Welcome to my 2019 ministry and travel path! I appreciate having you along as I start walking again. Walking again on this path in Australia, and on my convoluted ministry path, and walking again after foot surgery a few months ago. There has been a bit of a delay in getting this blog going again, due to needing to get it set up on WordPress, so don’t believe the dates on the first few posts of my 2019 path. On my last day of work in early March, my friends celebrated my new semi-retired status, starting with “Walking the Path” again. I was very touched by the message and blessing on the cake.
“Roz” Have a Great Trip at the “Land Down Under” May You Fulfill All Your Dreams That You Always Long For”
For my many flights I was assisted by friendly Mobility Team members, which opened my eyes to the world of assistance running in the background of all airports and air travel. It was humbling for me to be the one being wheelchaired around, instead of being the one who walks around fast and confidently. And I’ll admit it was fun to be on the zooming golf carts that beep loudly!
Like last year, my path started with visiting my son Chris and his partner Robyn, who by now have lived in Spray, Oregon for almost a year and a half. We ended up spending the night in Redmond, OR because my flight to Redmond had been massively delayed in San Fransisco. Luckily there was a Walmart right across the street from our hotel, because my luggage announced it didn’t want to go to Australia after all! A wheel broke irreparably at the airport, and at the hotel the zipper broke. So I repacked and relabeled my new luggage with the piano-themed luggage tags that my daughter Miriam had given me.
Massive snow storms had swept across the USA, which was part of my 16 hour delay in California. Our mostly sunny ride back to Spray was quite beautiful, a gracious gift after a snow and ice storm, but it had been treacherous for Chris and Robyn the day before.
Chris and Robyn are now living in an apartment on the property where they have been living and working since their arrival in Oregon. They’re also now working alongside mostly immigrant and migrant workers from Mexico in an orchard nearby. “Nearby” in Oregon terms is a half-hour drive! Until Chris gave me a tour of the orchard, I hadn’t realised how dangerous the work can be, especially atop 12 foot ladders pruning tall trees! I’m definitely keeping them and their colleagues in prayer.
Tree care demo by Chris 
Long lines of fruit trees waiting to be pruned 
“Fruit stand” where summer customers can buy freshly picked fruit
A huge development in Christopher Robyn’s life (yes, they love all things Pooh Bear) is the school bus that they bought and are renovating. They plan to start touring the country later this year in their “tiny home on wheels.” Who knows where I’ll be visiting them next year! The renovation work is happening in the warehouse on the property, and the adjacent garage.
Do you see Pooh Bear peaking through the future skylight? The unique interior has been designed by Christopher Robyn, and they’re now through the planning and prepping, and onto the building phase. Turns out there’s an active online and in-person community of schoolies that have been an invaluable resource for them.
Facing the front 
Facing the rear 
Custom entry steps 
Future bathroom facilities location 
Chris’s workshop 
Mascot/supervisor
The work of looking after the barnyard animals continues, except there isn’t really a barn, just coops and shelters and such. One goat died mysteriously since last year, and the cow is now in packages in one of the freezers. Still plenty of chooks, including some cute new little bantam hens, and some ducks. My little grandkids would have loved to see them and help feed them! I dedicate this next gallery to Evie, Skyler, Adrien and Zachary, with love.
After a few restful days with daily saunas – both a dry and a steam sauna available to counteract the cold of winter and promote healing and joy – wonderful meals, Monty Python laughter, and trips to town, it was time to say goodbye for now. Off to the Aussie part of this path!
On Christopher Robyn’s deck 
Where will we meet up next?
This is great! Its fun to be able to follow your travels!
So great to walk the path with you Ros, lovingly written and received 🙂