11/01/2025
With Fall in full swing and the holidays well on their way we decided it was time to share this for anyone who might not have heard the news.
Having finished teaching school for the year and desiring something different, Mari was drawn to the idea of opening a vintage inspired greenhouse similar to the one her friend Martha owned. Several months later Martha approached Mari asking if she would be interested in buying her Greenhouse. By fall 2019, things fell into place and Mari finalized the purchase of her friend's business, paving the way for her dream that had been germinating to become reality.
Mari dove headfirst into the planning and ordering of the first shipment of flower plugs. As soon as the plugs were delivered, she got to work planting them.
Meanwhile, that same day, in another corner of the property, her dad got a phone call from a young man inquiring about Mari, asking permission to get to know her better. That evening while plugging away at her new job, Mari's phone rang, that same young man was on the other end asking if she would be interested in the two of them getting to know each other better. Guess you could say it was a "budding relationship" that would soon come into "full bloom" in a very short time.
Mari's first season found herself running the greenhouse solo, all the while dating Titus. He wasted no time to pop the question and they were married October 8th, 2020. Covid did not stand a chance of spoiling their dreams!!!
The following year, 2021 found Titus working side by side with Mari as season prep began. Titus began advertising by placing signs throughout the area. By 2022 signs had popped up everywhere and Mari's Flower Patch became very well known throughout the community and even out of state. Visitors made it a regular stop on their visits to Amish Country.
The fourth season, 2024 was on the horizon with their focus on the upcoming work. But, an interest in missions was spurring in their hearts. Titus and Mary realize that owning and running the greenhouse and pursuing a mission wasn't feasible. Things had to change!
A mission trip that winter of 2024-2025 plunged the desire even deeper into their hearts as they spent time in Mexico. Mari enjoyed watching Titus interact with the boys at the orphanage and how they clung to all the attention they were shown. In her words "It was so special to watch the friendships grow." A piece of their hearts were left there when they came back home.
Fast forward to the season of 2025. Titus and Mari were invited to join the mission team at Shining Light children's home and stay long term. A lot of tying up the loose ends, finding a buyer, and preparing for the next chapter of their lives was bittersweet. They loved seeing all their "friends" that came to the greenhouse, but, the joy of those little faces that were waiting in Tecate, Mexico was pulling their heartstrings as well.
It wasn't long before someone showed interest in purchasing their greenhouse. Soon the process was finalized and the transitioning was being discussed. The new owner, Ina, is a friend of Mari's from grade school. Ina, her husband Benny, and their family built a greenhouse just up the road from Mari's Flower Patch. The excitement of having someone they know taking over is so refreshing for both Titus and Mari.
It was so exciting to hear how God orchestrated all the details as they shared how He clearly opened doors for them every step of the way.
For more info and to receive email updates from the mission you can visit https://www.slchmexico.com/
I know they would appreciate your prayers as they continue to adjust to this new chapter of their lives
This page will continue to be open for posts and any updates we receive from Mexico.
Thank you everyone for your friendship and faithful support at Mari's Flower Patch.
You will be missed!!!
