07/26/2018
Chapter 9
Over the winter months our church, Lewis Lake Covenant, while considering our future and our past entertained the idea of donating the 100+ year old sanctuary for use as our retreat center. If we were to pursue that option we would have to get serious about developing our business plan - which had been set upon the shelf as one with two boys Two and under would understand. So we dusted it off, developed it, and applied for a conditional use permit, which would be necessary for us to operate a retreat center on our property. This began a long process that included hearings, township meetings, and county board meetings. Incidentally, we also discovered that costs of pouring a foundation, moving the old church sanctuary, necessary renovation, and fees to utility companies to move power lines proved beyond our means. But the opportunity alone was enough to light a fire under us to set things in motion. Amidst this stage of development we learned a lot about business, county government, our neighbors, and ourselves. Subsequently some errors concerning wetlands were brought to light and we worked closely with the local authorities to rectify what was done and make right. A very humbling experience. We would spend much of the summer working through various wetland restoration projects. In the end we were granted our conditional use permit and the basked in the glow of the green light illuminating our dreams.
The usual fare continued. With the help of sons Hart and Arlo we planted more fruit trees, two pear, two cherry, two plum, and one peach. We also planted 100 white cedar and tamarack trees as well as replaced die-off from the red pine and white spruce planted previously. Our boys were not the only ones accompanying us, as Rachel and I were awaiting a December due date for our third; a daughter, Nora. East Central Energy sent a crew to clear and trim along the overhead power lines. They took a few more trees than expected, but left a very nice cleared space near the old homestead. So I guess I have a little more area to mow, but it looks very inviting. Previous chapters referenced a camper. Unfortunately there were others who knew about this camper. Namely red squirrels and other feral rodents. Various pests had created a hole in the roof and water damage had all but made the camper useless to me, as un-handy as I am. We were very glad when someone showed interest in giving it a new home and liberated it from the rodents' possession. Lots of mowing continued. With my brother's help we salvaged some old siding from the charming old "cabin" on the property. Perhaps we can find uses for it in our home and the retreat center. A "retreat" of sorts took place for the first time. In early October a fantastic friend of mine came and we pitched a tent, started a campfire, and enjoyed talking about the LORD. All things considered an eventful spring and summer were brought to a close with great steps taken toward fruition. Little did we know that the next stages would be equally eventful if not more so.
