Fort Pierce, Florida. January 20-27, 2025

 We arrived in Fort Pierce on Monday, January 20. It was cold and rained for four days. All day rains.  We made the best of it...hiked between showers, visited the National Navy Seals Museum, and went out for dinner. One night we went to "Chuck's" where I had lobster...but unfortunately I got food poisoning. Our least favorite restaurant! 

A hike at Savannahs Recreation Area

Delicious oysters at 2nd Street Bistro

Dinner at Casa Pasta. An Italian experience with excellent true Italian food and wine! My favorite restaurant this week!

Finally we got some sunshine!  And it started to warm up. We hiked and finally made it out to the beach.

Our friend at the campsite.

Fort Pierce was a neat little town and area. We would like to co e back and visit in better weather!

RCA Mission Conference January 15 - 19, 2025

 Wednesday we had a whole day to ourselves before the RCA Missions Conference.  We went on a 7 mile hike on Black Bear Wilderness Trail. It was a great trail!

An otter

Great Egret

Ibis

Great Blue Heron

Wood Stork

Wild pigs 🐽 

A Limpkin

An Anhinga

Wild turkeys

Thursday, Friday and Saturday we spent our time at the RCA Mission Conference with about 12 people from Faith and many others from around the nation and world. It was awesome to hear the stories, watch videos, talk with, share a meal and worship with these people!  Truly a taste of heaven!  

Making and using art in the mission field

We were stretched to think about immigrants, people on the move, and how to let Jesus love shine to them.

We were told of the ongoing wars in Southern Sudan and the need for peace.

I only took a few pictures…it was more important to be present and in the moment.  One film we watched was on the struggles of the Palestinian people, “The Law and the Prophet.”  I HIGHLY recommend watching this movie!  I also went to a session on short term missions and Kurt went to one on World Renew - both excellent!

Friday night the group from Faith and a few missionaries partners went for dinner to an Indian Restaurant - Tabla. Esther ordered for the group and we had a wonderful cultural meal together! Stories and laughter were shared. 

After the conference on Saturday, we walked to Universal Studios with Jim, Janet, Drew and Mary before they left for their flights back to frigid Michigan. It felt good to stretch the legs!

Kurt and stayed and ate lunch at Margaritaville.  Of course we had to have a Margarita!  Delish!

Saturday night - time for popcorn (thank you Janet!) and Lion’s Football! 🏈 

Ok - so Sunday was a bit dreary…the Lions lost and it was raining. The sunny spot was “going to church. Great message Pastor TJ! 

For Sunday night dinner we went to The Bayou.  We felt like we were in New Orleans. The music was loud and soulful and so was the food! I had the catfish with shrimp and grits. Kurt had the etouffee.  Our server, Alvin was great!  We were the only white people there at the time - but were among the nicest, friendliest people! If we are ever in the area again, we will be back!

Monday morning we will head out and travel to Fort Pierce.

On the road again! January 11 - 14, 2025

 Saturday, January 11, 2025 we hooked up Beauty to the Beast and started our trip down to Florida.  We chose to take our time and take about 4 days to get down, depending on weather.  

Day 1 we left cold, snowy Michigan slowly and made it to Kentucky and set up south of Louisville.  We were still in snow!

Need to avoid going in a ditch!  

The roads are actually fine.

Our new decor that Benny made for us!

Sunday morning we awoke to blue skies and crystal trees.  It was cold but beautiful!

We travelled to Chattanooga and spent a night there.

The icicles hanging on the cliffs.

Monday we stayed at the Cordele, Georgia KOA.  Another chilly day.  We decided to travel the rest of the way to Apopka, Florida and set up camp for the next 6 days. 

We made it to our destination!  It’s chilly here, around 60 degrees.  But we are not complaining!