Preussless Pathways: Back to Normal???

What is normal - it is hard to even remember after the past week. In addition to the routine daily things, we were in Chaplain training all week - get up at 5 AM in order to be at Citrus Valley by 7:30 (yes, driving in the rush hour morning traffic), meeting and remembering names of the new chaplains, preparing ourselves for 5 days of schooling and information, driven into our brains with a water hose in order to try to retain it all, eating the fabulous catered meals as well as constant snacks in order to revive ourselves - getting done about 5 PM, driving in the evening hour rush traffic, get home to think about supper and the routine (normal) duties. It was a trial, but it was awesome. Now we need to review and try to make sense of all our notes. The classes were so great, God is working in the CRMI Ministry, especially the RV division, and some folks gained freedom from their bondages. We talked about the changing demographics of the RV parks and industry (from family tents to 45 foot coaches) but even the demographics of CRM is changing - our new chaplains are younger, more on fire for the Lord, as well as eager to take on new and larger challenges. Our group is so diversified - from retired MD's to authors, publishers, government contractors, retired military, school teachers, school principals to truck drivers, farmers, and plumbers. What a group - with the same goal in mind - to take the word of God to those who know and don't know Him. Today we all attended the church service at Citrus Valley with Chaplain Jim Troutman offering us a sermon in order to go out and be disciples for the Lord. Most of the chaplains will be leaving in a day or so to go to their assignment - some here in the Valley, one couple to Arizona, and one couple to New York. Yes, we have CRM chaplains all over the USA!

just one of the fabulous 5 desserts were were served this last week - banana split dessert, also Italian cream cake, fresh fruit and cookies, banana caramel pie, fruit and brownie - oh my. all of the food was homemade, even the bread for the Friday sandwiches. If you are in S Texas, be sure to stop at Coffee Zone and eat.

visiting before beginning classes

the first day - everyone looks all bright and ready to go

Chaplain Bob Ruesch, Chairman of the CRMI board and CRM manager

Chaplain Jack Gregory with "Hands on" training, an interactive training method - a chance to know and understand each other

Friday night graduation banquet - our New York Chaplains

one of our great waiters

our IT technician from Canada with his wife "Cupcake"

Chaplain Bill and Ali Artherholt (former ARV Chaplains) with missionary daughter Heidi who with her family have recently returned from two years in India

relaxing after it is all over with a cook out provided by Chef Bill

and more food

After all the activities of the past week, on Saturday Caring Hearts Ministry and Iglesia Batista de Immanuel hosted a children's ministry with Glen and Helen Nations, who have an amazing ministry, teaching kids about salvation We went to the colonias where they presented a children's program centering on doing the correct thing, featuring those who cheated and those who didn't. It was a great leaning tool for the kids. We brought clothes and additional food for distribution - the kids were treated to marshmallows, gifts, pencils, and fun.