South for the winter! We were excited to be “on the gulf” – actually “on the bay” – in southern Texas. We arrived on Saturday, the weather was warm, sun was shining and everything was green! (Little did we know what the weather was ahead!)
Palm trees – so beautiful! The camp was literally at the edge of the Tres Palacios Bay – a cement sea wall and sidewalk is the border of the camp on the water side.
We enjoyed our first get acquainted meeting and the Monday tour by Rob Kessler the Camp Director. We had our first “social” by watching the Super Bowl on a super screen in the dining hall. There were 10 couples signed up for this project – the most we have ever worked with at one project. We served with: Doug & Trish Wilhelm (GL), Keith & Linda McNeely, Evan & Jaquie Asby, Michael & Jackie Barber, John & Druann Bauer, Ralph & Lella Bledsoe, Dale & Kimberly Kapsar, Chris & Barb Schanan, and Richard & Melody Miller.
Lets move this house! – (the stuff inside)
Our first job assignment for the whole team was to move the entire contents of this house to the camp. The owners had sold the house and donated all the furniture and everything remaining to the camp. What a blessing! It took a few days – then we helped to organize and relocate it to various facilities within the camp. Great teamwork!
Ten Men and a Trailer – got the job done!
The ladies cleaned, prepped, and put a new coat of protection on the Camp Deck on the bay. This is used for all the water activities for the campers such as banana boat rides, paddle boards, kayaks, and more. Looks great ladies!
Keith and I tackled a major flooring job in Jeanie’s house (camp secretary & receptionist). Bathroom floor was totally rotted through and the hall/living area had a huge hump in the floor boards. Too much humidity and water leaks over the years. We were able to replace it all with new material. She’s so thankful!
What a job the ladies were given. Sort all the nuts, bolts, nails, screws, tools, and more. They did a major re-organization of the maintenance shop. Several days later it looked great! We can find anything now! Thanks ladies!
We enjoyed getting know each couple, such special servants for the Lord! We played games, had ice cream, went out to eat, and watched sunsets. Great memories!
We were able to attend a real live church in Palacios – it was so good to sit in the sanctuary and sing and hear Gods Word being preached again. We even had an in depth Bible Study at the camp dealing with end times. Lots of information and discussion!
More work with smiles on our faces – what a variety!
More work! With a crew this size, we accomplished a lot for the camp. Somehow Doug & Trish Wilhelm the GL’s were able to mix us up well enough that we all had some time to work with each other. It’s great to be able to remember each person and couple that we worked with.
Rob Kessler, the camp director insisted on feeding us. He also feed the city workers who braved the cold to repair water and electric lines! He shared that this is his way of showing his appreciation and gives him and the staff an opportunity every day to mingle and build relationships with the volunteers. Thanks Rob – such great food – it was definitely a “10 pound project”! LOL!
This was a great work project – a bit chilly for being in southern Texas, but we had a great experience…..
…..speaking of experiences, there’s more that happened here during these days. We all experienced the Texas Freeze of 2021! See the next blog for all the details…. BRRRRR!