A Big Thank You!
Over the weekend of 19 – 21 May 2023 we have a group from Georgia here at Peace Mountain Ranch. The twelve men from four different churches helped to build a fence, install sheetrock in the Carriage House living quarters, install a wood ceiling in the Carriage House bedroom, and develop some much-needed media for the Ranch. Arriving very early on the 19th (like 0300!) the group got right to work after just a few hours of rest. Up and at it by 0800 on Friday, the day started with breakfast followed by Devotions led by Chaplain Macklin. After a hectic start involving finding the right tools, staging supplies, and explaining the plan, the group formed teams and got to work!
The media team got right to work interviewing members of the PMR leadership team, interviewing members of the group, filming the work, the ranch, and helping to create some wonderful media designed to increase awareness of PMR and its mission. The crew used a variety of cameras and drones to get some incredible footage. And when they weren’t filming, they were editing some wonderful videos. To see some of their work from this weekend check out their Instagram page 1334 Media. We shared some of their work on our FaceBook page as well.
Another team headed down to the barn to install a new fence along the boundary between PMR and one of our neighbors. The team dug postholes (not the easiest task in the rocky clay that permeates Eastern Tennessee), strung wire, and hung a new gate. This fence will help PMR manage our livestock as it will allow us to move them from one pasture to another without worrying about a possible escape!
Two other teams started installing sheetrock (aka drywall) in the living quarters of the Carriage House. The initial focus was on completing the bedroom, so the fence team could begin installing the wood ceiling on Saturday. Once the bedroom was completed one team moved into the closest and bathroom while the other moved out into the main room of the Carriage House (watch for a future blog on the Carriage House and its role at Peace Mountain Ranch). The day ended with the teams coming together to help care for the animals (aka doin’ the chores) before a great supper and a Fireside Chat (without the fire due to the warmth of the evening and fact that we were all worn out!)
Saturday started a bit earlier with wakeup at 0500! A few of the team members were sleeping at Chaplain Boggess’ home and were awakened with the blowing of the shofar, what a blessing! After enough coffee to feel their way out the door, the teams helped care for the animals which included tending the chickens, feeding the calves, and caring for Riella, PMR’s resident equine. Bergie, Chaplain Macklin’s service dog, and Mack, a stray cat that now calls PMR home both got a little lovin’ along the way (watch for future blogs staring both Mack and Bergie). After the morning chores were done, the teams assembled for breakfast and another thought-provoking Devotion by Chaplain Macklin with a little insight from Chaplain Boggess. A bit more rested on Saturday than they had been on Friday (and a bit more organized as well), the teams focused on getting as much of the Carriage House living quarters completed as possible. By the end of the day the bedroom and bathroom had new sheetrock installed and the bedroom had a wooden ceiling. The main room also had sheetrock installed leaving only a few places, mainly storage areas, that still needed some work.
The planned activities ended with evening chores, a walk around the grounds, dinner, and another Fireside Chat. Several members of the team had heard about Mountain City’s amazing 421 Creamery and headed to town for some ice cream. On team member, Taylor, took on the 421 Creamery Ten Scoop Challenge, finishing the equivalent of one gallon of ice cream in seven minutes and thirty seconds, A NEW RECORD! With the respect of the crew at 421 Creamery and a new T-shirt to boot, Taylor helped spread the word about the important mission of PMR.
Sunday Morning saw wakeup at 0600 followed by morning chores and breakfast. Some of the team had to leave early, but those who stayed took part in a worship service led by Chaplain Macklin. After the service we reluctantly said goodbye to our friends and the group headed back to Georgia. Many thanks and God’s blessings to Richie, Bob, Will, Taylor, Taylor, Grant, Grant, Devon, Paulo, Blake, Dustin, and Gary.
