First Impressions

How often has your first impression been wrong? or right? It is often better to wait a bit before getting all bent out of shape because of a first impression. Such was the case with us when we drove onto the New Life Ranch grounds last Friday. We drove the 150 miles from Branson, Missouri to get to the Ranch. It had rained several inches Thursday night and the weather was misty and drizzly the whole distance to the Ranch in Colcord, Oklahoma. But we were looking forward to again becoming RVICSers after a leisurely week in Branson. There were 5 RV's already hooked up when we got here and the plan was for us to back into a spot between 2 of those big rigs. The spot was narrow and close quarters isn't necessarily our idea of a good spot even though Dad is a good backer. When both rigs would put their slides out we probably would have been able to pass food back and forth without getting out of the RVs. The Ranch had finished 2 new spots around the back of the lot so we were told if we could ride around the back of the rigs we could drive into a new spot. Only trouble was, with all the rain ALL ground was like a sink hole. But with the pickup in 4 wheel drive and low gear we did manage to make it up on the pad, however, not without making a mess of the grassy and gravel approach - thus the picture. The picture of the tires is just to prove just how deep we had to go to get up on a gravel lot. Needless to say we were not impressed with the place because it seemed they had not prepared well for volunteers. We joking say " is this what they say is suffering for the Lord?" No, I don't think that explains it at all, the sky had just broken loose with buckets of water after a summer of above average rainfall and that made conditions poor. In addition, a creek was just a little distance behind the RV and it was swollen out of its banks and was rushing over some little falls so that it made a tremendous noise. Why are we here?

The next day the sun shone and everything looked better. This is a camp something like Inspiration Hills but on a much bigger scale. Just this summer alone they had various camps with 1800 kids attending. They also have retreats and seminars and other events for adults. The camp covers 1000 acres of mostly rocky ground and has up to 80 employees at various busy times. They have 40 horses, many water activities and various other forms of entertainment. They can sleep 400 campers in bunks. Many of the cottages with bunks are in good condition and well equipped. The water right now has gone down to within its banks but no one is allowed in the water because of its filthy condition which comes with such a big rainfall.

It is always interesting to find out what we will be doing at a new project. As is often the case the men will be working on remodeling a cabin which will be used for a B & B for visiting pastors. If all 6 of the men work in a room or two they could get in the way of each other - than there is a building which is under construction which they can help with. Our project leader said the women had luxurious jobs which include office work, kitchen work and some sewing. Sure beats steaming wall paper off a ceiling. I had just purchased a few tools for more physical tasks and now I can trade them in for office equipment. Good trade.

There are 5 couples here now but another couple will come the end of the week. With 12 people we can get a lot done. We were with them all last night and, yes, Dad is still the oldest man in the lot. But not by much. I would still pit his quality and quantity of labor against anyone of them. Just hope he doesn't have to pull any more wainscoting off a ceiling in a 4 foot crawl space. We are so versatile, right?

We attended worship service and Sunday School at the Fellowship Bible Church in Siloam Springs and then we all ate at a Mexican restaurant. Good fellowship! This picture shows the creek just a little way up from the area of the dock, etc. The water was still flowing fast but in its bank. The natural rock of this area makes for some pretty pictures. We will have to do more exploring because there are many hiking trails. The weather here is way below normal in temp and will continue throughout this week but then it should be warmer. Normal is 70 for a high but it must be close to 20 degrees below that. Our little electric heaters have been going full blast for days as it was cool in Branson as well.

So first impressions aren't necessarily how things are. We are anticipating a good, purposeful experience here and pray we can contribute to the ministry of New Life Ranch.

Pray for you all as you are scattered geographically but hopefully not in spirit. Love you and hope to hear from you soon.

Mom and Dad/Marilyn and Wilmer