A New Beginning…

God has a funny way of changing our lives and plans around when we least expect it. When this happens we can either take that leap of faith and follow or continue on the road that we have chosen for ourselves. Sometimes, or should I say in our case, most times, it is a difficult choice to make or understand. This is what happened to us. First a little background on each of us:

Richard Ward:

Richard was born and raised in Baltimore city, in a spot called Canton. Canton is much different today than it was when Richard was little. Life was not easy, but he was able to find ways to occupy himself, such as streaking through the streets into a local bar on a dare and sneaking out in the middle of the night to hop on passing trains. After his parents divorced, Richard did odd jobs such as delivering blueprints to offices downtown on a skateboard, worked at night loading bread trucks for a bread company and then ultimately joined the Army at the age of 18. He spent time there learning how to operate the radio and earning top secret security clearance. He spent some time in Hanau, Germany where in addition to learning the ways of the Army, he learned how to down many liters of German beer.

After his stint in the Army he returned to Baltimore, Maryland where he finally met the love of his life, Denise. They met in the typical way, in a neighborhood bar. It was not long before this young man had himself a ready-made family and became the father to her two children, Zachary, 2 years old and Tasha 3 months old. He took to his new role as provider and father very well, learning the ropes as he went along. Time went on, Denise and Richard had two children of their own, a son named Richard and a daughter named Lindsay. There were tough times along the way but God was faithful in bringing Richard to the realization that for this family to work and stay together, there was something missing, a relationship with Jesus. Richard had worked in some form of construction for the last thirty odd years, which led to an injury a year and half ago that put him out of working construction full-time.

Update: In January of 2018 Richard underwent surgery for a tumor in his Pancreas. Thankfully it was caught early and their were no cancer cells outside of the tumor. Recovery was rough with quite a few complications, but God ever faithful was there to bring him to a complete healing. Although he is still building up his strength, he is definitely a lot better now. Praise be to God!

Denise Ward:

Denise was born in Baltimore City, but was raised in a neighboring county, Pasadena, Maryland. She was raised a few blocks from Stoney Creek which led into the Chesapeake Bay. This closeness brought about a love for the water, fishing and crabbing from what seemed like the time she could walk. Her home life was not always settled but like so many kids today, she learned to adapt. When times were particularly rough, she loved to listen to her albums and sing along, this always brought her comfort. She was tall for her age, which added to some of her insecurities but as she grew older she learned to appreciate her height. At 18 years of age she met her first husband, got married and had her first child by the age of 19. Her second child came along not too long after that as well as a divorce from her first husband. It was not long after the marriage to her first husband dissolved that she met Richard and fell in love.

During this time, she worked many different types of jobs, from waitressing, bartending, repo-ing cars, medical administration and even managing a restaurant. Had two more children, which she loves and adores as much as her first two. Her last position before taking on this journey was as a Front Desk Supervisor for Marriott Vacations Worldwide at their resort in Williamsburg, VA. Marriott Manor Club. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Regent University in 2013 in Biblical and Theological Studies with a minor in Psychology. God has done a lot of work in her life, giving her a heart for women and those in need and she prays that this time on the road will lead both of them to ministry opportunities.

Together:

Richard and Denise turned their lives over to Christ about 17 years ago. Over that time, they were both very active in their church. Serving as men’s and women’s leaders, Youth group leaders, choir and lay ministry positions. For years both have felt that God was calling them into full-time ministry but were not quite sure when and how that would happen. As of August 23, 2018, they have been married for thirty-two years and to make a long story short; they have lived in Williamsburg Virginia for almost 17 years, are, at the moment, 54 years of age and beginning a new way of life, full-time RVing.

About two years ago, the tides started to turn in a new direction, their youngest got married and as of June 30, 2016 her and her husband had found their own place. So for the first time since being together, they have no children at home, except the four legged one, Rufus. While trying to figure out the next step in their lives God provided, bringing them the provisions to acquire a truck and a 22-year-old travel trailer. If you had asked them even a few months before June 2016 if they would have been starting this new beginning, they probably would have looked at you, laughed and said, “Yeah, right!”  But God has a funny way of changing up the plans that we make for ourselves. So with that said, life for the Ward’s has changed drastically in the last couple of months!

A new beginning started on July 27, 2016, when after three weeks of downsizing their belongings, painting, sewing and revamping “Betsy” as they affectionately call her, they took a leap and moved out of their house and moved her to their first campground. They have faith that God will provide and are eagerly anticipating this new way of living, even if there is a bit of trepidation. They believe that faith and prayer will help them to stay on track to where God is leading them and they hope this site will not only be a way to stay in touch with family and friends, but also a way to share their experiences, both good and bad with anyone who might want to follow their adventure into this new way of living. In addition, they are hoping others will free to share their experiences and advice with them.  To learn more about Denise, Richard or their adventures, please feel free to explore their site and any comments, advice or just a hello are greatly appreciated!

 

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