Transition Time

The time has come for us to move on from Miramar. The Florida Bible church and School treated us lavishly. The lunch on Monday hosted by the Pastors as I said last week. The flowers shown were given to me by the teacher I worked with. Gifts were given by the church to men and women. And the church people were so grateful. What a blessing they were to us and evidently the feeling was mutual. Such a small contribution on our part, we are so thankful we have a part in this ministry.

But like so many things there is a down side! When the kids were getting ready to leave the classroom on Tuesday morning they all had an opportunity to show their feelings for me. The hugs and words were almost more than I could take without crying with them. No, I didn't do amazing things with or for the kids but I did love everyone of them and they need that so much. The sentiments on the cards were precious. And one little girl who's Mom is going through chemo for cancer would not even look at me but cried. The teacher didn't seem to think that her personal situation should have an influence on her school work so didn't mention it to her or take it into consideration. The little girl had not been able to stay with her mother for weeks so she was really hurting. She needed to have someone to share her story with and I was available. Such a small effort but so important to the little girl.

But when they left and I looked at the empty room I felt very sad. I would like to know what each child in that room does in life, I would like to know how they do in school, etc. but I may not have an opportunity to know that. So we move on and pray for what we left behind.

I mentioned to some of you that we would be closer to Orlando after the move. Well that is true but we are farther north than that. We are at Keystone Heights at Park in the Palms retirement village. So the next 4 weeks we will be working in the midst of retired people. A long way from 1st grade for me. The women will be doing cleaning in the rooms and laundry room, etc. May have an opportunity to work in the kitchen some as well. The men will be putting up dry wall in some refurbished apartments and then doing to walls what needs to be done such as mudding, sanding, painting, etc. We will have a better idea after tomorrow just how this will all wash out. Sounds like we will be given a noon lunch each day in the dining room. That sounds like a good perk.

Keystone Heights is a small town that is a huge contrast from Miramar. There is a WalMart 14 miles from here so that makes it feel like home, just kidding but we do appreciate them when the local stores are sparsely stocked and not very appealing. There is an abundance of fast food places close and we can even walk to the McDonald's so that is good. It looks like we will like it here and know the work will be helping the people.

An added blessing is always to be able to be a part of the local church. The church at the Park is closely connected with the Brethren community. They are having their Conference weeks now so have activities all week. Last night a quartet from N. Carolina sang. They were so good. At the end they each related a personal story and then each sang a song that had been brought to their mind as they thought about the story. That was powerful. This week the speaker will be talking on Hebrews. If this morning was any indication of how he presents the message the week will be very good. Hebrews is not often preached on but packs a powerful punch that we are interested in.

With all the pictures we take and improve you would think I would send a different and better picture. I will later but it is so hard to get on the internet here that when another team member put a booster on the internet signal and I suddenly got on the internet I did not want fiddle with pictures and let the internet slip away again. The picture is from the back window of our RV. The trees are "dripping" with moss, there is a pond of water in the background and the sun is just coming up - at least then we know one direction! We park so many different places and directions that to know directions is a rare moment. It is a pretty sight and will improve on the picture of it later.

Who could resist this little rocker? Now if I could only remember if she said a few days ago that she has long hair and small buns or short hair and big buns or neither of the above. Never mind the dimensions she is still a sweetie who writes comments but probably not as docile as she looks here. Can't see if her arms are covered with rash so that isn't a clue, right?

Enough already. Hope you are all well, we are enjoying the work and the weather.

Until later,

Dad and Mom/Grandpa and Grandma/ Marilyn and Wilmer - whatever.