When I first decided to retire, I came upon an article espousing the secrets of successfully transitioning to this chapter of life. The author dubbed the term “refiring” to signify new energy and pursuits in lieu of a laissez faire retirement. Skip and I have embraced refirement!
RV life has granted us a sense of freedom and adventure as we travel through our magnificent country. Our participation in the SOWER ministry has afforded purpose through service. In fact, we loved our February SOWER project at the Africa Inland Mission (AIM) so much that we’ve chosen to stay for the month of March. We’ve been welcomed into a beautiful community of volunteers who are serving retired missionaries by taking care of this amazing property in Minneola, Florida. Most of the residents at AIM invested much of their lives serving in Africa. As they’ve shared some of their lives, we’ve heard extraordinary stories of God’s provision and protection for those brave souls who devoted their lives to share the gospel in remote areas of Africa.
When we’re not working as SOWERs, Skip and I have enjoyed side trips and lots of fun. We met up with Erik and Haley for the Florida State Fair in Tampa. While not the size and scope of the Minnesota State Fair, we still had a delightful day.
Skip and I opted to spend a day at EPCOT in Orlando, walking through the various country villages along the World Showcase. Disney entertains well, with friendly staff, unique experiences and good food. We savored crêpes in the French village for lunch. YUM! We also ventured to the Kennedy Space Center for a day. What astonishing accomplishments NASA has achieved in the past seventy years!
We floated the Rock Springs Run with fellow AIM volunteers. Skip and I favored a canoe, while our friends kayaked. The water was incredibly clear and the banks were lush with myriad types of vegetation. We encountered a few turtles and saw an alligator slithering into the water.
We visited Blue Springs State Park, which is a warm water refuge for manatees. What amazing creatures! In spite of their size, they have very little body fat. One of their greatest risks is becoming frightened by humans, and in an effort to escape, manatees will swim unwittingly out to colder water resulting in cold-stress, ultimately leading to their death.
Finally, LOTS and LOTS of pickleball has added to be joy of our central Florida experience. We plan to return to this surprisingly beautiful hilly, lake-laden area of Florida. In fact, the rolling hills and plentiful lakes makes it feel almost like Minnesota.
Our adventure travel will begin on March 21st as we traverse the coasts of the Carolinas, hike in the Appalachain, Blue Ridge, and Great Smokey Mountains, tour Civil War history in Virginia and Tennessee, visit family in Knoxville, and explore Nashville. We plan to return to Minnesota in May. Hope you’ll come along for the ride!
Really like the shot of the turtle mom! Glad to see your having fun!
Thanks Alex!
Always so fun to read (and see) your blogs. Any AIM people from Rift Valley Academy? Deb Ort? Elaine Barnett? You have inspired me to look into pickleball. Continue your marvelous journey and experiences. Thanks for sharing, guys.
Have fun with pickleball but be careful not to get injured! FYI, Deb and Elaine both live here. I’ll introduce myself to them this week and say hello from you!
It sounds like you’re having a great time! How wonderful! I’m in Texas visiting and working for the next several weeks. Stay safe and enjoy!
We are indeed having fun. Safe travels to you. Enjoy your Texas visit!
FUN, FUN, FUN! It sounds like you two are enjoying every single day, both exploring and serving.
Thanks, Becky. We know we are blessed!