We lived in Alabama two weeks shy of 7 years. Other than Sunday dinners and holidays, we did not have other couples (outside of family) for dinner. We just didn't. I can think of twice, in 7 years.
Enter RV life....
One day we are sitting outside and a giant bus comes in pulling a trailer with a car on top.
We are at an RV park right off of 95. Like RIGHT OFF the exit. And we are literally site One. So, anyone who comes in comes right by our site. Well, this giant bus went around the loop a few times. The big guy driving had short hair but a ZZTop worthy beard. Each time he passed he had a grin and a princess wave.
I said to Gary...I need to meet them. What a hoot! Anyone who can still smile at the end of a travel day is someone I want to hang out with.
We met Pam and Jody that night but didn't linger long, the bugs were terrible that evening. They were two rows over and for more than a week our paths didn't cross other than their drive-by with Jody's signature wave. Until Saturday.
I had been out reading my Bible and journaling. My Bible was still laying on our picnic table when Jody came by on his bike. He had made a bike repair, so he was taking it out for a spin. He chatted for some time...bike trails, RV parts, etc. then he says. "Is that a Bible? What are you reading?". "Malachi," I tell him, he's in Isaiah. Well, I could talk all day about God!!
That evening when we walked they invited us into the bus for a tour. And the dinner offer happened!
Monday, they came over for homemade stromboli, Pam brought broccoli salad. We topped it all off with banana bread. We had friends over and visited! It was lovely. We exchanged information, they were leaving in a few days. We took a pic before they pulled out. We will keep in touch!
Papa is kind. I am thankful. I will continue to meet people. Some stick and some won't. Being in site One is rough. People come and go in sites 2-4. I should have started counting how many people have come and gone. Literally some just pull in for the night and get back on the road the next morning. It's the nature of this life. But when a Pam and Jody cross our paths, I will take the nourishment of fellowship like drinking from a cool fresh well.
Thank you Jesus.
One of our passing people were Vivian and Bruce. We didn't even swap last names or contact information. But for four days I had a friend. They are from Massachusetts and are heading back now that winter is mostly over. I baked her a loaf a bread and she brought me zucchini relish. We talked recipes while the men talked RVs.
Then there is Justine, the neighbor with the plants, she did get my number...in case she has sour dough questions. She has now brought me three plants. She and Chris stop by on occasion and chat. Other days it's just a wave
And there are the children....Beckham, Cody and others. They ride their bikes whenever the weather is nice and stop by to chat and ask all the questions.
The nicer weather helps. We hang out outside more. The no seeums drive most people inside but I stay mined!!! But soon we will be pop by Alabama again and reunite with old friends. And then we will summer in Pennsylvania and get to do all the catching up!
God is faithful. No matter the needs lay your petition before him. The answer doesn't always look like what you might think it should but guaranteed it is what is best for you. His love never fails.
