We were excited to head out for another SOWER Project! We’ve been cooped up too long! The adventures of travel, meeting fellow sowers, learning God stories from staff, clients & campers, all while helping to build God’s kingdom – is calling out to us. Here we come!
We had waited at home an extra day due to weather alerts of high winds and possible snow – ugh! But after waiting a day, the drive was uneventful (thank you Lord!) and we saw some beautiful country landscapes. We headed South from Colorado then Eastward across Raton Pass and into New Mexico. This was near Mount Capulan, New Mexico.
Welcome to Riverbend Retreat & Conference Center
Back to Riverbend! We’ve been here before, in fact this was our very first project back in November, 2019. Looking our across the deep river valley below brought back memories!
We learned that there was a conversation between Evan Asby (our first Sower project GL) and Chris, Riverbend’s Maintenance Director, about how they needed some more tiling done, “and by the way, Dennis is coming” Chris saved that project just for us! (Thanks Evan 🙂
But we had great help! Dale & Barbara Livingood were serving with us! We served together at Camp Tejas, TX and also Glen Erie, Colorado Springs. Break out those knee pads – we’ll get ‘r done!
So we tiled one of the newly refurbished bunk rooms, while the girls had their own projects!
There’s laundry to do – lots of bedding, towels, and rags to clean for the next guests.
…and painting the doors to all the newly refurbished bunk rooms. Look at those smiles – they had fun! (Dale & I love the fact that they love to paint – means we don’t have to!)
Dale & I also were able to install changing tables in the bathrooms and install a privacy screen in the dining room that hid the extra stacks of chairs & tables.
We also had some fun – we went to the local LOCO Coyote restaurant (with a history back to 1915!) We drove way out in the “boonies’ and enjoyed some great Texas BBQ! Dale & Barbara’s granddaughter joined us for a few days.
Another time of good eating and fellowship was at the “Big Cup Eatery” in Glen Rose, TX. Yes it was a BIG Cup, a BIG Biscuit, and a Big Chicken Fried Steak! Whew – we had leftovers!
After the first two weeks, Dale received word that his mom was in her last days. They of course left us and the project to travel back home to be with family. While they were home, she did pass from our world into the Lord’s heavenly kingdom! We rejoice in her immediate presence with Jesus! “when we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!”
The last week of the project, Lorree & I teamed up to tile bathrooms and grout the floors.
Lorree learned fast – she became an expert at tile cutting Dennis installed them. We were able to finish the second bunk room install and grouting along with two of the bathroom floors. We were tired but a good tired!
Dennis cut circles around the sewer outlet – always learning new skills! This project is done!
The Riverbend staff treated us to a local BBQ – so good! We enjoyed being with Colby and Chris and their wives. Good times! (We missed Dale & Barbara being with us).
“Lorree, put your feet up tonight, I’ll cook us up some ribs!” Mmmmm – mmmmm!
The windows were SO DIRTY – during the few days between projects, Dennis washed windows outside and Lorree cleaned them inside. Always something to do while traveling!
We found this old German restaurant in nearby Granbury, and had a great evening out together. We were serenaded by the owner on stage playing an accordion and singing Sound of Music hits. The atmosphere was grand and the food was delicious. So much fun!
New adventures are ahead – moving on down the road to Mercy Ships Headquarters!