This week flew by as we continued our work here at Lake Swan Camp! In fact, a few of the projects are now completed. A couple of the women have finished sorting and archiving old files and 35 boxes of have burned, the fence has been replaced/repaired, the key sorting is nearly complete. Sharon and a couple of the women continued to paint and one building is now ready for campers and another is progressing nicely. Don and Larry (in addition to working on the fence) have moved a shed and other misc. items, installed new lights and repaired soffitt. Everyone is anticipating another busy week coming up too.
Stacy Farris (ex-Hoosier) is in charge of the living outdoor school. What an interesting lady! Stacy is a lawyer who walked away from the profession for her love of kids and nature. One night she took our group to the lake and gave us a study on the stars---both the science view of the sky and the scriptural story written in the sky. She has a boa constrictor (among other animals) that she gave a lesson on one day including the feeding (actual demonstration) and care. What will we learn this coming week?
In addition to the work we continue to socialize! On Tuesday night our group hosted another RVICS group that is on a nearby project. Our theme song is “Family of God” and that is actually what we are---a big family. It is so much fun to gather with other RVICS. Even though we had with only one other couple in the past from this group it seems like we have always known the others also. On Sunday my sister and husband paid us a visit while on vacation from their home in Ohio. What a treat!
Florida is badly in need to rain and we had a couple of times of heavy rain. Sun is much preferred but the rain was very welcome.
One of the men is experiencing pain from an old injury. We are praying that he might get relief and to be able to continue work. Thanks for your continuing prayers.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Lots Of Work Being Done
What a good week this has been at Lake Swan! Progress has been made on the projects but there is so much more to be done. Don and a few of the other men have taken down a wooden fence and replaced it with a nice new one. Don dug lots of post holes but he said that it wasn’t too bad because it was sand (?) There is just a little more of that to be done before they move on to other work. A couple of men have been replacing parts of a roof that was in bad shape. Sharon has been painting and will probably paint until we leave here. The rooms in the cabins we’ve been working on needed painting badly. One lady has been sorting keys and finding a home for them.
This camp has so much history that we are learning about daily. It was founded in the early 1920’s by a Dr. Minder. Two of the RVICS ladies are sorting through boxes of papers (newspaper clippings, receipts, letters etc) that had to removed from the Minder home that will have new occupants. They will be archived to make tracing the history of the camp easier. Of note is the fact that Billy Graham preached one of his first sermons here prior to his street ministry. The story is that he was asked to preach and he said that he had 4 sermons prepared and preached the entire 4 sermons in 10 minutes. There is a building in the camp that was moved from another location that he preached in also. In the 1970’s he returned for the dedication of one of the buildings in the camp.
The camp director, Gordon Swenson, is a former missionary for 25 years in Indonesia. Stacie Farris, outdoor educator, is transplanted Hoosier. They are very friendly and make this place “work”. Gordon told us that they have 250-450 decisions made here in a year.
We have been greatly enjoying the fellowship of the other couples in the team whether it is a planned social event or around a fire burning the discarded files for the last 20 years.
Don has now recovered from the stomach bug (or whatever). One other in the group had acute bronchitis but with help from the doctor and medication has since recovered. This coming week they are to begin (long story) on the very badly needed electrical work needed in the RV parking. We pray that it might go safely. Thank you for all of your prayers.
This camp has so much history that we are learning about daily. It was founded in the early 1920’s by a Dr. Minder. Two of the RVICS ladies are sorting through boxes of papers (newspaper clippings, receipts, letters etc) that had to removed from the Minder home that will have new occupants. They will be archived to make tracing the history of the camp easier. Of note is the fact that Billy Graham preached one of his first sermons here prior to his street ministry. The story is that he was asked to preach and he said that he had 4 sermons prepared and preached the entire 4 sermons in 10 minutes. There is a building in the camp that was moved from another location that he preached in also. In the 1970’s he returned for the dedication of one of the buildings in the camp.
The camp director, Gordon Swenson, is a former missionary for 25 years in Indonesia. Stacie Farris, outdoor educator, is transplanted Hoosier. They are very friendly and make this place “work”. Gordon told us that they have 250-450 decisions made here in a year.
We have been greatly enjoying the fellowship of the other couples in the team whether it is a planned social event or around a fire burning the discarded files for the last 20 years.
Don has now recovered from the stomach bug (or whatever). One other in the group had acute bronchitis but with help from the doctor and medication has since recovered. This coming week they are to begin (long story) on the very badly needed electrical work needed in the RV parking. We pray that it might go safely. Thank you for all of your prayers.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Lake Swan Camp
Goodbye snow, cold, wind and Indiana. Hello north central Florida. Soon after we left Indiana one week ago, it wasn’t too far down the road that we found the warmer temps and abundant sunshine that retirees are always wanting to find. After spending a few days with Kim, Chris and grandkids, we gave hugs. After getting the RV out of storage, we finished our journey to Lake Swan Camp near Melrose, Florida.
Lake Swan Camp is a place that we have heard of for many years but have never visited. Clyde has been bringing the senior high youth here for spring break for a long time. Even though this is in Florida it has impacted many lives even back home in Indiana. This camp has suffered through many years from attacks from the neighbors around the lake on which it sets. Everyone is trying to preserve their little piece of heaven no matter who it affects. This has resulted in many law suits over the years---even to the extent that vending machine lights must be off. As a result of all the lawsuits that left very little to no money for the physical facilities. In fact, they have had to cancel RVICS projects in the past for lack of funds. Now that the suits seem to all settled they are trying to upgrade some.
They have a place for RVs to park on the grounds. The electrical hook ups barely work. The men will be replacing the electrical lines to bring the up to date for one of their jobs. We haven’t heard what the women will be doing.
Even though we are just meeting the other couples in our group, we anticipate a really good and fun month. There are 6 couples in all---North Carolina (2 couples), West Virginia, Minnesota/Illinois and, our good friends the Holloways from Hartford City. We are anxious and excited to get going.
Lake Swan Camp is a place that we have heard of for many years but have never visited. Clyde has been bringing the senior high youth here for spring break for a long time. Even though this is in Florida it has impacted many lives even back home in Indiana. This camp has suffered through many years from attacks from the neighbors around the lake on which it sets. Everyone is trying to preserve their little piece of heaven no matter who it affects. This has resulted in many law suits over the years---even to the extent that vending machine lights must be off. As a result of all the lawsuits that left very little to no money for the physical facilities. In fact, they have had to cancel RVICS projects in the past for lack of funds. Now that the suits seem to all settled they are trying to upgrade some.
They have a place for RVs to park on the grounds. The electrical hook ups barely work. The men will be replacing the electrical lines to bring the up to date for one of their jobs. We haven’t heard what the women will be doing.
Even though we are just meeting the other couples in our group, we anticipate a really good and fun month. There are 6 couples in all---North Carolina (2 couples), West Virginia, Minnesota/Illinois and, our good friends the Holloways from Hartford City. We are anxious and excited to get going.
Friday, December 7, 2007
November RVICS Project - Completed
Our tools have once again been put back in their storage place. Yesterday after devotions, we pulled out of Shocco Springs. As with every project that we have done we take many memories with us. The individuals that represent RVICS become very good friends that will last a lifetime. We are from different states, backgrounds and abilities. However, God always puts together the people that have the right talents for each project. Sometimes, we will meet these individuals again on another project but we will never be the same group again.
It is good to get to know and work with the different individuals that are associated with the organization that we are helping. This project was no exception and Pam stands out in our minds. Daily she works in the laundry. One day, she stopped us in our folding of towels etc. and told us she wanted to tell us something. She stated that she loved having us around and loved to listen as we talked about our travels and lives “back home”. She was traveling with us through our conversation. We are so fortunate to be able to do what we do. We will never forget Pam either. It gave us a whole new prospective of what goes on to make us all comfortable.
Our RV is now in storage in Georgia awaiting our next RVICS project in February. We are already looking forward to that time when we get back in the truck and head out again! However, first things first and it is Christmastime again!!
It is good to get to know and work with the different individuals that are associated with the organization that we are helping. This project was no exception and Pam stands out in our minds. Daily she works in the laundry. One day, she stopped us in our folding of towels etc. and told us she wanted to tell us something. She stated that she loved having us around and loved to listen as we talked about our travels and lives “back home”. She was traveling with us through our conversation. We are so fortunate to be able to do what we do. We will never forget Pam either. It gave us a whole new prospective of what goes on to make us all comfortable.
Our RV is now in storage in Georgia awaiting our next RVICS project in February. We are already looking forward to that time when we get back in the truck and head out again! However, first things first and it is Christmastime again!!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is now past. Is that possible? A listing of all that we have to be thankful for would be too long to include here. God is so good to us. However, we were very thankful to have been able to travel to Georgia over the long weekend and visit with Kim, Luke and Hannah. We feasted on turkey etc and were able to join the crowds shopping on Friday. What fun we had!!
On Tuesday we were invited to the staff celebration of Thanksgiving with a carry in for lunch. It is good to meet the dedicated people that make this conference center work. We talked and shared in our common ground in Christ. As a part of our work day on Wednesday, the gals traveled to The Red Barn (a local relief kitchen) and served lunch. Wednesday evening found all of us around a campfire roasting hot dogs and fixing s’mores. We definitely weren’t in Indiana that far into November!
Today begins week no. 3 on our project here in Shocco Springs. Last week the men were continuing their work on the 6 guest rooms of one of the lodges. Today, they began the process of laying the carpet in the rooms. The ladies were found in the dining hall cleaning. At some point, we are going to help with the decorating for the Christmas season.
Every week that we spend with RVICS we are building memories (as you can see from above) as well as friendships. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers as we continue with this work.
On Tuesday we were invited to the staff celebration of Thanksgiving with a carry in for lunch. It is good to meet the dedicated people that make this conference center work. We talked and shared in our common ground in Christ. As a part of our work day on Wednesday, the gals traveled to The Red Barn (a local relief kitchen) and served lunch. Wednesday evening found all of us around a campfire roasting hot dogs and fixing s’mores. We definitely weren’t in Indiana that far into November!
Today begins week no. 3 on our project here in Shocco Springs. Last week the men were continuing their work on the 6 guest rooms of one of the lodges. Today, they began the process of laying the carpet in the rooms. The ladies were found in the dining hall cleaning. At some point, we are going to help with the decorating for the Christmas season.
Every week that we spend with RVICS we are building memories (as you can see from above) as well as friendships. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers as we continue with this work.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Fall in Alabama
Have we finished a week of work here at Shocco Springs? It seems impossible but the calendar tells us otherwise. The time has flown.
There are multiple “motels” here for the guests that come here for conferences and the different camps that they have available. The men have spent their time this week renovating a few of the rooms in the building called the Bagley Center. Removing fixtures from the rooms, spackling the holes and painting the walls, were some of the things accomplished this week. When they finish the painting next week they will be ready to hang lights and other items in the rooms. We have seen some of the completed rooms and they are extremely nice.
The ladies were well experienced in their duties for the week. This place goes through an unbelievable amount of bedding and towels etc---and this is the off season. Deborah and Pam are responsible for the whole job. It was great fun helping them with this never ending task. Folding the laundry which is just one of their job assignments and we made it into a great time of talking and laughter.
Autumn is in full “bloom” around here. The afternoons found a couple of ladies outside enjoying the beauty before the leaves begin to fall. The picture above is the entrance. The view from our window is of a lake with mirror reflection of all the trees surrounding it.
The volunteers keep a 4 day work schedule. Fridays are called Tour Day. Today was a totally different “tour”. We were invited to a church just over the Alabama/Georgia border by friends of the Holloways. Southern hospitality was very evident!! We made a presentation of what RVICS is all about to the group in the church known as Keen Agers. They then served a Thanksgiving dinner. It was great!!
Thanksgiving is coming and this will be a shortened work week here. The staff have the time off to be with their families. Since we are close (relative to the distance from Hartford City to Warner-Robins, Georgia) we are going to spend a few days with Kim, Luke & Hannah. Hopefully, Chris will be able to have some turkey wherever he is stationed on his deployment.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers that continue to follow us!!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
"For the Beauty of the Earth"
I wish that you could all join me right now. However, those who are late risers would frown at that statement if they looked at the time this was posted. Those late risers would miss sitting out in a lawn chair, under the pine trees and watching the sun come up over a lake with a background of crystal blue sky and vibrant colored leaves. BEAUTIFUL!! This is probably the peak of the beauty for their fall colors.
No we are not still in Indiana (remember it is November and I am outside). We arrived at Shocco Springs Conference Center (near Talladega, Alabama) less than 24 hours ago and already love it hear. This is a beautiful area. This is the conference center for all of of Alabama for the Southern Baptist church. We are just getting acquainted with the grounds but it is very large and can accommodate large groups of people.
For this RVICS project there are a total of 4 couples. One of the couples is from Hartford City and very much responsible for us joining this organization, Larry & Gaylene Holloway. We are getting to know the other 2 couples and know that we are going to enjoy getting to know them as well. We know that the men will be renovating some of the "motel" rooms and the ladies will be doing a variety of miscellany jobs.
Thank you for joining us in prayer for safety as we work. A couple of the men are already battling nagging problems that they hope will not hinder their work. We look forward to keeping you updated the next few weeks that we will be here.
No we are not still in Indiana (remember it is November and I am outside). We arrived at Shocco Springs Conference Center (near Talladega, Alabama) less than 24 hours ago and already love it hear. This is a beautiful area. This is the conference center for all of of Alabama for the Southern Baptist church. We are just getting acquainted with the grounds but it is very large and can accommodate large groups of people.
For this RVICS project there are a total of 4 couples. One of the couples is from Hartford City and very much responsible for us joining this organization, Larry & Gaylene Holloway. We are getting to know the other 2 couples and know that we are going to enjoy getting to know them as well. We know that the men will be renovating some of the "motel" rooms and the ladies will be doing a variety of miscellany jobs.
Thank you for joining us in prayer for safety as we work. A couple of the men are already battling nagging problems that they hope will not hinder their work. We look forward to keeping you updated the next few weeks that we will be here.
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