August 10, 2013 - Well the best laid plans sometimes just don't work out. I did not have access to wi-fi in a timely manner yesterday so no blog!  Sorry to disappoint those of you who follow us. However, there is much to report and a grand time we are having.

We picked up Dominick early Friday morning and headed north.  The beauty was astounding as we crossed through the mountains.  The boys slept most of the morning and after a Dairy Queen break in the afternoon the sugar kicked in and now Daryl and I need earplugs for sure.  Just kidding!

After arriving at Randlett's Woods we joined Susan, Liam and Pastor Lon from Normandy UCC.  Pastor John and Yolanda had prepared supper and we had a wonderful meal of polish sausages and hamburgers.  We immediately took our fire training and then headed to the Quilting Loft for our evening worship. Here are photos of us practicing with the fire hose.  Lightning and thunder were predicted and indeed we had quite a light show on the mountain and rain! 

Dom is practicing with the fire hose!

Today we ate a hearty breakfast we headed to the woods for a long morning of work.  We cleared trees and brush to assist the forest in becoming more healthy.  Pastor John taught us how to determine the height and age of the tree.  We also learned to identify some of the trees.  Liam discovered a bee's nest in time to keep Pastor Bonnie out of harm's way. (she is allergic to bees!)  It was hard work but we all worked together.

Pastor John used a Tree increment borer to show us the age of the tree!

Clearing branches!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch we all took naps and then headed to the pool for a swim.
The rain chased us in but we were ready for dinner anyway.
Susan made a fantastic lasagna dinner with chocolate
zucchini cake for dessert.  Daryl and Dom did some fine music making while we got ready for the evening activities.  We headed to the quilting room for our evening worship where we sang, discussed the Creation story and prayed together.  After a rousing game of Apples to Apples we parted to settle in for the night.

We are reminded that it takes many people working together to save our earth.  The forests are in grave danger unless we take care of them.  Pastor John is a great steward of the forests and is teaching us to do what we can to help preserve and care for the trees.

Yolanda's quilts adorn the buildings and invite us to deeper reflection on many aspects of life. One of my favorites is the one with the owl.  I am reminded that God loves all of creation and I am part of the solution for the health of our planet.  Won't you join me tonight in thanking God for our beautiful earth and all the universe? 

Tonight Daryl taught us some of his scripture songs.  I often sing one of them that goes like this: "I lift up my eyes to the mountains, from where is our help to come?  Our help comes from our God, the maker of heaven and earth.  God will not allow your foot to slip, God will not slumber nor sleep."  May you know that abiding presence today, Journey of delight, Pastor Bonnie

Daryl and Dom delight us with their music