A Sunday Adventure

I still consider myself to be a newbie of Patrick County. And, now that I'm working at the Patrick County Visitor's Center, I look for days that I can see the sights of the county. Yesterday was one of those days. I started my adventure by heading out to the southeast part of the county to Dominion Valley Park. Every Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend they host a Gospel Music Festival. When I arrived for church, I pulled my folding chair out of my car and headed over to the stage area where about 150 people had gathered to praise God and hear His Word preached. The music was presented by The Singing Cookes. I could really feel the Spirit of the Lord in the mist of this beautiful and peaceful place. Brother Ricky Rogers brought the message of the morning. Boy! Talk about preaching! He was excellent. The entire service was renewing to my soul. I'm glad I ventured out.

My adventure continued over roads and places that I had never seen before. I drove in and out of Virginia and North Carolina for a few miles. The scenery was gorgeous! I eventually made it to my destination, Spirithaven Farm which was hosting Front Porch Fest. "What is Front Porch Fest?" you may ask. Well, this year it was a music festival  with approximately 900 people in attendance who have a bit of "Woodstock" blood in them. There were sights to see, music to enjoy and activities for all ages.

And, there was lots of good food and drink. If you like this sort of thing, it's great! It's a smaller version of Floyd Fest, held in July, that in past years had over 20,000 in attendance. I had lunch at Front Porch Fest, after getting recommendations from a guy names Crocket, and walked around, before I headed home. When I got back to my car, I saw that someone had parked six inches away from my driver's side door. I had to get in on the passenger side, crawl over the middle console and maneuver myself into the driver's seat. It was not a pretty sight! Thanks be to God, I made it into position and was able to enjoy the scenic trip home.

I wonder what adventure awaits me this week!

 

A Gift from God

 When I retired, I wanted to sleep for six months. I was so tired and weary. Well, because of Covid, I slept for those six months and then more. As restrictions were lifted, I was looking for something to do, something outside of my house...yes, I wanted to see people and be among people. (I love being a part-time hermit, but the operative word here is PART-TIME.) So, I decided to volunteer at the Patrick County Visitor's Center. I had been in Patrick County for two years. I knew some stuff, and I could learn. 

So, I went to the Visitor's Center and gave them my information. A few weeks later, I received a phone call and was welcomed with open arms. The Visitor's Center is such a bright and cheerful place, packed with all kinds of information about Patrick County and surrounding areas. I learned "the ropes" and assisted people who came in to see what our beautiful county has to offer. Then...the question came...

"Sue, would you like to be paid for the time you spend here?" Would I want to be paid? Well, of course I would! There's a program through Goodwill that offers part-time training programs for seniors. So, I am now enrolled in a "Training Program." I wasn't looking for a job, but I am so grateful for this program. It gives me that little bit of a cushion each month. 

What do I do, you may wonder. I greet visitor's, helping them find information on places to see, to hike, to taste wine, to ride dirt bikes...you get the idea. I keep the brochure racks stocked and will be ordering more as needed. I drive all over the county, tidying up visitor information areas and restocking them. And, I will be learning some new computer skills! I check out places in the county that I haven't seen yet. I do a lot of odds and ends to prepare for special events. And, yes, I sweep the floors and take out garbage, too. 

This "job" or "training program" has been a blessing. I work with the best people of the county. So, when you are in the area, "Come. Get Lost. And Find Yourself...In Patrick County."

Rediscovering Wonder

Recently, I realized that I lost the “wonder” in my life. I’m not sure how long it has been gone. What I do know is that I miss it. I thought back over the last few years to see if I could discern what caused this to happen. There are several things that led to my loss of wonder. I imagine some are yet to be discovered. I needed to learn to live life again, to see it as an adventure. I needed to "open my eyes," both literally and figuratively, and see the world around me. Sometimes I forget to see beyond the obvious. I forget to see and appreciate all the blessings that God has given me through the many circumstances of life that don't always come in the form of what I would typically call a blessing.

I am retired. But, with being in a new town and "starting over," I needed something to do. So, I began volunteering at the Patrick County Visitor's Center. The people who work here are great! I have never had such an encouraging "boss." My volunteer work turned into a part time job. And, with that job came opportunities for personal growth. One week, I was warned that on Friday, I would take a County Car and drive to parts of the county to replenish tourism brochures, tidy up displays and pick up brochures that were needed in the main Visitor's Center. 

Oh, my! This person who lived overseas, learned to drive a motorcycle at age 39, and had to borrow vehicles every time she was stateside, now was worried about driving a vehicle that wasn't mine. Sandra, The Director of the Visitor's Center kept reminding me to "breathe." And, she reminded me that "Life is an Adventure!" How could I forget this simple truth?

The car was packed. I set off. And, as I drove I saw some of the most amazing scenery. Wait! What was this alien feeling? I do believe I started to discover "wonder" again. I have a long way to go. But, I'm traveling in the right direction. I'm looking forward to my next County Road Trip. I know it will reinforce that "wonder" that I'm discovering anew.