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