Beginning the Next Service Adventure

After a relaxing weekend at Ocala National Forest we headed to Lakewood Retreat which is only 40 miles from Homosassa where we served with MDS. In looking for a place to serve we decided on Lakewood Retreat where we have served three times before and the last time being in 2014.

On our arrival here on Sunday we were pleasantly surprised that the country road was now paved, as well as Lakewood's long driveway.

Annette marvels at the size of these elephant ears (leaves 3' x 4') not like the ones she grew.

Enjoying Friday morning's walk to the lake and checking out the changes from our previous time here.

On Monday morning Bud (camp director) showed us the cabin (Cardinal) where we are to work for the next 2 weeks. Our work will entail cleaning, painting and making upgrades for this house to become the home for winter volunteers. We are working on one of the suites and the 2nd suite will get worked on in winter as more volunteers arrive.

The suite we are working on needs three doors replaced, 2 closet bi-folds repaired and a kitchen bar counter cut down to a more useful height. Three windows are on order and need to be installed, one of which needs a changed opening cut in the wall.

Our Monday to Thursday activities have been repairing and painting the ceilings and the walls in the kitchen/living area and the walls of the bedroom. Annette was vacuuming and washing cabinets because the the cabin had recently been fumigated for insects that this tropical place is plagued with. When it comes to cleaning there is always more to do. Jim was kept busy hanging the doors in out of level frames.

 

Going back to basic colors instead of green and pink.

By Thursday afternoon things were looking a lot better.

One of the "visions" Lakewood has is to build tiny houses for people to rent. So they have started with one in the campground area to see if there will be a demand for something like this. Then they plan to build more if people like the idea.

The campground here at Lakewood has been really full with tenters and RVers. Lots of families camping together this US Thanksgiving weekend.

Darrel is one of the staff we know from before. He was on popcorn duty for the evening.

As a camp promotion Lakewood put on a "Festival" Friday 4-10 p.m. for the community and any interested people. They had many stations like a giant bonfire, popcorn circle, s'more center, hayrides and food for purchase plus live music. The turnout was great seeing young and old alike.

Things we are enjoying here compared to our previous months location are the peacefulness of the treed setting and bird sounds. 

Our three day weekends do give us a chance to relax, enjoy nature and explore.

View from the hammock.