Several months ago, when we announced that we were headed back on the road, a reader named Summer left this comment over at WSLW:
"If you head down through Texas I know some tree hugging,
Jesus loving, hippies that own a small RV park."
Sweeeeeeeet! We were all over that one. Summer left me the web address of Hill Shade RV Park and of the owner's blog. I started to read through it, and I knew instantly that we would be spending time there.
Michael and Christine were in full time ministry for 20+ years and last year, they followed Jesus down an interesting (and sometimes scary) road. They left it all and bought an RV park in the middle of Texas. Oh, and did I mention that they have 5 kids? They are an amazing bunch and it's been such a blessing to live in community with them.
We've been at Hill Shade for almost 2 weeks and we love it. We're planning on staying at least another 6 weeks while Matt works on different projects for them around the park. We're one hour from Austin (love love love that town!) and one hour from San Antonio. We're 11 miles from the closest town, and we have longhorns for neighbors. The pastures are so green and beautiful and the wildflowers are a truly splendid sight. I now understand why people love Texas. Well, until summer hits anyway! I hear it gets pretty toasty warm 'round these parts.
Bella is in heaven...because their youngest daughter, Precious, is 7 years old. They tear up this place on their bikes every day and run, run, run until sunset. Tonight, Precious was gone to town for a few hours and I Bella was in full "friend withdrawl". I think she said "I'm bored!" 10 times in one hour.
They have 4 other kiddos, Mackenzie, Andrew, Rocky, & Marah...each one unique and wonderful in their own way. There is always something new and exciting going on around here.
Christine and I have much in common...we both love Jesus, we both have dreads, we unschool our kids, we like chia and green smoothies, and she doesn't complain when I bring her green curry. She's sassy and hilarious...and has the cutest southern drawl. Her blog is a hoot...her writing is irreverant and funny, and she tackles the big issues with ease.
The girl loves her coffee...every morning I see her doing her rounds in the park with a steamy cuppa joe in her hands.
Michael and Matt are having fun together too. The first 18 years of Michael's ministry was spent in youth ministry. Matt has a degree in youth ministry. Lots of stories to tell. Michael is trying to suck Matt into his sports watching obsession...but so far that isn't working. Both of their wives have dreads, and they both prefer that their hippie wives continue shaving their legs and armpits. Love those guys together.
We have an endless supply of farm fresh eggs (Christine takes Bella with her to pick them at a neighbor's house and then delivers them right to my door!). There is nothing quite like an egg that has been picked that very same day...yummy.
We have waters to test and docks to walk. There is a retired science teacher who lives just down the road and he has been showing Bella how to pick the wild onions in his yard and the wildflowers that are indiginous to this area. He's traveled the world and has the artifacts to prove it...such interesting people in the heart of Texas!
We've already had our dear friends, Dan and Alicia (along with their 4 kids) here for 11 days (more blogs on their visit soon!)...and now my parents will be coming down next week (yay!). Chris and Cherie of Technomadia fame will roll in right after they leave. After that, we have the NuRVer's rally, and hopefully more friends coming by to stay awhile! We're looking forward to all the excitement. Even in writing this, my heart leaps because we just love it here so much. Thanks Michael and Christine...and to Summer for planting a seed that has blossomed into a lifetime friendship.
You can see all the photos I've posted so far in the Hill Shade RV gallery. There will be more coming as I recap the Thiede's stay, but you can have a preview there :)