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 fee.  After 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. 

In Loving Memory of Two Special Friends

In loving memory for two special friends

We recently lost two dear friends. Our hearts are sad and we are struggling with the loss. 

For the love of Sam

Sam was a special camping friend and a member of our Good Sam Chapter-Freedom Travelers.  He loved to camp in his motorhome with his wife and family. One of his favorite camping locations was Myrtle Beach

Family was so important to him.  His eyes would light up when he talked about his children and grandchildren.  His love for his wife, Carol, was so apparent.

He was so thrilled for us when we purchased our motorhome and oftentimes asked us about our full-timing plans. Luckily our camping club had a surprise party for him just a few weeks before he died.  It was a fun time and many members of our club have expressed how glad they were to have had this special time with him. 

He was diagnosed with lung cancer and had endured many treatments including chemo therapy and radiation.  He was very brave and did not complain.  His doctor seemed to be very encouraging and always gave him hope.  They seemed amazed by his ability to respond to the treatment.  He would laugh when I told him  his bald head was sexy.  We all knew his time was limited due to the cancer spreading to his bones, but his rapid decline was a surprise.  We will miss him very much.  

For the love of Sharon

Sharon was a colleague of mine from St. Vincent.  Many years ago she taught me how to be a nurse auditor. At the time I had several eye surgeries that made it impossible to work in the operating room.   Having to change careers was devastating to me at the time.  Sharon was so encouraging and taught me about a whole different aspect of nursing.    Over time, she became a close and dear friend.  We kept in touch and met often for dinner after I left St. Vincent. 

Sharon had such a strong faith and was such a gentle soul.  Several years ago she participated in a mission and mentoring program.  Her project was to provide a daily devotional to anyone who desired it.  Each day a lovely story with scripture would arrive in my email.  Luckily one of her co-workers has decided to continue it.  It is called  Sharon’s Prayer.  If you are interested in receiving this each day, please send me your email. 

Sharon had pulmonary fibrosis and was unable to recover from pneumonia.  She died very unexpectedly. 

Losing a friend is so difficult.  Our lives have been touched by them in such wonderful ways.  Godspeed! Our love and prayers go out to their families and loved ones.

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”  John 5:24