Week 219 - Paul and Janet's Wedding - 11-07-2010

Where in the World are the Mattsons?

That's a great question, since we haven't delivered a travelogue in three weeks. Well, why haven't we? You see, that's the dilly. While we don't have a specific place to stay in the winter, we do hang around the Southwest until things warm up. We have quite a number of RV parks we frequent. And we will try new ones, but so far this winter we have stayed at places that we have been before. If we sent photos and you have been following our travelogues, you would be bored with same ole, same ole. But there have been some exciting activities.

We left off staying at the Elks in Needles, CA. From there we traveled to Palm Springs, Irvine, Aguanga, CA and Phoenix, AZ.

1) This is the road and terrain between Needles and Palm Springs and what Palm Springs looked like before it was built. 2) We descend in the Coachella Valley, home to eight cities including Palm Springs. We spent four days in Palm Springs with our Atascadero friend Paula. As often happens when we visit friends, we had so much fun, we just forgot to take any photos. Rain in Palm Springs? That's rare. That's what we had, but we enjoyed it. It was warm and we were snug in our motorhome, dry camping at Paula's condo parking lot.

Then we headed for this week's main event. Ellen's cousin Janet was getting married to Paul in Irvine. 1) The night before the wedding we gathered together with siblings and cousins for dinner. 2) Janet (standing) showed up with her Maid of Honor Elissa and Bridesmaid Mary.

The site of the wedding was Mariner's Church in Irvine.

Janet's mom Glenda enjoyed seeing family as she was escorted to her seat.

Pastor Jeff waits, as Paul anticipates seeing his beautiful bride.

There was not a dry eye in the church as Janet, in all her glory, walked down the aisle with Dad (Bob).

Paul and Janet shared some light-hearted stories and comments.

Pastor Jeff's personality made for a very joyful ceremony sharing the insights he learned as he had come to know the bride and groom.

Paul's son Jordan (on the right) and friends performed their music as Janet and Paul joined together in the Unity Sand Ceremony.

Now, for the first time, introducing Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Janet.

Janet and Paul were having so much fun, many thought they were trying to "out happy" each other. Paul was definitely in the running, but after seeing Janet coming down the aisle, we had to give her the nod.

The dance pro and her new husband on the dance floor.

1) Dad proudly dances with his little girl. 2) The reception was fun and fast moving and enjoyed by all.

1) While waiting for the bride and groom, we were able to meet Julie, Don, Linda and others that were grade school and college friends of Janet's. 2) At dinner we sat with four couples, all close friends of Paul's. It was a great blessing to spend time with both of these groups of friends.

Within minutes of arriving, the bride and groom danced. Somehow that encouraged everyone to get out on the dance floor. Ellen enjoyed kicking up her heels, as did Diego, who frankly "was in a world to himself".

This wedding was fabulous. We can't remember the exact words of Ellen's brother-in-law Ron but it was something like, "this was a blessing you wouldn't want to miss!".

Leaving the wedding, we headed to Phoenix for a SOWER's ministry. SOWERs (Servants on Wheels Ever Ready) is a Christian organization that pairs up workers with Christian host groups. The host provides four weeks of RV hookups and we provide three 24 hour weeks, total of 72 hours of labor. They get experienced workers to enhance their facility, usually with building projects. We get free hookups. It's a win/win that promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our first ministry was a camp in Jamul, CA where Pete had to ride 3 miles away to make a cell phone call. The second was a camp in Fairbanks, Alaska with no sewer, sloped sites and mosquitoes trying to carry you away. Both were great ministries. 1) At Phoenix Christian Schools we have 50 amps, water and sewer. 2) The showers are just 20 feet from our front door.

1) It may look a little rugged, but the laundry room is next door to the showers with free laundry and a big ice machine. 2) Oh, yeah, did we mention our pickleball court is just behind the Mothership. Life is good? Life is good! Praise Jesus.

We will be at Phoenix Christian Unified Schools for two more weeks. We'll be reporting on this ministry and the projects we are doing for them.

Be blessed, love, Pete and Ellen

Photos from Nov 2010