Our Campground

I have had a few questions about where we live...so I thought I would fill ya'll in on life in our campground.

We live in a beautiful area of the smokey mountains....kind of down in a valley in the city of Waynesville.

Along the side of our campground runs a beautiful creek......you have seen it in some of my previous snow pictures. It is crystal clear and stays cold year round. The kids love playing in it...and it sports some pretty nice size trout.

As you can imagine it adds so much to our enjoyment.....the sound is wonderful.

We are not the only ones living here year round.

There are about 15 residents...some families and a few single people.

There are a few who leave campers here and use them as a home when they are in the area working.

For the first year...we have almost been here two years....we really only got to know one of the families.

When we moved our camper this week we moved next to them.

Why so many people living in a campground?

I would have to say that the story is not the same for everyone.

You know our story.....we remain until He tells us to leave.

Some are here because they are on disability...and this is what they can afford.

Some are here because they came to this area because of its beauty and decided that they love the community. You would be surprised at how you come to depend on the people living around you.

I think in some ways we probably are more neighbors than some in "real" neighborhoods.

If you need something you ask.....we have helped with water problems, electrical problems, heater problems.

And occasionally my brother picks up a load of bread from the day old bread store.....and we fill our freezer and pass the rest out.

And you know in the last post we were able to help with babysitting.....and help Beth get to the hospital to have her baby when their car ended up with a flat at the last moment.

There are a few here who have some serious health issues and Keith has been blessed to be able to pray with the husband of one before the husband followed the ambulance carrying his wife.

We share meals.....and give when we have extra.

Not all those living here are what most people would choose to label them...you know uneducated homeless people.

Yes, it was a shock last year to find out that we are considered homeless.

We have people with college educations...who have worked hard and now find themselves without jobs.

And there is a retired policeman who lives here.....he looks like a real biker dude. :) He is the one who is going to help us train Juliet.....it was sweet of him to offer.

If you ride through the campgrounds in our area you will find that many of them have full time residents.

I don't know their stories...but I know that they need us...you and me.

Did I ever think I would live in a campground?

No.

Do I long to move?

No.

It is funny how at peace I am here.....I feel I belong. My heart is becoming linked to the people here....and I know it is part of His plan.

Soon we are going to schedule a barbecue for the whole campground....Keith and I feel it is something that God wants us to do. The weather is getting warmer and it will be a great opportunity to meet those who stay indoors during the cold.

I do pray that we become bolder in our witness.

We want to touch their lives as He would have.

Can't you just imagine Him here? Pulling in in His camper and slowly reaching out to those He sees....those rarely seen by others. It kind of excites me....and the thought of pulling out of here one day....it kind of makes me sad.

So that is the story......the story of our time.. so far.... in our home on wheels.

Thanks for the questions....feel free to ask anytime.

:) 
Here is a little something extra for you.
I know we are longing for spring.

..which means flowers, strolls in the sun and lemonade.
And while we may not get to enjoy the first two yet...you can enjoy the smell of the lemonade.
Click on  My Garden Hat and go on over to enter to win a lovely candle.