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.