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

Feb. 2010

Sorry for the delay in writing but between the lack of internet and some unforeseen activities I have not had the opportunity to get this done quicker. I know my attitude about the camp was not so positive when we came. Being greeted by a flooded road did not thrill either of us. However, the camp did have a lot of positives as well. When campers come to a camp they must be busy all the time especially if they are kids or teens. Activities must be provided and at the camps we have worked on those activities are many and are outside. This is an interesting picture of their slide. One of the goals of going down this slide is going fast enough to stay atop the water and land on the bank on the other side without going under the water. Not sure how many actually did that but is was a challenge anyway. Of course, a land lubber like me would not have even tried to go down the slide no matter how fast or slow but I can imagine some of you doing it fast. There were a ton of other activities as well. The next picture is of the small lake looking down from where the slide is. Actually the camp has some beautiful scenery but one has to appreciate desert to appreciate the scenery. We talked to some staff people who totally love the desert and then there are those who are looking to move on to a different environment. To each his own. I would have a hard time getting use to the sand and dryness of the desert. It was almost impossible to keep the carpet in the RV even reasonably clear of sand. And I had thought the temperature would be a little more moderate since it was California but I hadn't factored in that these camps are usually in a higher altitude making the cold and, yes, even snow a greater possibility.

You can see we had a pretty good camping site. We only had 4 couples and there are six RV's, one of the couples worked at this camp since January and won't leave until April 1. They come every year and just pitch in where needed. She spends most of her time painting words on signs to use around the park. They expect pretty professional work from her and they get it. They get the same perks as RVICS people do with free site and utilities but they don't accept a wage either. One couple from Iowa has been coming here for 18 years. She is a seamstress and it is interesting how the camp finds projects for her to do for such a long time. Her husband works in maintenance so he is always kept busy. There daughter is on staff so it is a good way for them to spend time with her and help the camp at the same time.

The unusual part of our month was that I spent 4 days in a hospital in Victorville and 3 days in Mayo clinic having tests. I started out with what I thought would be an office call and because of a rather disturbing reaction to some mixture of liquid a doctor gave me as part of the examination I ended up in the hospital. Absolutely no conclusions were gained in those 4 days. I had the Mayo appointment scheduled earlier so we decided to come home for a week and try to find out exactly what I was dealing with. We did get answers and the result is that I feel satisfied with what they diagnosed and the treatment prescribed.

The week home was so timely as we got to see Donna and Brian a few times as they had just gotten home as well, we made the trip to Sioux Falls and saw Cindy and her girls, we got to make the acquaintance of our new great grandson Tekoah and we got together with my siblings. It was so good to make those connections again. But no trip to Iowa this winter would be complete without a picture of snow. That grill may never be the same. Can't even imagine how that snow just hung on without tipping off. We were reminded that temperatures in California weren't that bad after all. Then we went back to Ironwood for the final days of the project.

The main reason we wanted to work in California this winter was so we could be closer to Gary and Kim and their families. We have taken the opportunity to spend time with each of them and thoroughly enjoyed that. Such gracious hosts they all are!

We are now at The Oaks near Lake Hughes. Again, the feeling of the camp is unique as all are. Our project for the next weeks will be to clean and paint the interior of a double wide mobile home for a new staff member that is coming in. We only have 2 couples on this project so we may spend all of our time in that mobile home and I think that will be good. The work isn't hard and we have gotten use to doing detail cleaning and with 2 guys and 2 gals I think we can get a lot done. It is always interesting to work on something that shows a drastic change (improvement) and this will be such a project. Should prove to be helpful to the camp. After this project we will head to Iowa and be home for a few months? We will see. We do not have projects until the fall.

Hope this finds you all well and able to cope with the snow and now the ice that is taking over.

We love you all and will see you in a few weeks.

Mom/Dad Marilyn/Wilmer

Variety

Variety adds fun and excitement to a life at least that is what they say. Well our life the last months has had its share of variety, some we thought were great and then there were those experiences that we didn't necessarily find enjoyable. The first two pictures are part of an experience we did not think was so necessary. After spending a few "pampered" days with Kim and Harlan we drove to Newberry Springs to the Ironwood campground. It had rained quite a bit over the last couple of days but we knew we were heading to the desert so we didn't give the rain much thought. Well, that showed our ignorance. Even 1 1/2 inches of rain in the desert on roadbed accumulates and stands for a long time. The pictures show the road we had to take pulling the RV to the campground. A temporary side path had been used by others coming before us but they were not pulling anything. The 4 miles into the campground were tense to say the least. We weren't sure of the road under the water and if we tried the path beside the road we got stuck in wet sand. I will admit there were instances when we considered turning around. We didn't , but kept praying for a hard surface under the water. We finally got to the other RVICS people who were watching for us. They really didn't appreciate our frustration until later when they had to take the road. This winter he have had feet of snow, water and nice warm weather, we have that today. That does add up to variety for us.

Ironwood is a rust campground that is super organized so it looks very neat and appealing. With so much linen and towels to wash the laundry is huge. Folded sheets, etc. are all put in totes for one room with equal number of towels, etc. for that room. They are sorted into twin or queen. Some camps we have been in could learn from this one. The rustic appearance does not prevent them from having the rooms furnished well. Every bed has a Sealy Posture Pedic, or something similar, mattress on it. Wonderful mattresses. The hospitality person is resourceful and found a place that specializes in motel furniture and could buy the mattress for $450. instead of the $1000. that other places were asking. Such a staff person is a valuable one to have. Some other places a shallow mattress is placed on a plywood platform. Amenities are not what you go to camp for but they do help bring people back. The picture of the interior shows the other amenities in the rooms, not bad, huh? The cabins are kept up so well that 3 of us can go into one of these rooms and have it dusted, mirrors polished, carpet vacuumed and bathroom cleaned and sanitized in 15 minutes. The goal is 13 minutes but we haven't reached that goal yet. So there is a lot of variety in camps we have been to.

Now we know we have a variety of cooks in this family but I have yet to see one that utilizes such a big electric mixer even though they bake a ton of stuff! This was just one of the huge mixers they used. The kitchen is immaculate as it should be. What a joy to see such a large commercial kitchen that did not have a floor that was slick because of grease. We have seen them as well. We don't get to eat in the dining room at this camp so don't know what the quality of food is but guess it matches the other amenities in quality.

Another variety came over the weekend with my 4 day stay in the Victorville Hospital. It was a quirk that I had to stay that long and at the end of 4 days they dismissed me saying everything was negative but they didn't tell us just what that meant based on the tests. The discrepancy between the doctors was not explained nor the reaction to the "GI cocktail" given to me in the Urgent Care office. I was slightly/very frustrated with the whole situation and don't put much credibility in the doctors but that is another story. The follow-up for the original problem will be pursued at another place, naturally. BUT it was so neat to have visitors come visit us at the hospital. Harlan and Kim came up on Saturday and Gary and Maria came up on Sunday. How great is that?

We are flying to Sioux Center Friday for a week at home. Then we finish up here at Ironwood on March 2. If all goes as planned we will move to Lake Hughes for the March project after that.

Thanks for all the prayers, calls and visits this past week, they helped us through frustrating times. God has been so good to us and we know He will be faithful even through the variety of experiences we have. We praise Him.

Love and prayers, Mom and Dad Wilmer and Marilyn

Stepping Out

Dad really stepped out with a new style for his hair or lack there-of. He/I was getting tired of the comb-over and so one morning he went to WalMart and got a new style, cut it all off. He likes it and so do I though it took a little to get use to for me. Hey, I look at it, he doesn't very often. It was a good move! We have been getting the WalMart cuts for over a year now, we think the cuts are good and it is always a good opportunity to share some things with the 'cutter'. We have had some interesting conversations and even sharing our life stories.

Work last week was pretty much the same as the weeks before except that we didn't have to plow thru so much snow. Here the snow falls in huge amounts but the temps are above freezing much of the time so snow also melts fast. There are still piles off snow but the roads are dry. However, last night we went to one of the staff person's house for apple pie and ice cream. He lives much further up the mountain and the road was so narrow and still had snow and mud much of the way so it was a difficult climb even with a 4-wheel vehicle. The house was very nice but I could not live that isolated and be subject to lock-ins with snow. Since this is the apple valley of this part of the state it was natural to have apple pie - and it was delicious.

On Thursday we went with Gary and his family to see the graduation of his son Andrew from his Tech training at Vandenberg Air Force Base. It was a very impressive ceremony and it was our privilege to have been invited to attend. He received the academic award and got his "wings" as he was promoted to E3. Quite an achievement! He now goes to a Colorado Springs Base to begin his work there. By the way, he is the blond, fair skinned person in the picture third from the left in case you were confused with trying to pick him out. Then on Sunday we all went to witness the baptism of Lucy, our great granddaughter. What a joy that was.

This picture was taken on Jan. 29 at about 10:00 P.M. I have to admit that the bed was more appealing to me than the bright moon so I did not actually see it. The moon was so bright Dad thought you could almost read a newspaper by its light when he was taking the picture. I believe they call it a Wolf Moon and coyotes are known to howl at the brightness of the moon. (wonder who figured out the animals were actually howling at the moon?) It is interesting how the moon seems to be surrounded with a halo, as least on the top half. The clouds were not visible when he took the picture but the camera picked them up when he zoomed in to get a closer look.

Now, for those of you who think we are relaxing as we winter in California I want to give a little reality check of what kind of place we live in and the facilities we 'enjoy' using. For example, this is the laundromat for the 4 RVICS couples as well as the housekeeping on the camp. We have to communicate well so we don't get to the washer and find it full of clothes. An extra walk down there wouldn't be so bad but the walk back is a steep hill which leaves me breathless and needing to stop to catch me breath half way up the hill. And for the last week 1/2 the path to the building was covered with at least a foot of snow. I landed in it more than once, glad it was rather fluffy so the landing was soft. But in defense of the camp, we can use the washer and dryer and they work well. Interesting, those who stay in campgrounds ofter come to accept that you go to the laundromat with a pocket full of quarters. Usually I use around $4.00 for 2 or 3 loads of wash. The one washer here doesn't have a quarter slot, that is nice. The other one has the slots and we must use quarters in them to get the washer going but we just recycle the quarters as they drop down into a box we have access to. Those quarters get used day in and day out. Funny no one ever thinks they should run off with the quarters. Great advantage.

So now we pack up Wednesday morning to move on to Newberry Springs near Barstow. Again, no idea what it looks like, no idea what we will do but we do know we will work with the same 4 couples as this month and that is good to know. Barring unforeseen changes we will work together again in March.

Our weather has moderated much since I last wrote, I wish the same could be said of the weather in the Midwest.

Must make my trek down to the laundromat now, hope and pray you are all doing well. Hope for cell phone 24/7 in the weeks ahead so we can call more ofter. Love to all of you.

Mom and Dad Marilyn/Wilmer