East Texas Lakes Unit Airstream Rally

We did not really have time to attend our first Texas Airstream rally, but since it was being held at our park, where most of the unit’s members reside, and we would not need to load our trailer, we decided to attend. Letrice, a widow who still tows her trailer, did a masterful job in planning the rally, and everyone helped with the logistics. The food and fellowship were terrific, and we got to know some of your neighbors better. We also learned to play beanbag baseball and balloon volleyball. OK, so it was not that strenuous, but the team member enthusiasm exceeded that of real baseball/softball and volleyball games in which we have been players. It’s great to be with active seniors who are young at heart and know how to have fun. One of our best meals was a Saturday breakfast held nine miles from NTAC at Willy's Place, a combination truck stop, restaurant, tavern, and music hall co-owned by Willy Nelson. He performs there often.

The real highpoint of the rally was a 40-mile trip on Saturday to the Homestead, located near Waco. We traveled with Doris and Curtis & Sue. They knew a lot about the Homestead and the religious order that owns and operates the large farm. Everything on the farm is done with hand tools, and the farming is done with old-time machinery drawn by horses and mules. The emphasis of this religious order appears to be a lot like the Mennonites. The women dress in 1920s style, while the men are dressed traditionally. The members focus on traditional social values as well as traditional crafts. They take pride in their restored buildings, which includes a 1760’s gristmill. All of the baked goods are done from scratch and are for sale. The exquisite furniture is also for sale and is made with hand tools. Weeklong wood working classes are offered to the public. The blacksmith shop serves a useful purpose on a working farm, which emphasizes old-time methods. There are many other crafts at the Homestead too numerous to mention. What is most impressive is the kind, peaceful, gracious demeanor of the residents.

We enjoyed a succulent, homemade meal in the dining room and then went on a hayride to see the river and the fields. Our guide, Jim, with a bit of coaxing, told us his life story. He had hitchhiked around the world, did drugs and eventually did time in the California prison system. Eventually, he found salvation through the Homestead and now lives a traditional lifestyle there.

Our rally ended with a continental breakfast and Sunday morning worship service conducted by Wyona. There are many Christians at NTAC. We are delighted that we took three days to attend this well-planned and executed rally. Now it’s time to get our trailer ready for a six-months trip beginning in a few days.