This one ends a bit differently than the others...be forewarned.

After we stayed at the Queen's house for a few days, we took off for YWAM Colorado Springs.  It was only 20 minutes from them and we got there quickly.   We set up and were met by the person that would be giving us our tasks for the time that we were here.  ***Added bonus - he loves guns and we get talk about them allot!***  We took a tour of the base, met some folks, and were able to see what they do on a day to day basis.  This place is amazing!  The Lord has allowed them to take a hotel (awesome story on how they acquired it) and turn it into a multi-living/classroom area/workplace.  They even have a greenhouse that incorporates tilapia waste as fertilizer for an aquaponics system.  It was quite a learning experience for all of us.  Anyway, we were received with great warmth and welcome.  We were told that we could have the rest of the day to acclimate and get settled in but we kindly declined, headed to morning worship, and asked where we could get started. 

 

 

Walked in and quickly joined in with about 120 people for morning worship.

After worship, were all involved with the irrigation system.

The kids made some friends and enjoyed some time at the playground. 

The jobs that we have been able to do here has been from A to Z.  We started with fixing, digging, and sodding an irrigation system.  Zachary has continued his passion in the kitchen and has served nearly every day helping to cook two meals for 150+ people.  We are hearing rave reviews for his work ethics and manners and even greater reviews for his cooking!  In between meals he is also able to help us with demolition and the other work that we are doing.  He is a strong young man and has an ability to do so many things.  Caleb is a hug giving-always whistling-forever skipping-workhorse.  When I want to stop for the day, he keeps on.  When I want to take a break, he keeps on.  When he thinks I'm hurting, he tells me to stop and he'll keep on.  Him and I have worked allot together here and he is a true encourager.  He pops out all the time with encouraging words for me and for others and knows exactly what to say and when to say it.  He has helped with everything from painting stripes for a loading zone, handicapped spots, and parking spots to blowing leaves and dirt from roadways.  He has pulled up carpet and pad, ripped down drywall, and repaired holes.  He has pulled off wallpaper, taken out toilets, fixed a workout machine, helped textured walls and painted...you name it and he has done it here!  He is blessed with great strength and gumption and we are very thankful.  Kamryn is also like her brothers in working and has helped mommy with priming and painting allot.  But when she is done...she is done! Never fear though, she has surely continued her "loving on people" on top of the jobs she has been doing.   Thanks to her, each day for lunch or dinner (and on some occasions both) we have a new friend sitting with us.  It has been marvelous to get to know so many young people who have come here to focus on the Lord and further their knowledge of Him.

Zachary's first day in the kitchen.

 

Painting the dumpster area. 

We added some rebar for a new concrete pad. 

Zachary's time in the kitchen.  He even has a few battle scars to prove it. 

Caleb is cleaning the ground before we paint our stripes. 

Pulling the wallpaper!

Tiles is going bye-bye!

We got to fix a workout machine that has been broken for some time. 

Getting dirty and dusty. 

Keep them straight!!!

 

No sea legs here!

I honestly don't think we posed for this.

This was a typical hotel room when we started...we are knocking out some work!

 We have also had some good play time here.  We have visited Garden of the Gods and admired more of Creation.  We have had some good downtime with people that we have met here.  We have also had a few swim days...even though it was about 55 degrees outside.  We also went back to the Queen's house for an evening (our friends that we stayed with before we can here) and Zachary and I went to their church while Kelly and the other kids kept the dogs company.  The kids also learned about HAM radios and Morse code.  Last night we went to a pizza buffet/arcade place for their son's birthday and had a blast.  Do you know what happens when you get a bunch of adults playing Skeeball?!?!  It's not good, especially when the machine begins to malfunction and spit out tickets randomly...it was quite amusing.

A little down time in the camper. 

Learning about Morse code and HAM radios.

 

Cannonball!

55 degrees...not too chilly to keep us out of the pool.

Having fun!

Helping daddy make some dinner.

 

Zachary is waving his hands in the air like he just don't care!

Excuse me, would all of the adults please step away from the Skeeball and let the children play?! 

Kamryn and the Queen riding roller coasters.  Kamryn even put her hands up...and didn't squeal.

Our accommodations are more than adequate.  We were given a spot to park and able to hook up the electric and water.  We were also given a place to shower in the evenings so we would fill up our tanks so quickly.  This was quite a surprise and is only one example of feeling so welcomed.  Initially, Daddy said no to coming to Colorado Springs, CO because I was worried about freezing temperatures and didn't want to deal with busted pipes.  We prayed about it and checked the weather and for the following two weeks, the weather looked to be above freezing so we headed out.  Since arriving, last night was the only night that the weather had changed and we disconnected the water and made things were square for a night of cold.  We woke up this morning and had nothing to worry about.  Our view is amazing as we look right at Pike's Peak out of our windows and we are able to watch the top fill with snow.  We have been greatly blessed here and hope that we return those blessings through our work and relationships. 

Our yard and our view. 

I am going to end on a note that is not typical for these posts.  Usually, I have some witty closing that keeps everyone hanging on for more (yes, I know I am overindulging!)  ***The rest of this paragraph may not be for all ages...read ahead quietly before you read to your younger kids.  Then, you can explain as age appropriate if you see fit.  I won't go into it in great detail but feel led to speak of it and type this with tears I my eyes.  We had a beautifully focused worship time this morning and my heart was deeply touched.  We focused on the human trafficking trade and how it involves so many people forced to do things they probably would rather not be doing.  I knew of it but was totally naïve to the fact of how prevalent it is.  In the short time that we spoke about it this morning, I learned so much I didn't know and am very thankful.  It really is something to be aware of past seeing it on a billboard.  Sometimes it may involve someone who was troubled being misled and taken to a "better place".  Other times it may be that someone is just taken against their will or used to repay a debt.  All I know is that I now have a new prayer request to lift up throughout my days.   Even if I spoiled the mood for a bit, I hope that even my few words might spark something in someone's heart for education, action, or at least prayer.   

Ending on that note, and I feel it is of great importance, we are praying about our next destination and trying to figure out when we will head out from here.  There will be more adventures to follow!