Tucson, AZ; Gospel Rescue Mission

Finally we arrived in Tucson after a long trip south from Alberta.  We don't have WiFi, but are able to plug in at the Gospel Rescue Mission in one of their renovated motel rooms.  We haven't had The Tour yet, but what we have seen of this facility for women and children looks very wonderful.  After we had our first meeting, the women found out what they were to be doing, which may change from time to time.  I'm going to be doing sewing, that is, mending, and tutoring.  That's fine with me as long as I don't have to do algebra!  The men won't find out their jobs until Monday morning.  It is hot here, 28 degrees, but not as hot as Yuma was at 34 (we were there for 2 days while our neighbours settled into their winter home.)  At least we have air conditioning! 
We saw some spectacular desert scenery on our way down, as we camped in a corner of Utah near St George, at Snow Canyon.  The name has nothing to do with snow, but named after pioneer brothers in the area.  The campsite was surrounded by gorgeous red rounded rocks.  The Valley of Fire in Nevada was red rocks on a larger scale, sort of like many Ayer's Rocks (Australian Outback) .  Terry and I have found some interesting birds such as the Greater Roadrunner, and Phainopepla which looks like  a black jay!

The Waiting Game

Our vehicle was supposed to have new parts and be fixed by now, but it didn't happen.  As soon as we left our driveway, the mechanism inside the driver's door fell apart, clunk, clunk, and the window wouldn't stay up.  Good thing the man at the border didn't seem to mind the duct tape.  Shelley said it was the easiest border crossing they'd experienced in the four years they've been driving south.  Then the gear shift wouldn't come out of park; it took a little persuasion.  Because we couldn't wait any longer, the mechanic finally showed us how to bypass the gear problem, so both items will have to wait till Yuma.  It's not a serious gear problem, just something to do with a sensor.  So, praise the Lord, it could've been worse. 
Meanwhile, we had planned on shopping for a few days at Great Falls, Montana, where there is no sales tax at all.  We stocked up our fridge and pantry, thanks to Walmart where we camped for four nights.  We also spent a lot of time in craft stores and thrift stores, and got other things we needed; the men were a little bored , but had to be patient, as we were down to one vehicle for the last 3 days.  It's a little warmer than at home; all the trees still have their leaves, and most of the leaves are still green.  Tonight we're at a campsite with hot showers, electricity, and WiFi!  What a treat. 
 Off to Dillon, MT, early tomorrow morning.

Etymology:Benedictus

Benedictus: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord"  Psalm 118:26
bene > Latin "well"  , dictum "what is said, declaration"
We will be coming to Arizona, and later to other places, to take part in projects with the group called SOWERS, Servants on Wheels Ever Ready, a Christian organization of RVers who help out where needed.
Our wheels are just about ready!  Baby B., our little 21 ft travel trailer is getting stocked up with dishes, kitchen supples, bedding, food, propane, clothes, and all sorts of stuff we think we'll need for the first 7 weeks.  First stop. Oct. 15, is Great Falls, Montana.  This new direction in our lives is exciting and a leap into the unknown.  Will we like it?  Time will tell.  A bientot!