Last Week

This was a first for us (and hopefully a last). The congregation we served last week said they didn't have a place for us to stay in their territory but found what they called a "camper" in a campground (dirt road even), owned by a couple from a neighboring hall. Seriously??? 

We decided we'd give it a try before categorically dismissing it, figuring we could move to a hotel if need be. Here's a few pictures. 

Above I'm literally standing with my back against the front wall of the trailer and Jim is standing right in front of the bed, which is against the back wall. In the foreground to the right is the refrigerator/freezer. 

Above is the kitchen/dining area as taken from the front door. (Rae - we thought of you and how you would cook in this space.)

Above is one side of bathroom. As you see, the cabinet is up against each wall. I'm sitting on the edge of the tub to take this shot.

Okay - no need to beat around the bush. Jim & I are NOT skinny people. It was extremely hard to turn inside the tub, but in two days I learned how to take my shower without turning. ha ha 

We get home from service Wednesday and the hot water is not so hot. By the evening it was cold. We called and the owner apologized - he replaced the propane tank and forgot to relight the pilot for the water heater. So everything is set for the next day now. 

We got up Thursday morning to NO HOT WATER. 

By this time I realized that I was not self-sacrificing. I decided not to go out - I would stay home and pack up so we could move to a hotel. Jim took a cold shower and then called the owner again. Pilot had gone out. Because the tank is so small, it heated up enough for me to take a lukewarm shower. I'm crying and praying while in the shower for strength to make it through the rest of the week.  

We went out in service (yes, I made it). A brother overheard Jim telling an elder we were moving to a hotel. He offered their home, which had an extra bedroom/bath. They lived outside the territory, but were only 20 minutes from the hall (we live 30 minutes from our hall, so no problem for us). I felt immediately relaxed when we walked into their house! 

So what started out as hard ended up good. In all fairness, we both agreed that we would have viewed the trailer as luxury - if we were camping! But not for serving a congregation. 

PS - it did bother me to think about COs in the past living in little trailers. But every time I said something, Jim reminded me of two things: 1) their trailers were bigger and 2) they chose to live like that. I have to agree, when you choose to do something, it's easier to adapt and cope. 

Hope you enjoyed our latest saga!