FMCA Convention– Perry Georgia and Our Final Week @ the NOMADS Project in Eustis Florida

(Perry, Georgia) 75 degrees and clear blue skies

We arrived in Perry Georgia today to attend the FMCA (Family Motorcoach Association) Convention.  This is an annual event (locations vary) and it is lots of  fun and very educational.. Hundreds of motorcoaches are already here.  The actual rally starts on Monday and I’ll post some pictures after everyone arrives.  

There are classes each day (four sessions each day).  For example you can choose to attend a class about internet service, braking systems, diesel engine maintenance, photography, exercise, crafts and much more. In addition there are travelogues about RVing in Alaska, Europe and even Australia. 

We usually each attend a different class to obtain as much information as possible.  There is also a huge vendor exhibition hall with everything a RVer needs and sometimes never knew they needed.  We are planning on having satellite installed and hope to purchase an area rug for outside. It’s lots of fun to check out all the exhibitors and we usually visit this hall several times.  It’s kind of like being in a huge candy store. 

All the latest motorhomes will also be on display.  In the past this was very helpful to us before buying our motorhome.  Most manufactures are display and oftentimes there are representatives from the factories who are very informative.  Sometimes a RV sales person knows their product and other times…not so much. 

If you are interested in more information be sure to check out the FMCA website.  There is a special tab for their conventions and information about all the classes.  You can also attend as a walk in and stay at a local motel. Also, if you are here at the convention and would like to get together just send us an email. 

On Friday we finished our three week NOMADS project and reluctantly said good bye to all our friends. This was a special and sacred time that we will always remember.  Our group  certainly accomplished so much during our time here. We repaired seven homes, one church and one youth center. 

I’d like to share one story of a client we helped.  She was about to be evicted from her trailer park due to the  disrepair of her home.  She had been very fearful and overwhelmed by all that needed to be done .  After some of our group finished with her home it was  spectacular.  She is so happy and pleased with the transformation. 



We feel transformed too by the love of the people we served and the friends we made with each of our NOMADS team. 



NOMADS Team (Charlie not pictured)



Leo repairing screens



Our three weeks ended with a private church service and communion.  Two of our members were United Methodist ministers and the service was very moving and inspiring. 



Bob installing a new tile floor



Jack working on some plumbing





Randy getting ready to paint



Our talented and organized leaders gave us each “awards” after our pitch in dinner. It was a very funny award ceremony. John’s was a small reusable ice pack for being cool under pressure and great problem solver. Mine was a refrigerator magnet picture of me and my camera in action. I had helped put together a journal of our projects and time together. It was a nice memento that everyone could take home with them.

  

Jane installing trim

Don "working" hard

We decided to try one project and decide whether to continue in the future  It exceeded our expectations a thousand fold.    We found the work to be very rewarding and so enjoyed the fellowship of our other team members.  This will certainly help give our retirement a purpose. If you are interested in knowing more please feel free to send us an email. 

Eustis Lake