Of Swallows, Play Houses & Other Things
“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.” (Psalm 84:3,4)
Barn Swallows in their secure nest.
The Refuge has truly been a refuge for this barn swallow family. They picked a location totally hidden from the outside, but visible from the inside of the building - underneath the balcony above the main entrance. The swallows gained even further support for their largely mud nest when they chose a large screw sticking out on which to base their home! But the real miracle of our little mosquito-eating guests (if only our other guests could perform such a helpful service for mankind) was the timing.
The babies’ heads were visible over the edge of the nest, and the mother, father, and we believe some siblings busily fed them non-stop for about two weeks. During one of those weeks, Wilderness Northwest Camp (next to us) was in session, and the focus of Outdoor Life (led by Jim and Robbie) was BIRDS!
Jim as Spotted Owl, being interviewed.
Thus, FIVE tour groups of children were escorted into the building and seated quietly on the floor where they could watch first-hand the feeding by the adult birds. It was the first time many of the children had seen such a thing and all of them were in awe at this amazing sight. (By the way, these swallows will continue to be welcomed guests at The Refuge - one family of five consumes 8,000 mosquitoes a day, and we DID notice a significant decrease.)
Along with these special guests, we’ve had other guest/volunteers from as far away as Norway!
Elizabeth Edgren waters new grass.
In early spring, the OCF group from Whidby Island cleared an area east of the building. Jody Weed removed stumps and leveled it, and now the extended lawn is a reality. We are in the process of planting trees around the edge at present.
Another guest/volunteer came all the way from New York State in the spring - Chaplain Ted Roloson. We put him to work immediately on the new children’s playhouse - situated near the pond. He did an amazing job, getting the largest part done before he left, and even talked about building one for his own granddaughter back home.
Then Dave Gibson built the casement windows - all nine of them with panes (possibly some of the other kind of pains too!) The interior of the playhouse has two lofts and is stand-up-able for even adults who are children at heart.
Dave has the added help of grandson, Sam, all the way from Germany.
Judging from this picture, the playhouse will get great use!
During camp at Wilderness Northwest, the Duckabush House hosted both Counselors in Training (CITs) at night, and the nursery for staff workers during the day. Currently the Duckabush House is filled with members of the Scott family. Dave Scott is a pastor from Puyallup. He attended an elders’ group retreat here in the winter.
The Scott family goes on a hike to Murhut Falls.
Dave and Diane Gibson have been steady volunteers for the past few months, coming out once a week from Olympia. While the antique staircase seemed a daunting project to us and everyone who saw it, Diane took it on with just one look that said, “Piece of cake!” Her secret ingredient? Howards refinishing “rub.” Slowly but surely, she is turning the finish into a warm and glowing look - which really enhances the staircase. Lots of elbow grease, but she keeps at it, and even roped her daughter, Bonnie, into a day of work.
Dave, not to be outdone, tackled tiling the sunporch floor. This 8′ X 23′ surface was done totally on his knees. We think a little prayer went into this job as well!
What does the rest of the summer look like here at The Refuge? Several church/chapel picnics, and several large families coming for rest, recreation and retreat. In addition, one family (the Bublats) are coming for a “working vacation!” We are truly touched by this gift, as we are for all volunteers.
Of course, we will be hosting the third annual Pastors’ Retreat on Labor Day. If you are a pastor, youth worker, or Christian Educator, you are most welcome. We just need to know you’ll be coming.
One other bit of good news is that we met our challenge and then some! Praise belongs to the Lord for this great miracle. More about that in the news letter soon to come out.
Not near God’s altar, but as close as they could come!
Along with the swallows who chose to build their nest near the altar of the Lord, we here at The Refuge choose to stay very near His throne as well, and praise the Lord for His mighty deeds - both great and small. Hope that’s where you are too!
Robbie