MMAP Camp Wilderness Ridge, Smithville, TX, January, 2014

Camp Wilderness Ridge, Smithville, Texas, burned down when wild fires hit the Austin area a few years ago.  The focus of the camp is to teach boys how to become men of God.  They moved about two miles down the road and are leasing a facility that needs adapting to meet the needs of the camp.   They are currently on a 10-year lease.

Enter MMAP..... we were here last year, and were able to return again this year.  Seeing the devastation of fire first hand in Julian, we wanted to help out. This year, the project was to add an additional space (12x16) to the managers house.   It includes hook-ups and closet for washer and dryer, space for a pantry and living space. 

The MMAPers that were here in December built the foundation and floor.

The three guys, Art, John and Paul, really worked hard and got SO much accomplished!!  

We ladies, Sue, Tamara and I, kept busy sewing sunshades, 

painting a bunk bed and a dresser, complete with flowers  on the knobs, painted by Sue.

We surprised the girls who are going to be using the dresser.  They loved the flowers and just sat and admired it for some time.

And we re-painting camp signage... but it got too cold (below freezing,  and  you could see our breath) so we could not continue.

The December MMAP group challenged us by leaving a mouse trap.  They caught 45 during December.   I think our total was only 18.  Guess we should have kept at least one of the cats that tried to adopt us.

Since there were only three couples, we were able to meet in our rigs for devotions.

For ladies day out, we checked out a quilt shop, out to lunch at a meat market... an experience itself..... and visited a Wendish museum.  

I had never heard of Wendish before.  They were from Germany, near the Polish border, and had their own language, culture and beliefs.  When Germany wanted them to consolidate their religious beliefs forming one religion, they moved to the states.

Social animals that we are, we had a campfire one night.... 

complete with hot dogs and grilled apple pie,

and enjoyed watching the full moon rising over the lake.

We played a game that was new-to-us, Pegs and Jokers. 

And of course,  you HAVE to go to Murphy’s, in Winchester, TX, for the best steaks!!!  At least once..... or twice!!

We stayed on a few more days so we could finish the room.  Paul still had a bit of mudding, electrical  to do, an some frozen plumbing to deal with. And then there was painting.  I was not looking forward to painting the ceiling, but did start it.  We came back on Tuesday, and it was done!! YAY!!  With the help of a couple of hardworking young men (who reminded us of our grandsons Bubba and Brayden)

I was able to complete the painting.

and then we got to go play a bit in San Antonio!

Details in our next blog......