I was reading in the Old Testament today in the Book of Joshua. God reminded the Israelites that He was going to give them the land they were entering.

Judy and I feel like the land that we’re living on is the place for our retreat center. There is a lot of work to do, and a lot of money to raise, but this is such an incredible place.

One of our grandson’s is staying with us right now. It’s so enjoyable to see the expression on his face as he sees a deer drinking water from the lake. Or as we canoe near a beaver’s den and see two beaver swimming in the water - showing their annoyance with us by slapping their tails on the water. Last night we got serenaded as several loons on the lake began to call out to one another. Their calls echoed across still waters. All I could think was, “Thank you God for letting us be in this place.” We haven’t seen our deer-friend “Itchy” for a few days. I think that’s because our grandson has brought along two dogs to join our dog in making loud barking noises.

Right now I’m interacting with a hotel in St. Paul where we can have our fund raising event. We haven’t decided on a specific date yet, but we are closing in on that as well. I would like to invite those of you who are reading our blog to consider coming to this event. We do know it will be held in the evening so that it will be more convenient for working people to come. Keep watching our blog for more details. If you would like to be informed when we get the final details worked out just email me at pat@smileagainministries.com

My grandson has reminded me that “there is a lot of work to be done grandpa.” He continually points out fallen trees that should be “cut up so we can have a big fire!” And he’s right, there’s no end to the work that needs to be done to get the land in shape. We have some teens from the youth group in the last church I pastored coming this Friday to help work on the beach area. I’m excited to see what it will look like once the tall grass is mowed down and raked out.

Well Judy and I are finally re-connected to the world. We’ve been pretty much out of touch for the past 11 days waiting for our Internet to be installed here. We are finding that things move a bit more slowly here than in the “big” city.

We are more convinced than ever that this is the place for our retreat center. It is so peaceful here.

Things we see everyday:
* Deer - many times in our own yard. I’ve nicknamed one “Itchy,” because she’s always itching herself while she eats here.
* Fantastic sunsets by the lake.
* Darkness! When the sun goes down it gets DARK out here. No glow from the hamlet nightlights here.
* Woodticks. Not too keen on those to be honest. But hey, we’re in the woods and that’s where they live!
* Changes - we’re settling in at light-speed. Judy’s done an incredible job unpacking inside, and planting outside. I run around whacking brush down and hanging an occasional picture. Both Judy and I have been seen easing our way out of bed in the morning, moaning as our joints creak and remind us that we’re not kids anymore.