We've Come A Long Way, Baby!

Christmas 2010 has come and gone but the impact on our spiritual lives will remain. From watching little tikes innocently singing about the birth of Jesus, to enjoying choirs singing praises of/to the Christ Child, to partaking of communion in a candlelight sanctuary we were truly blessed. And, of course, on the lighter side, (no pun intended)visiting with family, sharing presents, feasting on a bountiful supply of food, reveling in each bite of sugar laden piece of candy, and then dumbly wondering how we are going to take off the extra pound/s gained. The Christmas Season is a blessed time and for those we didn't get to interact with personally we pray you had a great time of worshipping, sharing and fun. We extend our wishes for a year of peace and happiness - 2011.

Since our home was sold in Dec. we have been living in the Holiday Inn in Sioux Center and I must say our siblings and kids really fed us well while homeless. The motel supplies a good breakfast but the siblings and family really spoiled us with terrific home made meals. Thanks each one of you for being so generous and kind!

The pictures shown here were taken very near to the first Christmas we were married. Hopefully you can see now why I entitled this blog what I did. Several things stand out to me. No, the picture of us is not 400 mega pixels like we take now days. I am just glad it turned out as good as it did with the little box camera and attached flash. I am not exactly liking the looks of us or me in particular in the picture. Do people improve in time? The baby looks as good as always, no improving on perfection, right Linda? The women wore dresses or in my case a jumper that I wore the tar out of because there were not too many other dresses hanging in the closet to wear. I must mention the blouse I am wearing, how could we be so steeped in conservatism and wear a blouse that was no less see Thu than a sheer curtain. Go figure. Hand crocheted doilies for sofa arm and back - and every available table top. Drapes were of the huge flower type. Usually the wall paper vied for the same attention with its big floral design. And usually the rooms were rather small so we could have had a closed in feeling. Funny, we didn't feel that at the time. But individual creativity was not practiced, we mostly did what the rest were doing. Came across a saying the other day which I shared before which says," they laugh at me because I'm different, I laugh at them because they are all the same." Don't know if it fits but we all get that feeling at one time or another. Didn't worry about that in the '50's because we all conformed pretty much.

The other picture is, again, Linda, with her great grandma Sandbulte. She was a very interesting person with many quick comments or come backs and she always loved a good time. Did that trait carry forward to anyone you know? Dad remembers one comment she always said was, "moost ales ope aten" (our poor dutch is easily seen in how we spelled those words). Anyway, it meant "must eat it all" or a more literal translation "must all up eat.". That probably shows because she did what she said and it probably carried through to us and you kids when you were told to eat all that was on your plate. I came by that practice honestly - honest! She and my grandma Kuyper lived across the road from each other and did a lot of visiting together and would have tea together. Tea time came at 2:30, between dinner at 12 and coffee time at 4:oo. And those "breaks" would not be observed without a cookie or rusk with cheese. Olden days - weird, fun, interesting, simple, complicated, hard work, etc. Good times!

Life is so different now. Now in a few days we will take off in the Montana for family in Colorado for a few days and for work in Arizona for 3 months. Then we will spend time with California kids and a couple of months in places we haven't decided on yet and then back to Sioux Center for activities we want to take part in in June and spend time with the families around Sioux Center. Since we sold our home we plan to RV full time for awhile before we settle down. No one could have convinced us at that Christmas in 1954 that we would be living like this or that we would even have wanted to live like this. Now we find it exciting and the work fulfilling and even strengthening to our physical well-being.

Hope this finds each of you well and enjoying a good life. If anyone is in the Mesa, AZ area in Jan. or Feb. give us a call. Our phone number is 712-441-4370 and our mail address is a forwarding address _ 3700 S. Westport Ave. #97, Sioux Falls, SD 57106. All mail sent to that address will get to us no matter where we are.

Love you all, Dad and Mom/Wilmer and Marilyn

I could never write a book because I would ramble on for 1000 pages.

Humor and hard work!

A lot has happened since the last blog. We did take a leisurely time getting home and that was a good processing time for us. But when we got home we hit the road running because we had just 2 1/2 weeks to get the house empty. It helped a lot that I had worked on it last summer but still it is daunting to think that every last little dinky thing has to find a new home. Our last trip to Good Will we had to take the little trailer because the Trail Blazer couldn't hold it all. I must say I am a little embarrassed by how much stuff we still have stored. We were able to do most of the work ourselves except for a couple of hours on two occasions when Dordt guys came to help us with the heavy stuff. And the house would not have been left in such an immaculate condition if Kim hadn't come to give the final "mopping" to everything. Thanks so much Kim!

I have said before that "revisiting stuff" is cathartic and when I say that most people look at me as if I came from a different planet but I hold to my philosophy because it is true for us. The hat Dad is wearing was bought years ago when we went to Producers meetings. We were to the third annual meeting of the year and one of the extra curricular activities was to go to Sheplers western wear store. Dad bought this hat but never wore it. This hat made the move from the Orange City place and every move since. Yes, it is in storage!!!!! So I guess to justify the move to the storage garage he wore it briefly while packing things up. Interesting to me is the fact that it is fairly easy to dispose of big items without much emotion involved but it is harder for us to get rid of smaller seemingly insignificant items like college papers, seminary books, small family treasures, etc. I have a SMALL doll that is half the size of a match box. I remember making clothes for that doll and treasured/treasure it and have kept it. (my fingers would not cooperate with me to make such small stuff now) The brown wooden doll bed that was home made is rustic to say the least. I don't remember if it was made in my life time or before that but it carries a lot of memories with it. So when we finally do make the final clearing of stuff I hope we can be with that to tell the story of why we kept the items. Dad has similar items like the combine shaft that displays revolutions per minute. Probably not something many would even know existed, like me, but it played a new and important function way back when. I find such processing and sharing intriguing. So the hat does bring back an era in our life that was good and we recall some details about it. So on the 4th of December, 2010, we moved out of the house and into the Holiday Express here in Sioux Center. Henry, the manager, did give us a great reduction or we would not be in this place but it is so nice I think we could get use to it even tho it has its limitations with cooking being one of them. I should have more siblings because we have been to each of their houses for a meal. I know you will find this just exactly like us but last night we were wondering where to go to eat and I looked thru the Shopper and saw Rob Schelling was having an open house for his retirement. We weighed the idea of whether we would be classified as one of his customers and decided we fit the bill so we helped him celebrate his retirement with good food at the Golf club right here. Have to be creative with such stuff and the picture shows the creativity of trying to fix meals here even tho I have to resort to using the bathroom counter to get the food ready. It works. Remember that little fondue pot we took on many vacations and also used for fondue years and years ago? Well that is the pot I use here and it still fits the bill. Dad keeps saying he feels the work with RVICS has strengthened him so he was more able to do all the lifting, etc. he did with the moving. I agree.

He now has the little trailer packed to go to California (some day). Jason is going to help us with the transportation of the trailer that has all the items that need to go to California kids but all the details are not exactly worked out yet.

We plan to leave right after his doctors appointment on the 29th. Would appreciate your prayers for good road conditions at that time.

Hope this finds you busy with the holiday rush but also mindful of the tremendous gift of salvation given in the person of a baby laying in a manger.

Love, Mom and Dad

The new address we have now is just a mail forwarding address. This forwarding service will send our mail to wherever we are (we will supply them with that information) because we do not have a permanent home or home address at this time. We will get your mail if it is sent to Wilmer or Marilyn Rensink, 3700 S Westport Ave. #97, Sioux Falls, SD 57106. This makes us officially SD residents at this time.

Change of Plans

Yes, we have been in a state of transition the last few days but more on that later. The Conference Center we worked at was a beautiful place. It serves as a retreat center or conference center where people come in for a few days or a weekend and then leave. This weekend they had 4 groups coming so many things had to be ready for such a large group of people. The picture shows the "parking lot" for the RVICS. We were the last ones that came so it took some expert backing up to fit our RV between the trees and other RV's. Good thing such backing was with the slides in or we couldn't have made it. Dad really showed his backing skills, he had a lot of experience as a farmer, and didn't have to adjust his course once much to the surprise of all the other couples who were watching. Nothing like full-time RVers watching to make one feel a little hesitant but he did it.

This is what we saw every time we sat by our table. First thing in the morning the warmth of the water would steam because of the coolness of the air and that really made a beautiful sight. The lake was just the right size to walk around and I did that every day. There were benches at strategic places so I could sit a spell and just meditate. What a great place. The setting alone would have made for a good retreat place but in addition to that there were no rustic cabins here but motel like rooms with all having a view of this lake from their patio.

Having that many people results in a humongous amount of bedding and towels. This week was the time to do blankets and pillows as well and they only used a little larger than regular size washers and dryers so it took a lot of time. This picture shows a vary small fraction of the wash two of us RVICS did. Most of our daughters would say I have a certain way of doing most everything but I did have to fold these in a certain way, they fit on the shelves better that way. Now flat sheets and blankets are okay but those fitted ones were the pits. So after a little talk Linda decided she would rather stick with fitted and me with flat. No major deal but why should we learn two different directions in one week? After all, we are oldsters, right? So, yes, girls I did have to relearn how to fold towels. I know to most of you this talk about folding towels is rather mundane but for 3 hours every day all week it helps to have a system. The other 2 RVICS women did windows and mirrors in the rooms, I think Linda and I got the better deal. Only occasionally did we have time for some sudoku in between loads.

The work that Dad worked on the whole time was building a new stage in the Conference Center. The whole structure underneath was made of steel. You can see how (Rensink) strong it is going to be. After they had the below the platforn almost done it looked like they could use it for a shelter from most every kind of calamity of man or weather.

So on the day we were to head down to LA we had a phone call that someone was interested in our house. But since such things can take some time we left for LA the following day. Then after a few calls for details of the house we got the call on Wednesday, the 3rd day of our project, that the sale was final. WOW! It was so neat, the whole team knew about the possibility and we were enjoying a social time when the call came. They all cheered and thanked God for the direction we were given with the sale. We worked Thurs. and began making our way to Sioux Center Friday at 8:00 a.m. after the team of RVICS circled up for prayer. We are not driving until we drop but making about 300 miles at the most each day. We decided to be in Branson, MO over the weekend so we can attend a church that we are familiar with just outside Branson. Then 200 miles Sunday afternoon and home on Monday, if all goes well. I guess when we get home we will hit the road running but we needed these days to process all that had/would happen and how we can make this transition an enjoyable time when we plan well. We are so happy with who bought the house. We could not think of anyone we would rather have it and that is a good feeling as well. Many people have asked us what we are going to live in when we get out of the house on Dec. 4. We have been exploring our options for several months and do not have a definite answer but we believe the answer will be made clear to us when it is necessary and we are at peace with that. We wait with anticipation what the Lord has in store for us in the months and years ahead. Our path in life is unique but we find much fulfillment in doing RVICS work. So for now we anticipate living in an RV and doing a lot of traveling - until we are called to do something else God is good.

( I must share the good news of Cindy's latest blood tests, they are the best they have been in 5 years. Tears of joy. Praise the Lord)

Love you all, Mom and Dad Marilyn/Wilmer

Arkansas Wrap-up

Our means of communication may have been rather poor at the Glenhaven Ranch but our transportation was second to none, don't you agree? The women had access to this cart and because the Ranch was built on several ground levels we appreciated not having to walk up and down. Actually, I thought walking up the hill to make a phone call was about as much exercise as I wanted to give for such activities. But I'll have to admit that the view from the "phone booth" was pretty good.

Laurie and I were assigned to paint the pump house as I related in a previous blog. The house had been sheet rocked with untreated screws or something like that. Well, the screws were rusting the sheet rock. In trying to "fix" the problem we were to paint the walls being sure the screws were well covered. As you can see the detail work finally ended with us painting with water color brushes or something equally small. It was a little tedious so we hope it takes care of the problem.

This is Scott, he was our Ranch supervisor. He is maintenance or operations manager of the Ranch. Many of the staff have many jobs, each one is asked to fill in for various jobs and some have been doing those jobs for years now. The staff are more like a family with each pitching in when necessary. Scott also led the worship at Tues. night chapel. His wife is the principal and teacher of the school and they were house parents a few years back. Yes he is Hawaiian and grew up there but answered his call to ministry to come to Glenhaven. He and his wife, as well as all the staff, are dedicated to helping those who have had disappointments in life in the past reclaim their goals and ambitions and with a Christian worldview.

It is hard to pick out a particular staff person but I picked Scouter for a special reason. He has several jobs but the main one as far as I could see was to care for the horses on the Ranch. The horse barn was taken care of by students who have to do a meticulous job with the stalls. They even have a monthly award for the resident who does the best job. I assume there is more to the barn cleaning then giving the kids a job. The level of cleanliness and perfection of there work certainly was teaching a lesson in following orders and doing a job well. And Scouter was such an influence to the kids. Anyway, 90 days before we came to the Ranch they had received a horse from the wilds. They worked with him and especially one girl who worked endlessly with the horse. Now 3 months after getting the horse she not only made the horse tame but also trained him to be shown in competition. She showed him in competition and received an award a couple of weeks ago. The whole Ranch celebrated her accomplishments and hopefully that will be an inspiration to others. Another resident played the violin for us and did a great job.

This is the man that Dad worked with most of the time. They really did jack-of-all-trade jobs but working together they got a lot of odd jobs done. Dave and Wanda, his wife, were our project directors and, as always, did a very good job. We worked with Dave and Wanda, who come from

South Dakota,and the other couple, Bob and Laurie from Ohio, 2 years ago in Florida. That is one of the interesting aspects of RVICS. As we all criss cross this country we do meet up with those we have worked with before. Since we spend much time with the other couples in a group our relationship deepens. (most of the time anyway.)

Tuesday night at Chapel was an emotional time. We had become friends of so many and our feelings were very evident that night. To hear the young people state how much the Ranch had done for them and how they witnessed to their love for God and wanted to follow Him no matter the cost was awesome. The Chapel service was spirit-filled. Praise GOD.

Love to all, Dad and Mom Wilmer and Marilyn

TIME FLIES

Okay, when you see this picture you will think my brain has flown away. When I first looked at the picture I couldn't think of what it was but after a moment's hesitation I finally figured it out. We were sitting at the breakfast table when we saw 2 deer sauntering behind out RV. Quick get the camera. What you see is the result of two moving deer with the photographer trying to catch up by moving at the same time as the deer. Somehow the camera's shutter control didn't work as fast as the moving animal and man. Interesting but wouldn't want to try it with anything with details that you think are important.

Time seems to go faster each month. We work here tomorrow and next week Mon. and Tues. and then head to Louisiana already. As always, looking forward to see what the next camp and the work are all about. Dad continues to do every kind of work that there is here. Seems these camps function well with the rfesidents but extra maintenance just doesn't get done. And as always, we will not get done with the jobs listed. The three of us women are doing sewing and will do that until we leave next week. A resident hall needs drapes so we are trying to sew 10 panels of 54 inch wide drapery material and line them. It took us several hours to get it figured out and start sewing. I enjoy getting back to one of my former loves, feels good. We have no directions and none of us have been sewing for the last 10+ years so the process is interesting.

Last weekend's tour took us to the Clinton Presidential Library. You know by now that we enjoy going to these Presidential libraries even though we don't exactly agree with some of the president's decisions. This one was no different. It is a beautiful building which was hard to catch on picture. The usual displays were of President Clinton's accomplishment and, yes, as we view the displays we do have to admit that every president left some positive mark on society. (altho I have to qualify that with my doubt of the present president) The artifacts always interest us. This picture gives the idea of the elegance in the Clinton White House. Hope you can make out the lavish china, crystal and silver ware. And I guess if one was entertaining important people from all over the world we would expect/want them to do it up well. Wonder, tho, what happens with all the stuff that is replaced when a new president comes in. I guess they don't worry about that, that is only a conservative Dutchman's mindset. I had never known the conflict presidents of earlier times had concerning gifts given to them from other countries. George Washington even wrestled with that. It was decided way back then that because it was poor policy to refuse these gifts and some thought it might influence the president by keeping the gifts that the gifts would be accepted on behalf of the people of the United States. So all those beautiful items we saw really belong to each one of us.

One item that really caught our eye was the piece that the glass blower Chihuli made especially for the Clinton White House. Obviously no picture can do it justice but you can get an idea of the intricacy and beauty of the piece. I wonder how the piece was moved. It now sets on a metal plate built into the floor.

Right next to the Presidential Library was the Heifer International Headquarters. We walked over and were given a tour of the building. It is on the top 10 list of "green" structures in the U.S. Very interesting but since we are going to tour the Heifer Ranch this Friday I will try to tie them together and write more next week.

We are becoming more and more intrigued with the work at this Ranch. Since we eat with the staff and residents at some noon meals we are getting to know them quite well. Love, discipline, love, structure, love and more love day in and day out 24/7. And then educate them as well and these kids won't come exactly current with their grade level. Much of the teaching has to be hands-on because their reading skills and comprehension aren't up to par either. We are so happy that we can play just a minute part in making the ranch have a little more "curb appeal" and working fixtures so to speak. What a privilege we have.

Love you all, Mom/Dad Marilyn/Wilmer Pa/ Ma (for Cindy's benefit or it could be landlords then as well.) Whatever!

How We Live

Yes, this is one activity that still makes us smile and we can still enjoy. We were in Hot Springs last weekend when we found this busy little pancake house. We walked most of the Historical District and found this one to be the busiest so that was all we needed to walk in. Actually we had to wait for a table. Not knowing what they served outside of what we saw on other peoples plates I asked a "local" what the specialty was here. She said no one goes away hungry because they serve large portions but she mentioned the pancakes that were as large as dinner plates very good. We ordered just one apiece with fruit inside and they were big and adequate for our meal. Reminded us a little bit of the Original Pancake House in California that we have gone to on occasion. That explains the smile on the Dutchman's face - food.

The main reason for going to Hot Springs was to actually see and feel the water coming out of the rock steaming because it is so hot. We didn't think it was worth close to $100.00 to get the real feel but we did experience it in a small way. I have no problem believing that there is healing in those waters. This spring to the left was located right behind a hotel that "catered" to real patients but allowed us to "touch. The whole east side of the street is filled with hotel/motels which must have access to the springs inside the building. They are rather old buildings but they still seemed to have lots of people come for health or pleasure reasons.

Friday our tour took us to Little Rock for the Arkansas State Fair. It was interesting how different cultural parts of the fair featured Arkansas projects and that is what makes such fairs, etc. so interesting. Of course, we had to eat there and the attraction for us was a huge grill with humongous pork chops on it. Sharing was definitely a must, it was very good.

Our day wouldn't be complete without a trek up this hill to make phone calls. Wilmer is the blue speck in the corner of the picture in case you didn't notice. Weekends are usually easier but still with the dense growth of trees and the winding and curvy terrain that isn't always so good either. I am so thankful that our internet usually works. Sitting beside the road in this position guarantees we have gotten through to someone. So glad the hill is doable for us to access a signal.

We have been attending a Baptist Church that we think is very good for us. The preaching
has a lot of theology for us to discuss later, the choir is very good and we like the S.S. Last Sunday we even stayed for a dinner that had the purpose of raising money for Glenhaven. One ethnic food item was corn bread with actual corn in it. Some of you may have that all the time but it was new to us. Very moist and delicious. So good to learn from others.

Dad has been continuing with maintenance work. He does plumbing, electrical, wood working, etc. He always says he is a shade tree expert of every line of work. I think he has some of those down fairly good by now. The weather here has been terrific for working. It really cools off at night but days can't be beat. And yesterday was the first rainy day we have had here. After a week of painting for another gal and myself we finally got into the school however it was to organize a teacher/Principal's storeroom. Our first job was to organize the things on the floor. That was about half the work. Actually she came into the job quite suddenly and the former teacher hadn't been as organized as she could have been. We sorted, carried, marked, packed for a couple of days and today we started giving it a good housecleaning. It is fun to see what a difference we can make by helping someone who has such a huge work load.

Another one of the horses and small lake. It has a purpose, the young people/residents who are here have various hobbies or crafts but probably don't get to display them for some time and the Ranch tries to match them up with some activity that can be worked on at the Ranch.. One girl took on a wild horse. She worked for many months and now is able to walk beside it, give it commands, do some fancy work with the horse. She is going to a show this weekend so the staff person helping her wanted her to perform for us before the show so the horse would get use to noise, lights. etc and Jess could get some experience. She did a nice performance for us. At one point the horse got a stubborn streak in its head but she kept her mind on the rules under such circumstances and went on to complete the drill. It is beyond imagining what all the staff does for the residents here. They house them, feed them, school them, work them, play with them and most of all they love them. Such a job is not about instant success but about changing lives and changed they will be when they leave here. One staff member got a letter recently from a resident who had been here 20 years ago. His life is now on track and he wanted to thank the staff that was here 20 years ago. He said he did not remember much of the Ranch except for the love he was shown. Those letters make it all worthwhile.

Done rambling about our life style at the moment. Its good for us and we pray we make a difference in someone else's life as well.

Love to you all,

Mom and Dad Marilyn and Wilmer

Glenhaven Ranch

This month finds us at Glenhaven Ranch near Russelville, Arkansas. A lot of changes - weather, project people, camp staff and camp purpose. This Ranch is totally dedicated to young people between 13-15 years of age with a few younger and a few older. It is a resident Ranch with all the residents living with house parents. The residents can go home once a month, if they have a home to go to. Probably some dysfunction in the home or trouble with the law brought the kids here so most of them are here against their will. As in the Ranch in Orlando, FL that we worked at 2 years ago the structure is tight, discipline is strict and Bible study is mandatory. We have not seen one instant of rebellion from the residents, we see young people who we hope finally get to the point of wanting to make their life count for something. The average stay is 1 1/2 years with some staying on for 5 years. Several of the staff were here as residents when they were a little younger. A wonderful place filled with love and a desire that the young people would commit to being good citizens as well as have a foundation built on God's love. Love has not been evident in their lives up to now so it is a hard concept to grasp. Who loves me?

The first picture is where Laurie and I have spent the working portion of the last 2 days. No, we do not call it a dungeon for nothing because it is a pump house with a dirt floor which angles precariously in various degrees and has a fine sand topping which is slippery if your feet aren't firmly planted in the dirt. Also the pump and various accessories are all over the place so only a small portion of flooring is available for us to stand on. We are to paint the ceiling, walls, shelves, doors, etc. So after I have set the stage of the pump house we can still say that we are having fun (of a sort, doesn't take much to make us happy, right?). I have decided it really doesn't matter if you work in a "pump house" or in a surrounding that is very nice. It still is painting and if we can have fun doing it so much the better. This project is a challenge but also a simple job because anything we do will be such a huge improvement. Again, I trim and Laurie rolls. We don't have to be scared of spilling. In fact I filled my little pail too full yesterday and before I noticed it paint was running out of the bottom of the handle (it is a patent something like an overflo in a sink or tub). Just hadn't seen that little item quick enough so I had a trail of paint from pail to wall. I guess on dirt floor such things don't matter.

As some of you know our cell phone doesn't work down in the valley where we are parked. We do have Internet for which we are glad because it does give us some mode of communication with all of you. So after lunch I go up the hill and do some calling. The place I sit has a nice view which you see in the picture. There is a little lake a midst the trees and the white peeking through the trees is where the RV's are parked. Not the most convenient situation but workable.

Dad continues to be the oldest male working on the project but he will pit his strengh and agility against any of the others and he will win. He is doing mostly plumbing so far but they have a lot of little electrical jobs (one of the men is a former electrician) and they have other general construction jobs as well. The Ranch staff that we work for is a Hawaiian and a fun guy to be around. He is so dedicated and works so hard that it is easier for us to have the desire to do a good job and do it well.

I skipped a lot of the fun stuff we did last weekend but the internet is giving me fits so I will sign off for now and try to blog again within the week.

Thanks for your love and we love you all more than we can say. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the work or play or challenges or responsibilities that come your way each day.

Love, Mom/Dad Marilyn/Wilmer

WE ARE HEADING SOUTH

I don't often have pictures of this guy because I thought I must show you what the men do on project. This picture would only get better if he had his hard hat on. At least he calls it on even though it doesn't get much further down than the top tips of his ears. Lots of head and lots of gray matter - need space to hold all that knowledge he has accumulated. This is the building he worked in most of the time. I kinda generalized the last time about just what they did. After changing windows, removing walls and then finding out the other half of the Camp Leader (wife) wanted them back in again, improving fireplace and leveling the floor they did get a lot done. The walls that one of our team mudded needed painting but that will wait for another group to come and finish.
We do spend a lot of time praying when on project but these men had another purpose for being "on their knees". Now you know why the knee pads. The glue was put on one day with hopes it would have turned clear the next so they could lay the tile. However, the cool weather slowed down the progress so heaters had to be brought in so the glue was in the right stage. It was hard work but it really made the room look complete as so many of you home project people know. Clothing may look similar from day to day and clothes do not have a high priority here. For those of us who paint and wipe their hands on their clothing, like I do, we usually wear the same things pretty much all month and then pitch them and go to goodwill and buy a replacement.
Of course you know had proud we were of the rec room. This is the south end looking out over the lake. We finished the day we left except for the "mop" boards. That isn't the politically correct name for them but it is the only way I know them. Wow, did we think the room looked nice, that is, nicer than when we first saw it. Again, we painted the floor with 2 layers of paint as well. Hope the paint lasts awhile. Seems tile would have been better but in a non-profit place paint is more doable.

Actually I am writing this from Branson, MO. We left Grand Rapids, MN on the 29th of Sept. for Arkansas but with a stopover in Sioux Center for 2 days. We had a lot on the list to do but many things were added. We planned it so we could be home for Brian's Outstanding Alumni award banquet on Saturday night. We planned to visit Cindy and we did and we also found a couple landlord duties as well. Herb celebrated his birthday on Friday so we could get in on that. We went to the Chinese Buffet - good food and a buffet - doesn't get any better than that. Then Kaye scooped up peach pie and ice cream at their home. Brian, Donna, Becky and Tekoa came to our house on Thursday night. Enjoyed all but to see how Tekoa is advancing so fast was great for us. We voted absentee, very important this year. Visited with the realtor and heard houses are still not moving well at all. That is okay with us. The uncertainly isn't so handy but we do like coming home to a house. It was kinda a whirlwind but wouldn't have done it any different if we could have.

We are in Branson for a conference by Dr. Jeremiah. What a powerful speaker, Also included will be programs by Guy Pinrod and Mark Lowry. Beautiful weather here and hope it stays nice as we work our way down further south. Love you all. Have a great fall. Until next week, Dad and Mom Marilyn/Wilmer.

FRIENDS FELLOWSHIP FUN

The past week has included all of the above. Working so closely with people from MN, TX, MT KS and PA gives way to lots of comparing and sharing about our diverse occupations and living style. The one thing we have in common is our love for the Lord and how we can work for Him even in our more elderly years. By the way, I still have a problem thinking they are talking to me when they refer to an elderly woman. And I had that at the Sioux Center Hospital just before we left. Oh well, wish she could follow us around for awhile and she may see just how these "elderly" people live. See how hard it is to really identify with that term?

We finally made a visit to Arend and Verna Sandbulte last Saturday. They are always so much fun to visit with. As couples before either were married we and other couples spent many a Sunday evening together going to one of the "girls" house for fun and the girls always made sure that they had something in the house for a lunch for the "guys". But it never really was complete until the girls would find something unexpected to hide in one of the guys' food. (Seems those stunts were even tried in our own household thru out the years) That was a long time ago,we both have been married over 56 years, but the good memories continue. They have a beautiful home on the shore of Lake Superior in Duluth, about 100 miles from where we are spending the month of Sept.

On our way to Zion Lutheran Church Sunday we drove right past this lake and then decided we must turn around and take a picture as it will never look exactly the same at any time after. The peak of the colored foliage was last week. Even now the leaves are starting to turn brown and have lost some of their glory.

Riding past wooded areas it is hard to imagine there are so many people living in the midst of those trees but there are many, some bordering the shore and some further in. On a pontoon ride last Sunday we came across this beautiful scene. I don't have a clue who lives there but it is a picture I may want to enlarge. Hope they don't have legitimate claims against me if I use the picture.

Getting back to the church, it has stained glass windows the total length of the sanctuary behind the platform and pulpit. It tells the creation story beginning with the unformed mass and following the 6 days of creation. It is interesting how churches and all architecture reflects the resources of the area. Much use is made of large timber beams and they aren't enclosed but used to display there place in buildings. Thru the years timber has played a significant role in the industrial arena as has mining. We toured a iron ore mine as well. Of course fish is another item that is plentiful. Our whole team was invited to a fish fry last Friday night at the home of former RVICSers. They catch the fish right on the lake near their house - would be a dream for some people.

Acturally I can say I am enjoying the painting these last few weeks. To think we can do something constructive for kids and adults to enjoy while at this camp is great. Our twosome has some dedicated painting to do tomorrow and then we will be close to finished. We are leaving tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday) for a couple days at home so I won't see it totally done but close enough to give me an idea how it looks. The floor is a challenge but the improvement it makes is worth the effort. Really I wish we could stay a couple of weeks more so we could do some necessary cleaning in the rec room and other rooms but that won't work for now. The whole team is excited about the, nearly, finished product but not so much as to offer us some help. They had other jobs that needed doing as well. Dad continues his remodeling on the cabins. The latest challenge is the tile but they are making good headway on that. Funny the first weeks we work the end seems far away and we aren't so attached to the job but as the last week rolls around we realize and desire to get the work done. The way it has to be I guess.

We will be in Sioux Center Thursday afternoon until Sunday noon. Hope to see some of you in that time.

Love to you all, Mom and Dad Wilmer/Marilyn whatever fits

COATS OF MANY COLORS

We are experiencing colors all around us. As you know we love to ride in the country and see the foliage colors change. The colors are getting nice but the most beauty will come in a week or two. This picture is just a few feet from where we are parked. The day this was taken was perfectly still as you can see on the water. How could mankind ever duplicate this beauty - no way. What a riot of color it will be in just a few days.

Dad continues to break down and put up walls, floors, fixtures and more in the attempt to restore some semblance of beauty/tidiness to two cabins. Like always when a remodeling project is tackled unexpected obstacles show up. The obstacle facing them now is to lay new tile in the cabin, bathrooms, hallways and entry ways. Aside from the row directly down the middle all the tiles must be cut. Remember how old buildings are never square? Same true of these cabins. Age has taken its toll on the building, somewhat like age does to our bodies as we grow older. A creak here, a moan there, a sagging here or there, loss of strength in the extremities, etc. you get the picture. Wonder if RVICS could take care of some of these complaints, bet they would have more business than they bargained for. They better just stick with material restoration.

My group of 2 or 3 is still busy painting our coats of many colors. We should start on the floor tomorrow so that is exciting, we think. Most of the walls have been done with primer and 2 or 3 coats of paint. Believe me we know how to clean brushes and rollers. This room is the recreation room so gets a lot of traffic. We do hope those that use it will appreciate the work that went into it. But still, we were called to paint and the appreciation is just a neat benefit if it comes.

There was a women's retreat here at camp the past weekend. Not a large group but a very joyful group. We ate with them for 3 meals so we got to meet some of them. The first night we ate with them we sat by 2 young women. They asked where our "real" home was and the one was very interested in that. (I don't think she was playing dutch bingo) We came to know that her husband grew up in Inwood and his name was Ter Wee. After a few more questions we discovered that her mother-in-law was a sister of Harlan Kooima. Small world, yes? We have been emailing and learning a little more of each ones family. She had triplets almost 5 years ago. She was surprised we know as much about her at we did. Hey, grandparents do not let kids and grandkids go without talking about them once in a while. What could be better do than brag about our kids and grandkids.

We continue to have good health and enjoy (most) our work. The interaction and devotional times are such a blessing to us. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the unusually warm weather in NW Iowa and SD the last couple of days.

We will be leaving this project a day early so will be leaving on Wed. Sept. 29 after work. We hope to be in Sioux Center by Thursday afternoon. We are leaving then so we can attend the Northwestern event. We plan to be home until Sunday noon if all goes well.

Love you much! Dad and Mom/ Marilyn Wilmer

OUT of retirement-again

The fall projects of RVICS began 2 weeks ago.. Our project took us to Grand Rapids, MN, yes that is Minnesota not Michigan. It is in northern MN, near Hibbing. For those who don't know we are scheduled to do our next project in Arkansas and Nov. takes us to Louisiana. We will stop at home when we leave here, home as in Sioux Center, for 2 days as Brian is being honored at Northwestern College for being chosen an Outstanding Alumnus. We are so glad that our schedule allows us to be in the area for 2 days because of transit time between projects. The banquet is Oct. 2.

Of course we couldn't just make a trip of 400 miles to N MN in one stretch. We really do have a self-made rule that we do not travel with the RV more than 300 miles in a day. Hey, we are retired. So we stopped and spent a day in MN, mainly spending a day at Mall Of America. It is such an interesting place to visit but we made a lot of steps for the couple things we bought.

This Conference Center is not very large and the spot where all 6 of the RVs are parked is just a few feet from the right of this picture. As always the camp provides the parking place and supplies all the utilities. And we do have Wi-Fi and cell phone coverage in the RVs. Granted the cell phone isn't always so predictable but we are trying a new sophisticated cell phone and we are still in the experimental stage of learning all its capabilities and that is also part of the problem.

The men are reconstructing a couple of cabins. Tearing up floor tile, knocking out walls, putting up dry wall, laying tile, doing a little electrical work, plumbing. etc. is what the men's work is all about. With 6 men with various backgrounds it is surprising how every one's expertise compliments the group. The women are doing sewing, stenciling, painting. Guess what, I got to paint. Actually it is kind of fun this month because one other female and I are painting everything in a high ceiling rec room. The room has at least 6 different types of wall board so that makes it interesting. But Nette and I paint over everything. And since money is always short at the camps we are using all the paint left over from previous jobs. I will try to send a picture when it is finished but for now you can just visualize this-little bit of blue, find a small wall, more red find a bigger wall etc. etc. We have put on red, blue, green, orange, yellow in several shades and a few others. It sounds weird but the room is looking better and we hope the campers that come appreciate it. Nette is the "roller" and I trim which is what I prefer doing. We can't do a second coat even tho that would be good because we use all the paint on the first coat. Next week we get to paint the floor! That should tie the whole room together - I hope.

The weather here is cool and we had rain several times. I guess I heard too much on TV about the floods, etc. because one night when it was really raining (and you really hear it in an RV) I thought all the RVs were going to float right into the lake. Nope, we stayed put.

Girls, we already found out where the buffets are located, the Chinese one is almost as good as the Sioux Center one and that takes a lot.

We appreciate the calls and emails so much. Please keep it up. We are healthy, in fact, Dad says the project work makes him stronger but after this summer with putting in egress windows and all I can't image this work being harder than what he did at home all summer.

Love you all, Mom and Dad/Wilmer and Marilyn or even Pa and Ma (right Cindy?)

P.S. So busy touring, socializing, Bible studies and of course work I have had little time to work on genealogy or scrapbooking but I do pick at it a little from time to time. Fun!

OUT of retirement-again

Photo Blog Search

Home for awhile

I did promise to blog once we got home but, guess what, we have been home for a month and no blog. Our winter with 3 projects after the first of the year was interesting and challenging. In Jan. we had 3 feet of snow. In Feb. we had to ride in water for a couple of miles to get to the site and in March we worked with just 4 people. Still, we feel like the work was meaningful and helped the staff at each project do more hands-on ministry with the campers. The work was just as varied as the conditions but we did learn some skills that helped us when we got home. Wilmer's "education" in construction really helped him as he put in egress windows in our house this week. We now can legitimately advertise our home as a 3 bedroom home. We are signed up for several projects for the coming year and look forward to that if health and other considerations allow.
We had special family events in California and that is why we chose to work in CA. We spent several week ends with Gary and family. So good to see the Andrew, Hannah, Renae, Michael and of course Lucy. What a bundle of energy she is and such a distinct and loving personality. Then we went to Ridgecrest a couple of times. We got in on Marie's birthday party. And got to spend time with her daughter Amanda. Again, she has such a sweet way about and that smile just melts the hardest heart. (not that I saw that happen, no hard hearts there) We also got to spend Easter with Linda and family and have the fun of seeing another great granddaughter. Linda's granddaughter Kenley is just over a year old and I don't think we have ever heard her cry. Can't beat that! Her learning continues at a fast pace. Such fun to watch that progression in those little ones. Since this is a platform to praise I will continue. We stopped by Jason and Shasta on the way home. Eli is almost 7 and he makes my wonder if kids just come smarter then when we were little or is it the TV or just more exposure to adult talk? Eli asks questions that I didn't know anything about when I were well into my adult life. When he explains how a solar panel works I know something isn't the same as years ago. Then coming home we catch up on Tekoah's progress. He is Donna's grandson, we had seen him in Feb. but he had changed tremendously. Again, few complaints from him. After seeing him in a tan pants, shirt and sweater vest I wondered why we always dressed little boys in such simple and pragmatic clothing - they just weren't available. Styles have changed a lot since our last baby boy 37 years ago and that is a change I can handle! Yesterday in my sorting and giving and cleaning I came across some articles of clothing that our kids had worn, some I had worn and some Wilmer and his family had worn as small children. Each of our kids will get a sampling of the clothing just to appreciate more what is available now. Not only the upkeep when the article was worn but the making everything and then the trimming of embroidery, crocheting and even knitting boggles my mind. Good old flannel homemade night gowns were trimmed, dresses where crocheted, blankets were crocheted around after making them with 2 layers of flannel etc. You get the picture and many of you have done such things as well. That is why I don't mind sorting thru boxes, I relive so many experiences and can appreciate where we come from and how we lived. I have come to the conclusion that we are pack rats or at least keepers. But it is a great way to remember and reminisce. We have been through several eras in our married life and each one allowed us to build on it to go on to do other things. Memorabilia from army life, new babies (20 years from start to finish on that one) farming for 46 years, college with 4 kids in school and living on a farm, Wilmer's involvement with many organizations (and he always assumed a leadership position quickly) 16 years in the Iowa legislature, foster kids, exchange students, seminary, chaplaincy, selling the acreage, humongous downsizing, and having 6 kids, 24 grandchildren and now 5 great grandchildren with one more due any day. Sounds like an obituary, right? No, we are extremely happy that we have had so many opportunities as well as challenges. We are so proud of our family.
We were so happy Kim could come for Dordt graduation. We never get done talking or "digging in the dust" for little tidbits about distant ancestors. Good thing her and Dad and my interest in such things is pretty much equal. Another project I have been working on is sorting pictures. We took a ton of pictures and having over 10,000 in the computer I thought I was pretty well caught up and organized - that was until I discovered hundreds of pictures still looking for a home. Project done for now!!!!
This weekend we went to the graduation of Amy from Central college. She and David graduated in Dec. but she decided to "walk" with her class at the graduation exercises. We took a couple extra days to see Jordan Creek Mall (love to look but rather pricey) and attend Lutheran Church of Hope in Des Moines. This church started 15 years ago and has grown so fast. The sanctuary seats 2500, Bible School enrolls between 2-3000 children, they have 4 services on a weekend and many ministry opportunities during the week. And they serve a buffet breakfast to whoever wants to come. the dining room was filled all the time and much camaraderie and friendships grew during that time. They really have a good location for such a church because they are located in West Des Moines in the midst of mostly new and up scale businesses and homes. People still need the Lord and Hope is cognizant of the particular needs of their locality.
Sorry about the lack of pictures, next time.
Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the vacation times.
Love,
Mom/Marilyn

Heading East

Our project at The Oaks near Lake Hughes, CA ended March 25 at noon. We packed up and headed for Kim and Harlan in Ridgecrest for a few days. What fun! What a lot of activity! In a few days I will post more of the family things we did, for now it is the road going home.

We had visited a church in Las Vegas in Jan. when we came through. We decided we wanted to worship in that church again. BUT some people thought it was just an excuse to see how many senior buffets we could eat at. Seniors wouldn't consider that in their travel plans would they? You make your own judgment on that but we did really enjoy the service at the Baptist Church again. AND we did enjoy a buffet at noon on Sunday as well.

Our favorite place to park in Las Vegas is at the Circus Circus KOA campground. It is fairly spacious for big rigs and clean. The picture shows how close we really were to the "action." We find a walk down the strip after dark is interesting with the millions of lights and even more people. It is also a reality check as to what so many people like to do with their time and money and we always come away with a feeling of sorrow for the people so addicted to gambling. We live somewhat protected from those realities but there seems to be no recession or lack of money for that entertainment.

I find taking pictures through the windshield somewhat challenging but often good pictures result. Taking pictures from the side window isn't so successful. By the time I focus and click the whole mountain has disappeared from view. Surprising the dirt on the windshield doesn't bother except if I focus in I get every rain drop and dust speckle on the picture. If we keep up with this nomad lifestyle I will have lots of time to hone in on the art of windshield pictures.

The trip through Utah is always pretty but we have taken that road in most every season of the year and each time the particular colors and scenes are seen at a new angle or the colors show up differently. Time of day also changes the view considerably. Very interesting.

We didn't have the Midwest snow to contend with this past winter so we still thought this snow was rather interesting. With snow still laying beside the road at car level you can imagine the temp wasn't that high either. However, we did have very good road conditions this winter when traveling from Iowa to Kansas to Oklahoma to Texas to California and to Iowa in between. But we did have cold weather in Dec. when we spent some time in Colorado. Zero degree temp in an RV means we better have 50 amp eleCristy and plenty of propane. Then we even got an electric blanket to add to our warmth. We got along fine but it didn't take long for the propane tank to be on empty - once again.

All in all the projects and traveling were very enjoyable for us this fall and winter. Getting the exercise at work seems to be good for us and working in a camp setting that influences and directs young people as well as adults has been fulfilling for us. We thank God for this unique opportunity at this stage of our lives. And because we picked projects in locations that were fairly close to our kids it worked for us to spend some time with them as well. We feel blessed.

Love and prayers for all of you. Dad and Mom Marilyn/Wilmer

The Crew at The Oaks

As I mentioned before we have a very small crew for this project. The project leader wondered how we could accomplish as much as was expected of us or as we would like to accomplish. We all wondered what it would be like to all working together all the time. As our leader said a few days ago, "most people get tired of being with me after 4 days". He said that in reference to touring together on Friday or just going our own way - which we did. It wasn't because we couldn't stand to be with him, it just wasn't as necessary to have that social time when we had worked together all week. So being small in number we still got the entire inside of the house painted, cleaned up and much improved in other ways. It was a fun project and part of it was that all 4 of us worked side by side and, also, we could see improvement with every new color and every possible fixture cleaned. No we don't plan to go out painting for a income but we do feel good about our project.

This is the double wide mobile home we have been spending our time in. I wish we could be here to improve the outside as well but that will have to wait for someone else. Many of the staff live right on campus. I am sure that housing is part of their salary. Many of the homes are similar to this one. Probably wouldn't quite cut it in Iowa or any other place in the Midwest but considering California climate these homes are adequate. Another retired man is putting down bamboo flooring in almost the whole house because the family coming to live in it have children with allergies. Makes sense to accommodate their needs up front.

The buildings at this camp all seem fairly new, they have a very active fund raising group. One building even is called the Como lodge because of the money Pat Boone gave to the camp.

Spring comes earlier here. The fruit and other blossoming trees are about at their peak. Many trees like this are on camp as well as all over the countryside. The desert flowers are also pretty this year because of the rain they had throughout the winter. The lupine can make an entire field look purplish blue. what a sight. they say the poppies are also pretty but we may have missed them. If I remember right they only bloom for a few days.

This camp as many trail and one night we ventured up one (with the pickup) and saw this beautiful sight. The road up was not as wide as I would have liked especially when we came to a locked gate and had to back up for quite a distance. Good thing dad is a good backer!

Speaking of Dad, he celebrated his birthday yesterday. About the only thing I did for it was bake a batch of brownies for the people working with us. I honestly did have a pretty good meal planned for supper but the camp was offering a supper of brisket and the trimmings so we saved the birthday supper for another day. They do barbecue brisket here frequently and it is so delicious.

Last Saturday we took advantage of the nearness we were to Gary so we drove to Yorba Linda for the evening and stayed for Sunday church and dinner. Hannah and Renee were spending the weekend there and Saturday afternoon Lucy was with us. We spent some time in the park and Lucy had it made as she had her grandpa and great grandpa following here all over the park. She loved the freedom to run and the attention her "men" gave her. What a blast of fun!

We are wrapping up this project and will head for Iowa making stops along the way. We have family not only across this country but in several foreign countries as well. Keeps us on our knees praying for the safety of you all and hoping that you are all well and doing what you feel called to do. Love you so much, Dad and Mom Marilyn/Wilmer

Paintin', paintin", paintin".

We have covered a lot of wall space with paint since the last blog. This mobile home is quite large and every room is a different color with trim being yet another color. It is really starting to shape up even tho we have a long way to go before we are finished. We are working with just the four of us and that is really working out well. It is different for men and women to work on the same project but since this house needs to be done at a certain time they put us all on it. A group from MAPPs were here before us and did the dry walling and spackling. MAPP is the volunteer group I was researching when I came across RVICS and we decided to go that way instead.
This camp is interesting in that it mainly targets groups of kids that are in trouble or may get into trouble. They gear their programs for inner city kids/young people. This camp is called The Oaks and is really under the umbrella of World Impact. It is an interesting difference from other camps which had mainly church groups. The wide open spaces here at The Oaks is at first rather intimidating for some of the campers that come here but the environment and the teaching and the structure is just what so many of them need and it certainly makes an impact on many of the campers who come here.

The pictures show what you all already know - some prefer rolling, some prefer trimming and others just like to paint with a brush. I float between them with whatever needs to be done first. I would prefer cleaning as it is much in need of it but painting is our priority so will do that. Surprising how many nooks and corners there are in such a home but we will slather paint on them all.

Every time there are campers here that need meals we are invited to eat with them and the staff. I think with the food so amply provided for us that this month could become The Oaks + 5. Will just have to walk that many more miles! I am doing the exercises that Mayo said were really the only way to try to help my joints' mobility improve and strenghen. Seems as if they are a little better already. Yeah, I can quit the exercises - NOT.

We did some sightseeing of the area this past weekend, mostly in the towns/cities. When Senior citizens need a new tooth brush they get all giddy thinking they have something to go to town for. Well, we needed haircuts and that was incentive enough. The one store in one of the malls that I had fun in was the World Market. Bought some interesting food items. My favorite was one from Holland called Chocolate Caramel Spread. It is soooo good and rich. Should make a special treat if I can just figure out what to spread it on.

Went to Grace Baptist Church yesterday and really enjoyed it. It is kinda like a mega church. The choir had 80 people in it, they had an excellent orchestra and soloist was great. Very friendly and organized. They have many young couples and, therefore, many little kids. The nurseries were not only separated according to months of age but also specified if one was for trained kids or not. There must have been 6 nurseries for sure. Many opportunities for adult classes and a page full of weekday classes or support groups. While shopping on Friday we met a woman and started talking. She invited us to her church and that is the one we went to. Glad we had that conversation.

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the little bit more modest temps in the Midwest. We have had frost here most every night and have had to run the furnace but seems today is suppose to be the start of warmer weather. Love and best wishes to all. We keep you in our prayers. Any special concerns we bring up at our daily group devotional time and pray for them specifically.

Love, Dad/Mom Wilmer/Marilyn