Our first convention was in Gatlinburg, TN, where our son-in-law Brian was one of the organizers. Actually, his dad Dr. Charles Walker (my longtime friend) was the convention chairman, but Brian had responsibilities which brought him frequently to our booth to check on us. We appreciated the personal touch from him and his colleague, Randy Scallions. Connie was able to also visit one of Kristy's workshops at this convention.After the convention we were able to spend some time with Kristy and Brian in the beautiful Smokey Mountains area. Here we are enjoying a cookout at our campsite where we lived for several days.
After leaving Gatlinburg we headed for Nashville, TN to visit Donelson Christian Academy. This school is using two of our Positive Action studies in their Middle School. The interesting thing about this school is that they are using the books electronically -- on Dell tablet computers, rather than using printed books. We wanted to see firsthand how this program was working. If you are interested in a fuller explanation see my report at: http://carlsontravels.blogspot.com/.Here is a view of the classroom demonstration that the school conducted for us. It was enlightening.
Then we turned north and headed to Indianapolis, IN. On a Tuesday night, before heading to South Bend for our next convention, we had a wonderful pasta dinner at Merrit & Donna Rector's house. Merrit was my close friend from college and seminary, and he cooked the marvelous dinner for us. Both Connie and I enjoyed visiting Merrit & Donna in their lovely home.
We exhibited at two convenitons in Indiana -- South Bend and Indianapolis. Between the two we spent a weekend in the Elkhart, IN area. Our purpose was to try to find a "soft" cover for our truck that could be used to protect display materials for transit when we are not towing the 5th wheel trailer.The Lord led us to a truck supply dealer who was able to install the perfect cover for us. While at that truck store we met a man by the name of John Lenehan, from Woodstock, New Brunswick. John hauls RV trailers between the US and Canada for various dealers. He wanted to talk with us and told us that he was a recovering alcoholic. We were able to give him some good things to read and to pray with him. Pray for John!
After leaving Indiana we were able to see family in Illinois and Wisconsin. We stopped for a great lunch with my sister Cheryl Turbett, and her husband Dwight, in Rockford, IL. We were joined by niece Kari Tackeberry, and her delightful three kids. They suggested the Machine Shed, and we recommed it to you very highly. Great place to gather and eat.
From there we went on Madison for a weekend with Kirk, Chad and Jen. The weather was just beautiful and we took the opportunity to have a big cookout with brats and burgers in true Wisconsin style.
Following our time in Wisconsin the weather turned a little cooler as we headed north for our final convention in the Twin Cities. We spent an afternoon at the Stillwater (MN) Ford dealership getting our truck mirror repaired, and those folks were outstanding with their customer service. Then we were able to have dinner at Connie's brother's home. Greg and Becky hosted us, plus Judy and Wes Brask, for a delicious dinner at their warm and beautiful home in the northwoods.
The evening started with hors d'oeuvres around the "fire pit". It was a great evening.
During the time we were in the Cities we camped at 4th Baptist in Plymouth. Here is our trailer parked behind their Christian school building. This was the fourth location during our four week trip where we parked at a church or school. It makes things convenient, and is very economical.
After our profitable convention ended on Friday, Oct. 17, we dashed back to the trailer to prepare for a youth group reunion that we had planned for that evening to be held at 4th Baptist. You can read more about this historic "gathering" of the old 4th B youth group at: http://www.youbelong.net/theupwardway. Here is part of the group that gathered for the evening.
We enjoyed seeing so many friends. Here is Connie with three of her high school youth group friends: Joan Kroehnert, Audrey Wykes and Bonnie Marcilliott. We do love the privilege that we have to minister across the country and to meet so many new friends at conventions, but then also connect with family and old friends along the way.
