Bed Build Athens and a Little Travel

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Last week  Anne did a lot of work on the Aunts’ bills and finances and Max cut grass and worked at Aunt Helen’s.  Thursday morning we went back to Camp Sumatanga to have a closing communion service with the NOMADS team we worked with last week.  It was great to be able to see everyone again and say our “see you down the road’s” to everyone.

We we had our annual checkups on Friday and so far the reports have been good and we don’t have to return until next year.  After our MD appointments in Cullman, we drove on up to Athens, AL – almost into Tennessee – to stay the night at a local Boondockers Welcome site.  Saturday morning we met the Lester Memorial Sleep in Heavenly Peace team at Athens First UMC.  After we got all the tools, supplies and stations unloaded and set up the church fed us a wonderful breakfast before the Athens team joined us for another bed build.  By about 12:00 we had 50 more beds built for children who currently have no bed.   We were amazed at all the wonderful linens the Athens church donated as well.  Really enjoyed meeting and making new friends from north Alabama.

After reloading the trucks and trailers for their trip back to Oneonta, we continued northwest to the Meriwether Lewis Campground on the Natchez Trace.  This is a first come, first serve free campground.  We were a little concerned about finding a spot on a Saturday but since we arrived about 2:00pm we still had a choice of great sites.  The campground had several large sites and even more sites for tents or smaller rigs.  It was great to be in a real campground in the woods again.  We got to do some hiking Saturday afternoon and then again after a quiet peaceful night even more hiking Sunday morning after the Lester church service.  Love time in the more rustic areas like the Trace.  We visited the Grinder Stand and museum and the Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark) memorial and pioneer cemetery.  Nicely done and informative.

Unfortunately, we then got a call from the nursing home informing us that Aunt Jean had passed away.  We knew she wasn’t doing well but as of the end of the week she seemed to have stabilized at a lower level.  We are glad that she is no longer struggling.  She was 98 years old and certainly lived and exciting and adventurous life.  Of course, after receiving the news on Jean we packed up and headed back to Alabama.  We will pick up our Natchez Trace journey later.  Yesterday we worked on taking care of Jean’s affairs and not sure what the rest of the week will bring.  Aunt Helen is struggling since loosing her friend and roommate so we will stay close for now.  Prayers appreciated.