If we could see inside others’ hearts. ~~ I haven’t documented their scenarios (yet) but I know there are heart-rending stories all around me: Residents, and volunteers, at CARE.

Decades ago, traveling through Texas, we purchased a post card with the comment: “The sun has riz, the sun has set, and here we is in Texas yet.”  (The postcard [left] is for sale, on eBay, for $15.00. Not my postcard, LOL.) Out of curiosity, I did a Google search and found many references.  ~~  Most RVers I’ve met have been to Alaska. Here at the Escapee RV Park, and CARE Center, a day doesn’t go by without conversation about the beauty and grandeur of our forty-ninth state.  ~~ This evening I was visiting with a man from New Brunswick, Canada, and I enthusiastically shared details of my trip to Bay of Fundy and Fundy National Park. ~~ There are numerous blog messages regarding my visit.

Nine years ago today (Tuesday Nov. 2nd, 2004; election day) I was still in Lancaster, California. All my possessions had been loaded into a moving van the day before. I slept on the floor of my vacated mobilehome. Before leaving the area that had been my home for forty years, I voted. ~~ (Tuesday, Nov. 5th, 2013; election day.)

I traveled as fast as I could across the United States (over 2,000 miles) in my little KIA Spectra. I encountered weather hazards, construction and accidents that delayed me for hours!! I barely arrived in Brookville, Ohio, before the moving van! I was exhausted, and stressed–and had phoned friends to keep me in their prayers.

Boxes of family history had been marked and loaded last into the moving van. They were unloaded first at the rear of the Brethren Heritage Center (in Brookville, Ohio). Over fifty apple boxes (and other sturdy containers) of FRANTZ, and collateral lines, genealogy. Also microfiche reader, computer, printers, cork boards, white boards, large picture frames, office supplies, and more items too numerous to list.

The remainder (on the moving van) was  moved into a nearby storage facility. I did not have an apartment yet.  ~~ The moving expenses were paid-in-full but I wanted to recoup the expense. I was hired as a holiday temporary employee at Sam’s Club. After Christmas I was hired by a new Walmart opening in Englewood, Ohio. I was there for eighteen months.

I moved to Ohio fully believing I’d be a volunteer at the Brethren Heritage Center. I was thoroughly qualified and would have been an asset. My enthusiasm, energy, knowledge and a few other things (but that’s another story) were an obstacle.

In October 2006 I moved my possessions from an apartment to a storage facility. (I rented one large enough for my KIA Spectra.) I was crying uncontrollably as I drove out of Brookville en route to Shelby, North Carolina. This trip was in my Dodge Class B mini-motorhome, pulling a small cargo trailer.

The Woman’s Retreat at Hallelujah Acres (HA) was my destination–and it was wonderful!! I had been trained by Hallelujah Acres as a Health Minister many years earlier and had taught (and lived) the concept in California. ~~ I became acquainted with the manager of the HA Resource Center and she encouraged me to apply for a job. Repeatedly (every time she asked) I said “They wouldn’t want this old lady.” To please her, I applied and was hired within hours. First I was using my computer skills in the Call Center. Later I had multiple jobs from prep for seminars and conferences, proof reading magazine prior to publication, contact with folks interested in buying homes in the planned community adjacent to HA–and work in the kitchen when short-handed.

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“Uncle”  almost!!  I’m ashamed to confess that I would have hitched the car and trailer, and departed, a couple of days ago. However, we had severe rain (unusual for this area, I’m told) and I didn’t want to crank up the four stabilizer-jacks, and hitch vehicles, in a downpour!! ( Someone said we had six inches of rain.) ~~  I acknowledge that I am ultra sensitive and am easily hurt. Furthermore I see myself as a “lover not a fighter.” Another figure of speech: “Fight or flight.”  (I was taking “flight” because my team-mate [volunteer] was out to crucify me.) ~~ Staff members rushed to assure me that I’m a new valuable member of the CARE family.  ~~ Considering the love and affection I’ve received, I have decided to make this my permanent home. Below are pictures of the site I will eventually occupy. I’m looking for an old large trailer that will be my permanent home.  ~~  I hadn’t  planned to become a CARE resident this early in my stay (I planned to volunteer month-after-month). This site will be available “after Thanksgiving” and I didn’t want it to get away from me. I’ll have lots of space for a container garden and shepherd’s hooks for bird feeders or hanging baskets. I can park my tiny trailer in the grassy area nearby. ~~ Can you visualize my eventual garden??

I’ll still volunteer!!

Postscript: Most of the CARE residents have an RV site like this (below)–and love the fact that they don’t have any maintenance. See why I jumped at “my” (eventual) site?? I want the extra yard!!!!!!!!

Check this web site: Master Pumpkin Carver. Wow!!

Before I left North Carolina, a lady-friend gave me two small books. I want to share one thought from Silver Linings, Uplifting Thoughts.

There are places I have been

where memories abound,

of folks I met along the way

and happiness I found.

Now I set my sights upon

new visions to fulfill,

and know that what I find there

will be even grander still.

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One more: Silver Linings, Life’s Journey

Past memories,
present experiences,
future dreams—
all are but different spokes
upon the wheel of life.
Each turn of the wheel
reminds us of where we came from,
of who we are today,
and of what we hope to become.

I’m a “fizzle”; too pooped to pop!!  (Can’t develop a newsy blog with lots of pictures!!) I was in the kitchen at 6:30 this morning and on-the-run until one this afternoon. Today we served a BIG breakfast to residents of CARE–and residents in the Escapee RV Resort. As a fund-raiser (every Friday): Sausage, bacon, eggs (any way you want them), hash browns, grits, biscuits & gravy, coffee, juice, etc., for $4. We served over fifty people. Then wash dishes, lunch preparations (fried fish, black-eye peas, squash, cornbread, banana bread, peaches), serving…, clean up, etc.

The picture is an exaggeration but a fair representation of me wearing a bandanna (because hair net or ball cap is required) and an apron. Rubber gloves are a “must.” ~~ I usually wear a long skirt; residents often refer to me as “the lady in the dress.”

A day off but I have been exceptionally busy “doing” things in and around the T@B.  To illustrate my activities, I took a lot of pictures.  ~~ However, before 2 o’clock, I had to abandon the cleaning projects and head for the CARE Center because my little trailer was an oven.  Frankly, it was extremely hot sitting in my chair taking “a break.” No, I didn’t sit there and bake in 104 degree temperature!! I didn’t drink my coffee nor finish my apple before I had a visitor. She and I moved under the shade tree and had a delightful conversation. 

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Eight days ago I bought sphagnum peat moss for Nature’s Head. Later I learned that bog peat moss is preferred. This being my day off, I could take time to change….  The salesman graciously sent enough bog peat moss for two applications (sparing me the angst of where to store an entire bale).

Before I left JAARS, I commented that I was going into “the unknown .” A co-laborer, and near neighbor, started reciting from memory a poem she wrote. I have her permission to share it with you.

The In Between

I’ve never been this way before

Looking back at the distant shore

Many people I’ve met and places I’ve seen

But now I’m just somewhere in between

What lies behind and what lies ahead

It’s not really clear what will be instead

Of the things I’ve known and the people I’ve met

But I know God is not through with me yet

Nevertheless I must face today

With each step I take, God will show the way

Clinging to His unseen hand

Groping in darkness, I don’t understand

All that is happening and causing me grief

In light of eternity this period is brief

But for now it’s painful – this stage in between

What lies ahead and what’s already been seen

Heavenly Father, I want to trust you more

To fully know what you have in store

For your fearful and trembling child

Who’s prone to wander with thoughts running wild

Hold me steady, let me cry as I may

Read my journal for that’s how I pray

During this period of in between

What lies ahead and what’s already been seen

May the decisions I make be good and wise

Pleasing to you as you help me rise

To new heights that I’ve not yet seen

That will take me from the in between

When one day I’ll look back and say

Why so fearful, God knew the way?

And was leading me all the while

To a new chapter where I would once again smile

And I’ll look back to all that’s been seen

Including this period of the in between

Where I experienced your presence so close and dear

As you personally wiped each falling tear

And reminded me we’re all in between

Not fully imagining what is yet to be seen

When we see you in glory face to face

But until then, may I run the race

A race set before me though long it may be

Will be worth it all when your face I see

And there will be no more in between

For all that you are will be gloriously seen

Written by Gail Boemker

February 24, 2011