by Kim Stairs

Created on: June 20, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

It was the year of "The Swinger". Let's set the scene: 70s mobile home, blue shag carpet, pea green seats, one driver, one shower. We were so excited to be going on an RV MAPS trip together, we didn't even think about the close quarters we'd be sharing for the week.

Mind you that the rest of the RV MAPS team came in tents, campers, fifth wheels, and pop-ups. They had all they needed with their roomy traveling homes: living rooms, sliders, recliners, bunk beds. One family fits all. We however, came as two families in, "The Swinger". For four adults, we could make due. But this trip we also brought along the babes (one infant and two toddlers). Need I say more?

We spent our days working hard on the camp ground building new facilities and repairing current ones. The days were smoldering. On one such afternoon Helene received a bucket of ice water to cool her down. Too bad no one informed her first. The nights cooled off underneath the pines trees. Sounds of wilderness filled the air. The pool aslo came as a relief from the heat with its high and oh so fast water slide.

We gathered at the camp fire after eating our dinner in, "The Swinger". It was a nightly routine filled with crackling flames, songs, smores, and fruit pies. Yummy! The camp fire became our sanctuary of rest from the long, labored days. We laughed, talked, and marvelled at how fast we were accomplishing our goals for the Lord. The work we accomplished in seven days would normally take monthes.

Flames to smoldering ashes, was our clue to get a good nights sleep. With what hours we were left with (nights ended late, and mornings started extra early). "The Swinger", was very interesting to sleep in. During the days, we had plenty of space to eat, relax, shower, etc. Nights were different. Helene and little Jack had to make due with a small couch. Her husband Dave took the bed above the driver's seat. And the four remaining luckly individuals, that'd be John, Joanna, Devin, and me got to share the larger fold out couch/bed in the back! One child at our feet, and the other in-between us for seven days.

The saying goes. "If you see the camper rockin, don't come knockin." Two kids and one thin curtain wasn't gonna cut it no matter how hard you'd try. There was no swingin goin on in "The Swinger"!

Years later, and one kid more, we love the pictures and the memories we made that will last a life time. And contrary to popular belief, baby number three was not a result of this trip! How many times do I have to set that straight?!

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