Quality in Quantico

(03/28 to 04/03/2010) Camping at military RV campgrounds when we can has been our routine since we hit the road full-time in January. We have stayed at some good ones and some not so good ones. We booked the campsite at Lunga Park, Quantico USMC base in advance not knowing what to expect. This was by far the nicest military campground we have stayed in. Lunga Park is actually a series of 5 separate campgrounds in a secluded area on the shores of a huge man-made lake in the shape of a large "V" that lies NNE. We were in the Pine Campground on the farthest NE point of the lake. It was a beautiful setting and the sites were aligned to the lake for good views from our parked rig. We were watching the lake late one evening and a bald eagle came out of nowhere and scooped a fish out of the water with its talons and flew off. We sat on the edge of the lake one evening for about 45 minutes watching the sun set. Just a glorious spectacular site. As you probably know Quantico is one of the largest Marine training bases in the world and is where the Presidential Helicopter is based. The base also supports the FBI Academy and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Academy. One morning we were surprised by hearing what sounding like a herd of elephants running down the road from above where we were parked. Suddenly there were about 40 men and women in PT gear spread out on the point where we were parked doing leg lifts, wrestling headlocks, buddy-carries and push ups right at the waters edge. It was fun entertainment over our morning coffee! I was told later they were DEA trainees.
We haven't blogged about the campgrounds where we're staying to this point because for the most part they are pretty unremarkable. This one was a jewel. For the pure beauty and privacy of this campground we rank it as number 1 so far on our list of about 10 campgrounds so far.
Enjoy the pictures!

Friends Are Friends Forever If the Lord's the Lord of Them...

(Springfield, VA 03/28-4/2/10) Moving around is part of the package when you are in the military. You pretty much know that you are going to be stationed somewhere for about 4 years and then move on. Living on base would at least provide opportunity to get to know your neighbors quickly as everyone is in the same situation of being away from family. Our family tried to plug into a church as soon as we could to enlarge that opportunity and because we knew we needed the fellowship of other believers. God was always faithful to bring people into our lives that we have been able to share some great times with in our 30 years of military moves (some of whom we're privileged to visit on our Oregon Journey). Sometimes it happened quickly, sometimes it took awhile. One of the hardest places for me to develop deep relationships was when we moved to Northern Virginia and Ed worked at the Pentagon. For several reasons I just didn't find someone that I clicked with UNTIL I found Pam! Pam Hawthorne and I met while dropping our daughters off for a church youth trip to Colorado. Our husbands had been roommates at a men's retreat and became friends, but Pam and I hadn't really been introduced. While we were waiting to pick our girls up after the trip we sat in my car and just talked. When the vans drove in our girls looked at each other and said "oh good, our moms finally found a friend". I think they thought we were both pretty pathetic! Pam and I both have similar sarcastic sides which makes our relationship fun. We've shared some fun times and some hard times that have strengthened our friendship. I know I can count on her and she can count on me. We both love "I Love Lucy" and she calls me Ethel (although truth be told she is OLDER than me) and I call her Lucy. Before we left Virginia the 4 of us went out to dinner and had a wonderful evening with Ron giving the waiter a lot of fun teasing. It was just what we needed. I'm so thankful for Ron and Pam and although I hope they come and visit us when we get settled in Oregon I know that we will have an eternity to laugh and enjoy our friendship on the New Earth (Rev 21:1-8)!

Old Clients...New Office

(No VA, 03/30-31/2010) One of the reasons we had to get back to Virginia by the end of March was for me to work with my first business consulting client. This is a company I have worked with before, but not in this role. I was able to help facilitate a meeting for them over 2 days. We had a group dinner (see picture above) the evening after the first day, at a small Italian Restaurant in Vienna, VA (how appropriate). This was also a trial run to see if Joy could handle being in the RV overnight alone. I stayed in a Hotel near the company's offices in Fairfax and Joy stayed in the RV at Quantico. High winds rocked the RV most of the night and she didn't get much sleep, but other than that she was fine. We are pronouncing it a qualified success, but TBD when the next opportunity may come for another test.
Part of the deal with my client was that I would compile the notes for the meeting. I came back to the motorhome on Wednesday after the meeting with roles of butcher paper which recorded several brainstorming sessions and groups exercises we did in our sessions. I hired my 105 wpm typist wife on the spot, to help me get it done. We divided the pages... she got 10 and I got 2. To make it easier to type from we hung the butcher paper notes all around the RV (see pictures) She was done in 30 minutes...it took me about 3 hours. But we got it done!
It's called teamwork! What you learn how to do after 35 years of marriage!

Finding Strength in Trials...

(03/28/2010; Northern VA) Life is unpredictable. One minute you're watching a basketball game and the next your world is shaking and your heart is in so many pieces you can't feel a thing. This is what we experienced Palm Sunday when we were given some news that put us literally into shock. As we stumbled out to our car with tears pouring down our cheeks we weren't even sure where we were or what direction to point the car. We ended up at some dear friends who put their arms around us and held us as we sobbed out our sorrow. I am so thankful for those who can comfort because they have been there and know what you're feeling. I'm thankful for those who can give wise counsel and prayers. I'm so thankful for a God whose arms are around us always.

A year ago I could not have heard this news. I wasn't ready for it and God knew I couldn't handle it. In the past 5 years my walk with the Lord has changed dramatically. I read a book called "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn that blew my mind. If you haven't read it you need to. That book led to some others that are too many to name but what they did was point me to the realization that I was not experiencing the abundant Christian life that God promises to those who believe. And, it wasn't HIS fault! I was afraid of it. Instead of opening my hands to take it I was closing my fists in fear. Over the years as I gradually opened my hands He was so gentle with me. The wonderful women He brought into my life allowed me to grow under their mentoring. In this past year 3 of us have done a Precepts Bible study together on the book of Job. Then another book by Randy Alcorn "If God is Good" came in the mail. Again, if you haven't read it you need to. But the most healing thing has been God's Word. Everyday He gives me some truth to hold onto for that day. Everyday I read His Word and am a stronger person than I was the day before. Everyday I write down where I'm at in this journey I'm going through and everyday I release this situation to God because only He can change it. Then I get up and LIVE! I open my hands to His abundant life, I laugh and sing and enjoy life and family and friends. And I do that through His strength, not mine.

I think it's interesting that my last blog was about some friends who are going through a time of testing and how God is using it. He has now put Ed and I in a position to live what we believe. God doesn't give us the test that we want, He gives us the test that we need. I might look at what someone else is going through and think "I could handle that" but that's probably not what needs refining in my life.

So again I quote the verse in I Peter 4:12, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." There is a reason for this and I do rejoice that God has found us worthy to taste in such a small way what He suffered for us on the cross when He gave His life for us so that we have the power not to sin and so we could have eternal life on the new earth.

Another Supper...Another Surprise Showing

(Va Beach, VA 03/27/2010) We planned a "last supper" at Bravo's Restaurant in VA Beach with a special group of friends. We had grown close over 6 years of being in the same Sunday School class at Westminster Church in Suffolk, VA, and going out for lunch after church (notice the food theme here?). We were really looking forward to spending time with these dear folks except for the fact that one couple of our group, Gary and Patty Stewart, had since moved to Charlotte and another couple, Bob and Loie Marshall are serving in the Navy in Naples, Italy and wouldn't be with us. Gary and I team taught the class and grew very close over the years. When they sold their house in a matter of weeks, in the fall of 2008, we asked them to live with us. They did, from December 2008 to end of Feb 2009, when we finally got tired of them and told them they had to leave (not!). They surprised us last July at my retirement dinner by saying they were not going to be able to make it and then showing up at the last minute (making a grand entrance right as we were getting started!). This time, however, it was the farthest thing from our minds that they would be there. Joy, I had riden in from Suffolk with Steve and Ellen Beneger and were meeting Sam and Cindy Wallwork there since they live in Va Beach. We got there within a few minutes of each other and all sat down. I noticed the table was set for 8 and remarked about it. Someone said, "they must have made a mistake". About 30 seconds later in pop Gary and Patty...surprise! We were blown away. They were actually staying with Sam and Cindy, so the whole group was in on it, but us! What special friends and what a special time we had. We talked and talked, solved all the Church's problems, and laughed and laughed over a long leisurely meal. After busting our gut by ordering dessert (some of us did) we finally had to say our "so long, not goodbyes" with hugs and maybe a few tears.
We love you guys!

Don't Tell...We Were in Suffolk!

(Suffolk, VA 03/26-28/2010) With apologies to those we didn't get to see, we made a short stop-over in Suffolk on our way to No VA. I had some work in Fairfax VA 30-31 March so we parked at Davis Lakes RV Campground in Suffolk for 2 nights on our way north. We had 3 "so long, but not good bye" meals with friends over the short stay. The first was with our friends Tim and Julie Corcoran. They were heading to Richmond Friday afternoon so we were able to just catch them for lunch before they left. Tim and Julie were part of a group of 4 couples who we became very close to that started with a Sunday School social idea of groups of 4 couples having dinner at each others home over the course of 4 months (the length of a Sunday School quarter). We enjoyed it so much we kept doing it for over 2 years! We carried each others burdens through the ups and downs of family and life trials. We were remarking over lunch with Tim and Julie just how much we had grown in our relationship with Christ, and the healing we have seen in relationships, and just how much an impact we made on each others lives. We snapped this picture as we hugged our goodbyes, near the mascot for one of our favorite restaurants (guess where).
Later that evening we enjoyed dinner with our old covenant group. A small group from our church which had been a big part of our lives. (sorry we didn't get a picture!)

Blessed in Georgia (Now There's a First!)

(Fair Play, SC: 3/24/2010) Well, the laundry is done, the shower has been cleaned and I've got chicken and dumplings cooking in the crock pot so I think I'll take a break and fill you in on these last few days.

We finally got out of Florida and made our way to Warner Robins, Georgia where we lived for 4 1/2 to 5 years. I give that spread of time because Ed left for the Pentagon while Katie, Emily and I remained there waiting for the house to sell. Warner Robins has many memories for us, many good ones but some hard lesson ones too. I think all the girls would agree. (Ed calls this time our "wilderness wandering" because the time here was a big time of trial and testing for us). Anyway it was fun to drive past our house and see all the improvements they have made to it! We stopped at the high school where Erin graduated and gave them a copy of the book she co-authored Golfing With Your Eyes Closed. But the best time was Monday evening when we had dinner with some dear friends, Dave and Marge Bury.

We first met Dave and Marge when we were stationed at Little Rock AFB and were so glad to meet up with them again when we were both stationed at Robins AFB. Marge is an amazing woman who is so creative and loves antiques and I had the opportunity of working for her at her business, Hickory House, while we lived there. Dave is a great husband, dad and Poppi! But what makes our relationship special is our common love for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! Dave and Marge and their family have been through some amazing times in the past few years and God has used and will continue to use them to honor and glorify Him. We listened to their stories and offered encouragement as we were able, but the biggest thing we can do is to keep praying for them and entrusting them and their family to our Gracious, Merciful, and Sovereign God.

I love the book of 1 Peter and as I think of Dave, Marge and their family I can't help but go to 1 Peter 4:12: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you...But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." God allows us to go through times of testing and trials to strengthen our faith in Him, to know Him more, to glorify Him, and to allow us to be acquainted in a small way with what He suffered for us. Everything that happens to us is for a reason (whether we can see that reason or not) and I know that as they seek Him He will continue to comfort and hold them close.

We left Warner Robins Tuesday morning and drove to just outside Atlanta for lunch with a professor of ours from Multnomah School of the Bible and his wife, Bruce and Darlene. Our time with them was too short, but we were able to fill each other in on the condensed version of what God has been doing in each others lives over the past 35+ years! Bruce was very influential in Ed and I getting together. Although his goal was to get Ed to leave me alone, it sort of backfired --which is just evidence that God's will is not thwarted!!! Our time with Bruce and Darlene was wonderful and, as usual with a coach and mentor, it stimulated us to "open the eyes of our hearts" and be willing to be stretched to fulfill all God has for us on this trip and in our future life and ministry together.

So now we are in South Carolina for a couple of days just getting some much needed quiet and together and alone time! Gearing up for another few weeks of visiting and working.