This is kind of like a journal entry….on my blog. A few hours ago we arrived home from a family camp with our church. The to-do list is long and my textbooks await, but before diving into those I want to take a few minutes to write about camp while it’s fresh on my mind. So from the comfort of a cushy seat with a hot drink in hand, here is an account of our first annual church family camp.

Let me begin by saying that I am so grateful for the hope we have in Christ. In Him alone do we have reason to live each day. In Him alone do we find our source of joy. I so frequently don’t take the time to ponder the mystery of the gospel, how I as a desperate sinner find favor in God’s sight through Jesus Christ! We will spend a lifetime and then eternity marveling in the goodness of God! That was such a good reminder from one of the sessions this morning.

Thursday was the first day of camp and a very busy day for me. After being at classes all morning and volleyball in the afternoon, I drove down to camp with a sweet young lady. It was fun to have some time to talk, and we arrived in time for the first evening session. We enjoyed fellowship, snacks, and a movie later that night. After the movie we popped into our bunks at our cabin, but giggles and jokes were rampant among our family that night, which made for a funny and memorable evening. (When you have the whole family in the same room in bunk beds, you’re bound to have fun.) Oh goodness, I love my family! :)

The next morning we got up and around, then went to help with breakfast. The family who was in charge of meals during camp did a wonderful job facilitating everything in the kitchen, and with many hands helping everything went smoothly. After the morning session, singing, and worship, there were edifying conversations, octa-ball, and sand volleyball. In the afternoon we played a game call the Mighty Mighty Scoop Noodle Challenge. We had an entire soccer field to use and most everyone played, which made for an excellent game. Basically it involves pool noodles, Frisbees and other various objects, and LOTS of sprinting. Needless to say, it was hilariously fun. After playing for an hour in the hot sun, we limped off the field and cleaned up for dinner. If it hadn’t been for one young lady’s wise advice to stretch, I would have hardly been able to walk this morning. :D I wish I had some pictures from the game and other activities, but here are a few that Mom snapped at the end of camp during cleanup:

Mopping the floor! With great three helpers it didn’t us take long.

Part of the dish crew. They did an excellent job.

CK did a good job with all the electronics. // These two dear ladies joyfully served in the kitchen.

Sweet Savannah with her baby. // Simon trying the water faucet. ;)

Family camp encouraged me in many ways. It was neat to spend time with our church family, getting to know each other better. So there is a summary, my friends, and I must say goodbye for the present. Thanks for dropping by and blessings to each of you!

Good morning! And what a beautiful morning it is….I was just outside a minute ago, enjoying the cold, dewy grass beneath my feet, the morning sunshine on my skin, and the melodious song of birds.

Well, can you believe that tomorrow is the first day of fall!?  This year has gone by faster than I could have ever imagined. Sandals, lemonade, and summer tops are traded for scarves, apple pies, hot tea, and sweaters. Last week we bought lots of apples from a nearby orchard, which I’ve had great fun with baking in the kitchen. Mmm…I love it when our home smells like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

~As for an update on life lately, Mom had a surgery on her hip several weeks ago and she has been recovering from that. She is now able to get around fairly easily with little pain – praise God! Please pray for her continued recovery.
~The guys have been hard at work cutting wood for our furnace this winter. We will be grateful when the cold months hit (and I’ve heard that farmers are predicting an unusually cold and harsh winter this year).
~I have been enjoying my classes, especially physiology. I have a great instructor whose goal is for me to understand and retain key concepts that I’ll use as a nurse instead of temporarily memorizing various facts. In one lab we got to determine our blood types and actually watch blood clot! Microbiology isn’t as much my cup of tea, but much of it is interesting and important information to know.
~I also am finishing up Medical Explorers. My highlight was getting to see a baby being born! It was truly one of the neatest things I’ve ever seen. I almost cried to see the beginning of a new, fresh life. What a privilege!

So now, here is a collection of photos from the past month:

Austin has been hard at work on building a boat. Here’s the finished frame. Creativity at work, folks!

Each month I get to go out with a special friend – Mrs. Pool. We have such fun times together. I am blessed to have her for a friend and mentor.

Leaving for an evening dance with WC. :)

Baking pumpkin and apple pies with two girlies who came to spend the day. They looked adorable in their aprons! It reminded me of times years ago when I was little and young ladies (in a true Titus 2 fashion) taught me various skills, including how to bake.

Okay, yep, we got kinda goofy. What started out as a “light dusting” of flour on our faces ended up in full-fledged face masks. Heeheee.

The guys built this one morning with a friend.

So I think that’s all for now. Today Austin wrote a funny paper for school that he gave me permission to post, which I’ll be doing soon. As a side note, I have been listening to music from an album called Piano and Cello Duet by Brian Crain. It is some of the most beautiful, soft, and gentle music I’ve ever listened to. Be sure to look it up if you enjoy music like that. :)

Until next time, my friends! Thank you for visiting the Bungalow!