Fellow RVICS

This is the "motley crew" we will be working with for the next weeks. We are on the left, then John and Lola from West Virginia, Bob and Vicki from Montana, Earl and Nancy from New Hampshire and Dave and Wanda from Rapid City, S.D. So you see just interacting with our group from such diverse areas of the U.S. is an education in itself. After the picture was taken we attended the "traditional" worship service at the Florida Bible Church. Glad the sign told us the full name of the church because the way some of the group members and church members accent their words it is sometimes hard to get the full name right. Another interesting experience.
I believe all the couples except us are members of a Baptist Church and much to their credit they are very faithful in their Sunday School attendance. The teacher in S.S. was either African American or from another area they called "the Islanders". Don't know really what that means but they use the term often. Will have to show our ignorance and ask! The lesson was from the book of Habakkuk, sound interesting? Well, the way he taught it was so passionate and personal that we really learned a lot and appreciated his teaching skills.
The lead couple, Dave and Wanda the team leaders, had prepared a taco meal for us and after eating each couple told how they had found out about RVICS and then told a little about their families and their "skills" and a praise and a prayer concern. We didn't give a full account of all our family members and what they were doing and what school they attended, etc. like some couples but then they probably had no more then 5 grandchild so could give an account of each one. It was an interesting time and good way to get to understand each one and where their concerns are.
Our schedule is not rigid and extended but the men are expected to work 21 hours a week and the women 12. We are all done by noon on Thursday noon. Friday we try to tour something of interest in the community. Monday nights we are gathering to watch the Truth Project DVD's We have watched 3 of them and were totally engrossed in the lectures but they are so power packed we can see them again and continue with the other 9 or 10. On Tuesday evening we have a social time. Yes, I imagine we will play pegs and jokers again. It is becoming more fun as we learn the rules. Being the only ones who don't know them does not make chances very good for winning the game. On Wednesday night we have Bible Study at the Church.
This church has had RVICS come for close to 25 years and they say they wouldn't have the facilities they have if they didn't have all this volunteer help. It sounds like the women will have some sort of direct work with students and the men will do maintenance or building where needed.
The students range from age 2 through 12th grade. The minister who told us about the history of the school and church couldn't imagine what they did with 2 year olds, neither can I really but they must have some sort of program for them. This school is not for troubled young people like the Ranch near Orlando. The ethnic diversity is something we really enjoy so we look forward to tomorrow.
Our prayers go out to each one of you who read this. Being a part of the volunteer group is being totally immersed in how the Lord is working in each life, how we can give of ourselves to others and enjoying the study, learning and personal piety growth. What a privilege!
Mom and Dad/Wilmer and Marilyn (whatever)