Hi to all,
We arrived here almost 3 weeks ago to begin our volunteer work and
work we did. We came a couple of days early and started working
immediately. We worked for 2 weeks straight with no time off until 2
days ago. The good thing is that means the conference center is busy
which is a good thing. This is the busiest we have ever been in
August. It has slowed down somewhat but we are one couple of
volunteers short plus the director retired June 30 so we are really
short handed. Ric and I are in charge of 2 buildings until Sept. 1
when another couple will arrive and take that building. We will
gladly give it over to them. We have nevertheless found it to be a
learning experience-some good and some bad experiences. The
conference center secretary has kept things going and we think they
have a jewel in her. You don't find ones like her very often. I am
not sure they appreciate her.
The weather has been mild except for a few days when it was very hot
and humid. But what can you expect in Maryland in August? We are
inside most of the time. I do paperwork, get the room keys in
envelopes, make lists, and Ric takes care of making coffee, fixing
the ice water, delivering the snacks and things like that. We also
answer the phone in the office some days and work in the dining room,
taking tickets etc. So we both are kept busy most of the time.
Sometimes we just have to be here if case one of the guests need
something.
We have a group of 80 Vietnamese-CVCF-Capital Vietnamese Christian
Fellowship here right now. They are mostly young people from all
over the east. The have a worship service each day, group activities
workshops etc. and we all eat together in the dining hall. They are a
nice group of people and so polite.
The Church of the Brethren (they own New Windsor Conference Center)
General Board, 30 plus members, were here for 3 days or so the first
week we were here and they had meetings of several different
committees. We were given an exit report and good things are
happening here and will continue. The Brethren Disaster Ministries
committee were here also for training in disaster response which was
interesting. There is so much good that begins here so it is
rewarding to be a small part of it. We will be here through the
month of September.
Ric is in San Antonio as of last night for a family reunion. He will
fly back into Baltimore on Monday and we will spend the night in
Annapolis at the Navy Lodge. We have been to the Academy before but
Annapolis is a neat place to visit. We have Monday and Tuesday off
which is nice. Then we work the rest of the week and week end.
Gas is about $2.65 a gallon, down some 25 cents since we first
arrived here July 1. It is nice to see the price dropping. I just
hope it continues for our return trip to California in Oct. and Nov.
As I have written before, the countryside in Maryland is lovely;
green even without much rain this summer, rolling hills and many
trees. The crepe myrtle is blooming now and it is beautiful.
A storm can literally blow in, rain hard, and then be gone all in an
hour. We get severe weather warnings on TV and they usually happen
but they come and go so quickly. It is not at all like in northern
California.
That is about it from here. I have enjoyed all your e-mails and
always look forward to hearing from you.
I trust this finds you in good health and enjoying life as it is
meant to be enjoyed. Take care.
Hugs and peace to you all.
Mom, Dad, Grandmother, Granddaddy, Ric and Jan(ice)
