worked out in a way I never could have imagined.
Looking back now, I can see that while I was busy trying to solve the problem, God was already putting the right people, the right timing, and the right plan into place.
Today, the new buyers are under contract to purchase the building, and for the first time, I can finally share the story God has been writing behind the scenes.
Assuming all goes as planned, they are scheduled to close in early July, followed by several months of renovations before we begin the process of moving in.
We are hopeful that after renovations are complete, this beautiful building will become the future home of Red Bird Creamery and an expanded home for Rosey Opals as well.
There is still much work ahead. There will be renovations, equipment, furnishings, and plenty of decisions to make before opening day arrives.
Several of you have continued to ask how you can help. The answer is that there will absolutely be opportunities to be part of bringing this vision to life. There are still many details to work through, but if you want to help and be part of the journey God has called us to, I am confident there will be ways to do that.
For now, I simply want to say thank you.
Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Thank you for believing in Red Bird.
And thank You, God, for a plan that was far better than my own.
“Now to Him who is able to do FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY, BEYOND ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, according to the power that works within us." Ephesians 3:20