The neverending story...

So much has happened while we have been camp hosts here.  We have many stories of amazing people that we have met.  I mean, we have met amazing people the whole time we have been on this journey but this is different.  We were staying still this time and they were coming and going the whole time.  It was our "job" to make sure that things were clean and that people were happy.  It was our task to make sure that people had what they needed to enjoy their time here.  It seemed to work too!  There were so many people that said that this was one of their best (if not their best) experiences camping.  I realize that it wasn't just us that might have helped that either.  We have worked with a couple here that have been marvelous.  We have found a way to work together that I strived for at every job since I had started working about years ago!  We had great communication and ended up being able to read each other's mannerisms and even each other's "hurts".  We have had a great time working together and have a great deal of trust and respect for each other. 

One of the things that we learned here is that most people have a story that they want to share.  They also love to hear about other's and where they have come from. As I said before, people are intrigued by what we are doing and most of those people see what we are doing as a positive thing; not everyone though.  Some of those even change their tune after they spend a few days with us.  It is such a blessing to share how God has allowed us to be on this journey and meet so many different people from so many walks of life.  We met 3 couples from Oklahoma that fell in love with the kids (they like us too!).  They let Kamryn dogsit and partake of foods around the fire.  Zachary has gotten to go fishing with folks, work on boats, teach, split and load wood, and help others in a number of ways.  Caleb has had the opportunity to be a helper everywhere also and has so taught many people things that range from astronomy to birding.  Kelly and I have had the chance to talk to people about personal issues, give advice on RV'ing, and otherwise help in a number of ways.  We love it!  People love it when others are nice to them.  I hate to say it, but I don't think it is the norm as it should be.  Only once since we have gotten here have we ran into one person who was not happy at life...and that is okay.  It was another teaching opportunity from me to my children and also reminded me that I am human and can become rather bothered pretty quickly.   

I may sound like a broken record but the Lord has given us the opportunity to meet and share with so many people; each for a different reason.  We prayed one morning for a marvelous opportunity to meet someone that we could bless.  This was on the day that we went to the Houston zoo.  As I thought it was going to be at the zoo (and again I am reminded that it is not "my" plan but His) we decided last minute to go out to dinner where the kids ate free that day.  We went to Denny's and Kamryn asked our server it she had anything that we could pray for.  The young lady got chills and told us a story about her baby girl being a preemie and what they had been and were still going through.  Then, Kamryn asked if she would like to pray with us as we prayed for our dinner.  She stayed and prayed with us and we prayed for her and her daughter.  On the way out, each of the kids were able to bless her in a special way and with special words.  It was such a great evening and an absolute answer to our prayers.  On another occasion, we met someone in the campground and their puppy (a LARGE puppy) allowed us to get to know them.  When they were leaving out after a few days, we had a conversation and exchanged blog addresses.  Then, that night, Kelly and I checked their blog out at SallyKTravels and it put tears in our eyes.  It was amazing to hear our story from another perspective.  We also met a young, Christian family who is temporarily traveling around and speaking at different churches/functions on the way to family out west.  We spent some great time worshipping and chatting about blessings.  The kids also had a great time playing and I think we might have put a bug under them for RV'ing!  We were also able to get a visit from some folks from YWAM Virginia!  When we were serving at YWAM Virginia, we worked hard and met a great bunch.  We found out that they were coming to Houston to do some ministry and pray!  They had a day that they were able to come and relax and we hosted them to a day of lunch and downtime in the woods.  They stayed for a few hours, we played, we hiked, and then we said bye to allow them to go and do His Work. One of the other things for this round was the Superbowl.  All of the camp hosts got together at one of the RVs and we all brought food.  We had a great time hanging out and filling our bellies.  When you get people from all over the country together and put them all in RVs, then find a reason to get together, you end up with some yummy foods!   I could go on all night about all of the people that we have met and how we are so blessed with all of the stories but, again, I won't yak that much.    

One of the other things that we were able to accomplish while we here was to fix a few tires that we had problems with and also continue with a few modifications.  We ended up finding our tires for the RV much cheaper that we originally got them for and thought we would have to get them off and take them somewhere to get them mounted.  That wasn't the case though!  We ended up being able to use our road side assistance to get a tire taken off in the campground.  When they showed up, after a little joking, prodding and hinting, they were able to take the tires off the wheels, mount the new ones back on, and remount them on the RV for a "tip" right in our driveway!  This also proved to be a blessing in itself, because the young lady told me that my tires had high chance of blowout and she would not have known that if she would not have changed them here.  Also, that someone else may not have noticed what she did on the inside of the tire.  So, they indeed need replacement and things worked out for the best to keep my family safe before we head out for travel again soon.  A few other things that we have done includes new curtains also in the bedroom (we finished the main living area before), installed a new outlet in a more convenient place (had to crawl under the table ever time we wanted to plug something in), kitchen wall changes, and the largest of the modifications up to now...the couch makeover!  The modifications, although budget conscious and somewhat minor, are making a great home for us. 

Again, because of the lack of wi-fi, all of the pictures are going to be loaded a little silly and all grouped together ...sorry. 

On the 60th floor of the JP Morgan Chase building.  Cool view of Houston.

"Eating out" in Houston.  First time in a garage!  If you haven't noticed yet, we joke about "eating out" often.  This kind fits our budget better. 

Met and talked with some of finest...and...I got bit! 

A beautiful dinner with a beautiful family in our yard. 

Zachary and Kamryn up early making biscuits. 

Entertainment in the woods. 

The YWAM Virginia team came to visit!  Love them!

Having a jam session.  Kamryn invited herself with her wooden recorder. 

Out on a hike with marvelous friends. 

Some other kids saw our kids working and wanted to follow the example.  So proud of all of them. 

Our kiddos were invited to do tie die tshirts with some neighbors.  (Caleb had to get one of my tshirts from home...this is where you find out that your white tshirts aren't white any more when you live in the woods.  )

Daddy is showing a new skill!

Zachary hanging out.

Caleb on his ride with Mr. Zach. 

These were the folks from Oklahoma that fell in love with the kids.  Kamryn loved this ride!

Caleb and a new lizard friend.

Hanging out with some neighbors. 

Zachary split about 3 of these big rounds into small pieces.  The next day he had a whole new definition of "sore". 

We were invited over for some dinner and hanging out. 

Chilling out with a neighbor and his family.

We had someone come in and they couldn't get level. the boys rolled these huge rounds over to them so they could use them for their back jacks.  I am so proud and thankful of their servant's hearts. 

Kamryn on the Harley with Mr. Zach for her a motorcycle ride.  

"Eating out" at the Houston zoo on a free zoo day!

Piranha!

Sad but cool.  This whole exhibit was made form trash that was found on Texas' beaches. 

Our little rodents. 

Kamryn  asked us to stop for a minute so she could check the map for us. 

We got tickets to feed the giraffes!  This made mommy very happy!

A gift from a neighbor.  These were the best 2 dozen eggs we have ever had!

It's like Christmas!  We got a new golf cart!  Well, the US Forest Service did at least. 

The next reno project...sofa sleeper out.  More storage and new fabric!

Zachary's catch made for an amazing dinner!

I was out for the day and Mr. Mike, an amazing neighbor, helped Zachary surprise daddy with a big catch!

Frying up the fish!

Catfish and hush puppies. Thanks for dinner Zachary!

Kamryn helping out with the couch. 

Kamryn and Charley.  This beautiful British Golden Retriever belonged to a great couple!

Kamryn and Caleb asked to help a neighbor get ready to pack up and head out.  They even helped clean!

Superbowl, friends, food, good weather!

Easy change...before

...after.  We added the wall tiles and also a few LED lights below the cabinet. 

Kamryn is putting on a concert!

We made fettuccini from scratch!

Playing the drums in the great outdoors.

Zachary and daddy making dinner.

Homemade ravioli from scratch with venison.

We will be heading out soon, westward ho!  We don't know exactly where we are headed or the exact route but we are praying about it.  We are also looking for somewhere to serve along the way.  We think we are going to sit again for a bit and serve and let the kids, especially Zachary, play baseball.  He is VERY good and we want to allow him to feed that passion that he has.  Kamryn and Caleb also look forward to the opportunity to spend time with other kiddos and play sports. While we have found a church here to attend, and Zachary even got to attend a big youth function tonight with about 400 other youth, we look forward to findig a church body to get to know some folks for a bit and get involved. 

Until next time...