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