Friday, October 1, 2010

Saying Good Bye To Our Workamping Mentors

(Greenfield)  We will soon be saying good-bye to our workamping friends, Danny and Gaye.  We met this couple in June while having some work done on our motorcoach (see June 26th post for more details).  We are sure glad  Jimmy needed to go for a walk.  The campground was right next door to the dealership and during that walk we met Danny.  He told us how much they enjoyed working at the campground and conversation led to our first workamping job.  We are very grateful.



Gaye and Danny

Danny and Gaye have been so encouraging and told us many stories about their past 6 years as workampers.  This is their second season here and they plan to return next summer too.  They have family nearby and really like working for the owners of the campground.  

Danny can fix and trouble shoot just about anything.  Campgrounds require a lot of maintenance and he does such a great job taking care of everything.  He has generously shown John some of the tricks of the trade.  Gaye taught me how to use KampSight  (KOA's reservation system) and the register for camp store sales.   Plus, she gave me lots of tips on how to handle customers.  She has so much experience and it has been delightful working with her.  

Last evening we went out together to a restaurant  Gaye and I have wanted to try and had heard so much about from others.   It is located in downtown Greenfield in a historic library building.  It's called Carnegie's and our dinner was delicious.  It features a wood fired oven and everything is homemade.  Gaye and I especially enjoyed our bacon wrapped salmon, but  they are most known for their steaks and tenderloins. 

We will miss them very much and hope our paths will cross again.  Gaye said, if not, our hearts will always remember our friendship and time together. 

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Our First NOMADS Assignment - Eustis Florida

(Greenfield Indiana) While attending the Escapade Rally, we talked to the folks @ the NOMADS (click link) booth.  Our friends, Randy and Pam,  had recommended this organization to help give our retirement a purpose.  They have volunteered for several projects and had told us how much they enjoyed it.  This organization provides volunteer labor for United Methodist organizations.  Their mission statement is as follows:

NOMADS Mission Statement: 
Rebuilding lives, homes, and facilities with God’s love and our hands.
And in the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.  James 2:17 

NOMADS are people who:
- are looking for retirement with a purpose
- enjoy traveling in an RV
- want to share their Christian faith
- enjoy using their skills in service to others

We filled out an application on line, had a brief interview with a board member, and then  paid $25/person membership feeAfter confirmation, we then were able to check out all the projects listed on their website .  We will be in Florida this winter and signed up for a project is a little city named Eustis  (click link)@ the Hearts and Hands Ministry.  The project lasts for three weeks and involves general contracting, painting and landscaping.  This city (population 19,000) is  near Ocala, a great kayaking area.  We will have Friday-Sunday off each week for free time and sightseeing. 

We are very excited about this opportunity.  Check out our blog in mid February for all the details.