Until the Next Time

After 4 weeks of work at Miracle Camp, it all came to an end yesterday, October 2.  Some of the items the camp wanted completed were and, others, we had to just leave behind for someone else.

On the completion side was the paint-ball equipment shed.  Soon, it will be filled with the equipment used.   It will be a good asset for the staff working with this ministry.  Afterwards, some of the men found themselves helping dig a ditch; repair a gas gauge on a pontoon and, even, helped the ladies clean some of the chairs in the chapel.  Since the chapel carpet was scheduled for cleaning, we had to cut that short but the results were dramatic with the chairs we did get done.

As with all our ends of projects, the goodbyes were said never knowing whether we will see one another in this lifetime or not.   However, the friendships will last a life time.   Since we elected to do only one project for the fall (wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving with family this year), we will be back strong and ready to go come the new year.

Work Hard, Play Hard

This has been indeed been a work hard and play hard week.   With week 3 of this RVICS project we have worked ourselves into a routine.   At the end of the week, we are tired but it is good to stop and do other things for a few days. 

As far as the work hard, the men have come a long way on the shed and it now has walls, is under roof and are in the later stages of work.   Of course, as I have found over the years, some of the finish work on any project can take as long as the “big” work.   With just 3 ½ days left, they are hoping to get it totally finished in a short time.   The ladies are still cleaning,   With 3 buildings totally done from top to bottom, we are working on the chapel.   There are a few more windows to clean and chairs to “dust”.   One of the ladies has been working in the office doing some filing.   Even though that is taxing physically, the camp is just as pleased to have that done too.

RVICS has built into our schedule times to stop and interact with one another.   With the weather cooperating, we built a fire, cooked hot dogs and had a carry in for our evening meal one evening.   As a guest, Dale Boone, camp director, was able to come and gave a good devotional to end our evening on the topic of Be Still and Know that I Am God.

One of the things we personally like to do, is take a day on the weekends and see the sights in the area and just relax.  On Friday, the weather was, once again, perfect and we headed to Lake Michigan for the day.   Everywhere we looked was a picture to remember.   Since the trees are getting some fall color, we enjoyed the drive also.   On Saturday, we headed about 3 hours away to western Michigan to visit close friends.   What a great way to end the week!

As was mentioned briefly above, yes, our time here is coming to a close.   On Thursday, we will pull out and head for our home.   Along with our trip home, we will take many, many memories with us.

Mid September-Half Way Done

Mid September is upon us.    With this time of year, it seems we have one foot in late summer and the other foot in fall.    When we first arrived at Miracle Camp was definitely summer like but in the matter of a few hours, it became very evident it was almost fall.   This week, fall weather definitely won out with very cool morning and, occasionally, with frost on the ground.   It made for very pleasant working conditions.   Here and there, we are beginning to, also, see the trees  thinking about changing their leaves.

Being the middle of the month means we are in a fairly good routine with our volunteer work.   After two weeks, the shed is taking shape and will soon be of some use to the camp.   The men enjoy building things and gives them much satisfaction when they seeing it getting closer and closer to the finish.   The ladies did “fall” cleaning and 2 ½ buildings are much cleaner than before we showed up.   Where does dirt come from?   Sometimes items walk away from kitchens and other places in camps.   An inventory was taken of what was in one kitchen.   Surely, there was not much missing from there!   One of the ladies did some sorting of receipts for filing.  Sometimes work, such as this, is pushed to the back of a desk because of time restraints.   It is good to have many diverse jobs available for our different abilities and strengths of our team members.

Never fear, after work our hours are spent in socialization.   Once again, we had a game night (Crazy Uno) which is perfect for a group our size and our brains when we are tired after hard work all day.   We took a tour of a local museum the first of the week.   Then, we had the last of the week free.   One couple has never visited Michigan before and set out for a three day trip of exploring.   A couple others of us toured cities a bit closer.   We love the structure but the free time is precious too.

If the weather forecast can be believed, it looks to be a picture perfect week for work and play.   After a restful weekend, we will all be ready for devotions on Monday morning and the beginning of another week.

We Are Off and Running

A “run and slow down” week is the best way to describe our first days of work at Miracle Camp.   There are certain factors that can never be controlled but it only serves as a reminder that God is in control and not us!

The “links” of our team “chain” were a little late in being complete but our last couple arrived on Monday evening.  Yeah!!  This team has representatives from Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Colorado!    Yes, RVICS members love to travel!   Now, we are complete.

Rain was a major factor in our work.   It was very wet for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.   Plus, the beginning of the week was extremely warm, humid but the later part found everyone pulling out their warm clothes.   Fall is coming early.   Thankfully, we experienced the change in weather peacefully and with no storms as had been originally forecast.

The men have started on a paint ball equipment storage shed in the middle of the woods and on a slope.   Some of the foundation work has been started but the rains really caused problems in getting much done.  As the picture shows above, it all started with cutting and removing trees!   To supplement their work, they found a little painting and moving chairs etc. around preparing for different groups.

The dining room windows needed cleaning in a big way.    They are now clean and it is a picture perfect view from them now looking over the lake.   Also, a couple of days were spent in pulling weeds and landscaping.   It is so good to see a big difference in our work.   And, there was a big difference in both of the jobs.   Also, “fall housecleaning” was done on a dorm type building.  Yes, we have fun doing all of this.

There are bonuses to our work.   Yes, we work hard but the benefits are abundant.  This past week, we have seen lots of deer (all ages) and turkeys.   When we were washing windows, beside the lake, we saw pairs of swans and blue heron fishing—even in the rain.   One day, walking from one location to another I saw a red fox in my path.  This is different from home and we are enjoying it.

One of the requests RVICS asks of the host camp is for them to provide some type of Bible study for the team one evening during the week.   This week was very special and a perfect evening to do it because we had a pontoon ride on the 280 acre lake on Miracle Camp.   After the wonderful ride, he stopped the boat for a devotional and history of the camp.   (Interesting because this property was purchased in 1965 from the University of Notre Dame).

Next week will see further advancements even though it might not be steady upward progress.   Time will tell.

Starting Anew

September signals the end of summer and the beginning of a work time with RVICS.   After several months of “leisure” this is always an exciting time for us.   This month finds us in familiar territory, not because we have done a project here before, but because it is the camp for our church denomination at a place called Miracle Camp, Lawton, Michigan.

Even though we are just a few hours from home, the scenery couldn’t be more different with thick woods, many lakes (many covered with lily pads) and acres of grape arbors in the neighborhood.  It is a lovely area which we plan to explore in our spare time.

Since this is our first time here and RVICS is new to the camp director, it has been fun working with him.  Right now, it looks like the men will be putting up a building for the paint ball equipment.  The ladies will find many, varied jobs to do during the month.   All of our skills will be put to use, as well as, learning of new ones.

Since this is a mix of old acquaintances and a first time couple with many different interests and past histories, it is fun to see the commonality we all have.   Friendships will be developed that will last the rest of our lives.

Although updates are a challenge because with the thick trees overhead, internet, cell phone service etc. is a bit weak.      However, stay tuned for updates.

54 Doors---and More!

Yesterday marked the end of another month of RVICS work.   It is hard for us to believe that this project is now over!  Major upgrades were accomplished but the to-do list was still long.   However, other camps, churches etc. have needs also and help is needed there too.

The ladies work can be abstracted into one work---Painting!!    We all have the clothes to prove it too!  But, that isn't the full picture of what the 4 ladies did.   Doors seemed to be large part of our assignment.   Out of curiosity, a count was made yesterday with the actual total coming out to 54 doors and frames with a brand new coat of paint.     This was not the total of our work.   Painting the outside of the lodge and all the trim on the lodge was done.   To finish off our work, the inside of the newly remodeled room was given a couple of coats of color too.   New, fresh paint is always a good welcome to any place.    It was a joy and lots of fun to work with these ladies.

Not to be outdone, the men have a nice list they were able to mark off as done.   Painting was there too because they painted the very higher spots.   A variety of electrical projects were repaired and a room was totally remodeled into a beautiful new spot.   Old lightning was pulled out and new lights installed in two of the rooms of the dining hall/meeting.   It was a hard job as they were working from scaffolding.   The men meshed well together and used their skills they have picked over the years.   It is hard to believe the men didn't make a living doing this but that just isn't the case.

Laughter was at the heart of this group and it flowed freely.   That always makes for a good time when the works gets hard and everyone is tired.    In some cases, strangers became fast friends.   AT the end of each project, it is difficult to say goodbye and each of us went in a different direction.   This was no exception.

As for the Snows, this ends our winter projects for RVICS.    When we are away from RVICS for a little while, we are anxious to get started again.   Come September, we will be excited, refreshed and ready to pack up and head out again!   We love retirement and are thankful to God for the experiences He gives us.

Continuing our Ministry

This has turned into another busy week that sped by much too rapidly.   It was another time of worship, play and work.   What was different about this week (for Florida) was how cold it was!   We can't say we say any snow but the temps we very close to it.   However, we are well aware of the terrible winter up north and at all our homes, we can't complain for the short term.

Back to the work, the ladies painted all week long with just some touch up spots to finish the Lakeview Lodge.   The men made major headway on the porch conversion to a motel room.   That job will carry over to the coming week plus, some other jobs will most likely be added to the schedule.   It is wonderful to see things taking shape for the better use by the camp.

Play was fun again this week.   We toured a neighboring town's murals.   For the northerners, many towns in the south paint large murals on the sides of their buildings depicting its history.  What a way to relax and stroll the streets at a leisurely pace.    Also, we had a lasagna supper for the group and one of the staff with a 5 month old baby joined us.   Yes, we are all grandparents and loved the time with the little one.   Yes, one of us even tried to coral some wayward chickens coming into where the RVs are parked.

Every week, we spend the first half hour sharing in group devotions.   What a great way to begin our work day.   Once a week, a member of the staff comes and shares a Bible passage and, often, a testimony.   It is always an enriching time sharing together.

It is hard to believe but we are down to 5 1/2 work days.   Once again, Monday will bring smiles to our faces and we start the work, worship, play cycle all over again.

Lakeview Lodge

After alluding to the work we are doing here at Lake Swan Camp, finally, we are on the last "lap" of this project for RVICS.   This past week, the ladies have been doing the finishing work on the outside painting.   Come Monday, with just a few random spots to finish, we will probably be able to say the job is done.

For past pictures as to how far we have come on this (this is our third time to work on it in 2 years) see other blogs posted when we were at Lake Swan Camp.   However, the following are a sampling of the final results.

When the work started on this old building, there was nothing but a flat wall.   Now, the porch etc. takes in the full view of the lake ----aptly called Lakeview Lodge.

This is the example of one of the dorm rooms.   Doesn't look like the typical camp room, does it?

One of the motel rooms located in the Lodge.

The best part of the project is seeing it being used.   Every weekend we have been here this month, it is being filled.   It is wonderful to know RVICS fingerprints show up in the work.   However, the best part is seeing it being used for its intended purpose.   Right now, cars are filling the parking lots across the street and that is a very good thing.

A Normal, Busy Week

Our team of 4 couples just completed our first week of work at Lake Swan Camp.   This is another good team of hard workers who are all in the second straight month of work for 2014.   However, we have come in from different locations in Florida to make up this team for February.    For 2 of the couples, this is there first time here.   We are another diverse group coming from Michigan, Ontario, Canada and, a couple of us, from Indiana!

Normally,  during our work hours, the men and women work at different jobs and, mostly, in different locations of the property.   However, for a couple of days this week, all of us got out our paint brushes and began the job of painting the outside of the "new" Lakeview Lodge.  Wow---what a difference the paint made.  (Now, we want to paint all the buildings this color but that is far down the road!)   The women finished the walls on Thursday and are ready to start of the doors and trim work on our second week.   When all the painting is complete, I will put all the pictures of the building (both inside and outside) on a blog.   It looks sharp in both areas.

The men now have undertaken a larger project in transforming an old porch into a motel room.   The demolition is complete and the relocation of the wiring has been started.   Now for the hard part, putting in windows, walls and such where the roof line varies by 3 inches or so.   They will figure it out though.   Also, some electrical repairs were done on the property.   In a camping situation, there is always electrical work.

On Tuesday evening, the camp director met with our group and shared the history and future of Lake Swan.   Lake Swan, also, is a part of Billy Graham's history.   Not too many years ago, through no fault of the camp, the future looked bleak.   God had different plans and it is flourishing again.   It really made everyone want to work even harder.

It wasn't a week of all work.   On Friday, RVICS groups from 4 different projects in Florida traveled to The Villages for a winter reunion.    In RVICS, we work very closely for a month and, in a way, the team becomes family.   When we go on to other work or back home, it is hard to say goodbye.    These reunions bring hugs, smiles back and laughter as we gather together and celebrate our time together.   

Once again, come Monday we will start all over again.   Yes, the women with their paint brushes and the men their building tools!

Memories of Lake Swan Camp

With a new month, comes a new assignment with RVICS.   This may be a new assignment for 2014 but this is our 5th trip to Lake Swan Camp, Melrose, Florida.   I knew we had been here many times but was surprised to find it was 5 times beginning since our first one in February 2008. Over the years we have seen immense changes for the physical facilities.   Many times we work at a project and never return.   Just for curiosity, we pulled out all our pictures of the different couples we became friends with and the difference we have made in helping them to minister.  These are just a highlight or two from our time spent here.

In February 2008, we made our first trip here as "greenhorns" with this just our 4th assignment.  What we found was a beaten down RV campground.   Money was given to its improvement to benefit those volunteers to follow us.  At the beginning, at the end of the "line" of RVs (6 total) there wasn't enough power to run a toaster.   The electrical (and some other utilities) was totally made over to 50 amp service!  (With all the tree roots extra, the digging was done with much hard labor.)

2/2008

In 2011, we returned with RVICS.   The large job for the team then was to remodel the kitchen.   

2/2011

The following year, RVICS assigned us here again.  The main assignment on this trip was totally remodel the gift shop.   After it was done, we started what for Lake Swan has been a 2 year "re-build" of building for lodging.   Originally, it was 2 buildings brought in that had been used somewhere in WWII.   RVICS were the first to work on this "re-build" with some demolition.   Also, we were here when the youth from our church (UCC) came for there spring break.   They, also, got into cleaning up the mess the RVICS had made.

Gift Shop 3/2012

Beginning of Lakeview Lodge 3012

Last February when we arrived,  much had been done on the Lodge but it was still a long ways from being completed.  More was torn out but, also, the men put in ceilings, women painted etc. and it didn't even resemble what had been the original building.

2/2013

2/2013

The Lodge has now passed the final inspection and is being used.   However, the final picture will have to wait a few days.   Because, there is one last things to do.   The Camp told us since RVICS began the project that they should be able to complete it----that is paint the outside.   It is a very, very nice addition to Lake Swan and is being used as I write this blog.

Our team has assembled and are ready to begin.   It is going to be another exciting month and we will make a difference!

Looking Back On the Past Month

Yes, as the title suggests, we are nearing the end of our assigned time here at Florida Baptist Children's Home and will bid everyone goodbye  on January 29. However, this is unusual for  RVICS,   since most of the couples we worked with here during January will be staying for the month of February with an addition of 2 more couples.  It is unusual because normally the RVICS only come for a month and leave for a different location.  

This has been such a good month in so many ways.   Much was accomplished in the physical needs we came to help with.  Some of the larger assignments of work are not quite completed but will be in good hands with those working next month.    Our time of devotions as a group is rewarding and we gain new insight many times.  

As a group, we play together too.   At the end of last week, our group hosted another RVICS group from a neighboring town.   What fun to see old friends, talk, eat and play games!  The bocce game was particularly interesting with men vs women with 8 per team.   Did I mention all the women threw their balls at the same time and vise versa.   Sometimes, we are creative to make it work!

To finish our work the next couple of days, we will be helping setting up for a banquet that we are invited to attend.   This will include the children located here.   We had the opportunity to do this last year and it was a special evening.   This will be a good way to end.

Come Wednesday morning, we will once again hook up the truck to our 5th wheel and travel north about 3 hours and start this all over again.   The rest of the group will consist of old friends and a couple who will become friends over the next month.   Even though goodbyes are tough, we have much to look forward----------

Continuing At Rapid Pace

The month of January is getting shorter and shorter by the calendar but it doesn't seem possible that two weeks of work are now history!   Time is flying by quicker than a person can believe.

If we look at our accomplishments the twelve team members have done in the last couple of weeks, it is huge!!     The list of "assignments" for this group to do  during the month was quite long.   Since this is a two month project for RVICS much (if not all) of it will be done plus additional jobs the end of that time frame.  

The men have numerous larger jobs that are a work in process.   Since of items on the to-do list require drier, warmer days, they have been jumping back and forth this week between inside and outside work.    A couple of the houses needed windows for the parents to see into their game rooms quickly and quietly.   One house has been finished and second one started.   These are older buildings with the usual surprises which take additional time to correct.   Another house required a small wall to be removed so tile could be laid and this job is done.   Yet another home needed and unsightly/unused closet removed along with electrical and plumbing changed in a porch area and finished off and this job was completed.   Still in process are the trimming of many of the trees on the property of dead limbs and some Spanish moss removed.   There are a couple of houses that needed power washing and total painting. one of these houses should be completed (weather permitting) this coming week and a second one started.   In between some of these jobs, there were trucks to load and unload of food and furniture.   Needles to say, the men were very tired when Thursday noon rolled around.

The ladies weren't to be outdone.   Once again, we spent much time in the donation center.       The rooms are now much better organized and the new donations that are continually being dropped off were put away.   A fence was "spot" painted.   Translation, dogs are now residing behind it and trying to dig their way out.   The fence had to be lowered and, thus, there were unpainted places that needed some black paint.   It is interesting painting with dogs between a person and the fence!    Our final job for the week was totally cleaning the library and all of the Learning Center.    It is fun to do a variety of different things.   Oh yes, all of this has been done with one of the gals using one arm because the other is broken and immobilize.

It isn't all work and no play.   Come Friday, most of us headed to the Tampa Fairgrounds and the largest RV show in the US.   It is fun to dream.   While there, we saw "old" friends from other RVICS projects of the past.     It is good to catch up with one another.   On Saturday, we had dear friends from home but now residents of Florida come for a visit.   What a fun time!!

Tomorrow is coming rapidly.    When the end of the week arrives, all will probably once again say "where did the time go this week?"   However, we are all looking forward to that. 

Tool Time

The team for January had traveled to Florida Baptist Children Home, here in Lakeland, from Michigan, Pennsylvania (2), West Virginia and Indiana (2).   Once we are here, all are anxious to get busy with the ministry at hand.   It is always an exciting time because RVICS are not the "sit at home" type individuals!

The RVICS are a "come along-side" ministry to help our host ministry to do their job better.   For our first week of work, we helped a couple of different faucets.  

One of the missions when it was organized many, many years ago was to help children.  Continuing that today, they have ranch type homes with house parents and 8-10 children that need a stable home.   The homes operate like families were designed.   They attend public school and have all the activities of a child in a normal environment.   Having seen it in operation, we are very impressed.   A definite hole is being filled in their young lives.

This past week the men have been working on windows in the game rooms in a couple of the homes.   In another home, a closet was torn out on a porch and the space is now being redone to be better utilized by the family.   The power washer has been brought out and work has been started on re-painting of a couple of the homes.   Also, four of the men drove to a location off site to repair a house being sold that had been donated.   Yes, the tool boxes were brought out and about everything was used!!

A second (sometimes related ministry) is the huge, two story building used filled with donations.   The donations are used for the families here and throughout Florida.   Every room is filled with a specialty, for example maternity, housewares, supplies, diapers, clothing and this just skims the surface.   They are used by parents here, foster families, those they are helping set up an independent life in an apartment and even ministries overseas.   The ladies worked on organizing, sorting and stocking a couple of the rooms.   This is an unending process and keeps many hands busy.

This week, we didn't always have a tool in our hand.   After hard work all day, it is good to socialize and get to know one another.   This month will be no exception.   Don and Denny celebrated birthdays to begin the new year.   Yes, cake and ice cream were enjoyed by everyone.  Plus, this is the season and location for strawberries.   A trip to Plant City was in order to enjoy the strawberry desserts!

Every team member here has a home and family in the north where all the severe weather came through.     Even though we missed the experience of the Polar Vortex, we were able to pray and be thankful it has come to an end.

Tomorrow begins week no. 2 of our time here.   Once again, we will be more than willing and able to get moving again.   The tools await----------

And Now It Is 2014

  

Happy New Year!!!   Those words are still being spoken but it is still hard to comprehend that this is the beginning of another calendar year.   After less than 3 weeks away for the Christmas holiday and a quick visit with family, we found ourselves once again on the road.   However, in some ways, it was easy to leave because of the snow/ice we had when we were home and (big time) winter was on its way. 

Florida Baptist Children's Home is our new "home" for the next month.    Four of the five couples joining us have already arrived.   Come Monday morning, work will begin.   As another sign of the ending of one year and start of a new year, some of our jobs then will be taking down and storing for another year the Christmas decorations on the campus.

One of the bonuses of the volunteer work, is the lasting friendships we make among the RVICS family.   Since many of them have arrived in the various locations of ministry in Florida, we have a chance to meet and catch up on each others lives.   Today was one of those days, when two couples came for a visit---one of them we hadn't seen in a few years.     As with many of our projects, we will begin a new friendship with a couple for the first time.    Our lives have been impacted by all of them!

Come Monday morning, we will begin making new memories with this "family".    All  are anxious to begin the work that we are here to do.   It will be a good week and a good project!