Jim, Tammy, Pam, and Stephanie
July 2010 Eden Heights Congregation Float Trip Noel, Missouri
Jim and I packed up the trailer and headed south to Noel, Missouri for our third and final outing before it becomes our 'home". Our family has rafted many times but looking for any excuse to spend time with friends before we leave, Jim and I decided to be a part of our church family's annual float trip.
Our Navy son Tony came home from Chicago to spend a couple of weeks with his grateful parents and we took off a couple days early to do some camping. We arrived at the campsite after dark and as Jim was trying to back 38" of trailer and truck into our spot...we put our first ding/wrinkle/dent in the RV. I say "We" because Jim pointed out that I obviously didn't scream, "Stop, Stop!! There's a pole right......there!" until after the pole was swaying and the park lights were flickering on and off! I kind of wonder what the RV ownership/divorce statistics are???
It rained the first two days there but the day of the float dawned overcast but dry. It didn't last....Gosh, if I had a dollar for every shivering, teeth-chattering "I'mmmm nnott having ffun anymore...I wouldn't need Fulbright's money to go to Canada......Pam????
TIM WALSH and TONY
My cousin Stephanie and meGATHERING FOR CAMPFIRE
The Heide family
Stephanie and Lee
Tony
Me and PamIt was a wonderful four days spent with precious friends
GOING AWAY PARTY
There had been hush, hush activity going on for weeks at church. I was aware that the congregation had taken up a collection to buy Jim a new set of scriptures in honor of his ordination. What I wasn't aware of is that they had a wonderful surprise in store for me as well.
For three years I have been the music director for our congregation. I really enjoy playing the piano and it is rare day that I don't sit down and play a little something or other.
Knowing that I would not have access to my own piano for quite awhile...
while they were, in front of me, collecting money for Jim's gift, they were....
on the sly,also collecting money to buy me a keyboard to take with me!
Needless to say there were many tears when I realized what was happening!
I was told that the keyboard was a blessing for the congregation as well as for me...With daily practice they anticipate that I will be ready to pick up right where I left off when I arrive home!You may value the friendship of youth and of age,and select for your comrades the noble and sage. But the friends that most cheer me on life's rugged road, are the friends of my Master, the children of God.
David H. Smith
Wow, what a cool way to share you pictures! I've downloaded these as keepers for memories of this day. And it was a good day, to be able to share with two people that we love so much, and give something to them to help make their journey even better. It doesn't get much better than that!
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