Laughter, Licks, Listening, Laundry, LaDonna, Lakes, and Lethargic

Well, finally I'm back to blogging again. It's been a couple of weeks, and it's been great to get away. Going to camp is always a highlight for our family. Here are just a few of the things that we were able to enjoy while we were there.

One evening we had corn on the cob (we opted to eat in the motor home because it was soooo hot). Makayla loves to chew on the the corn too, so we gave her some, and she was sure enjoying it, and we sure got lots of smiles from watching her. Of course there were lots of other times that we enjoyed laughter, that's just part of being with friends, and part of being at camp.

The weather was the hottest that we've had in a long time...sweltering heat. So between Paul and myself (the children drank some of it, but most of it was consumed by just the two of us), we drank more than 13 gallons of water. Needless to say, the children ate lots and lots of Popsicles, and you can see that Makayla is enjoying one as well. Anytime the children had one, she thought that she should get "equal licks"...one lick for them, one lick for her.

Of course, camp means lots of "listening" too. It was so great to hear the children doing their program. Danae had a solo, and she did a good job. It was also great to hear Bro. Grile again in the early morning prayer times. He is sooo good, and so wise. I learned so much in those times. It was great to hear the Cassedy's sing, and to hear Bro. Brueger preach, but most importantly, it was great to hear the Holy Spirit speak. To listen to Him speak softly, showing me areas where I need to grow deeper, need to draw closer. I was able to ride my bike every day but two (Sundays), and one day on my bike ride the Lord rode alongside of me, and so tenderly showed me an area that I need to work on. I am so thankful for His faithfulness, and for knowing just how to show us just what we need.

(You may wonder about the "antennas". The theme in the children's services was "bugs", so each child made their own antenna, and wore them in the program.)

Jeffrey just before the kids program.

Then of course camp wouldn't be camp without doing laundry. This was on Wednesday, and I think I did four double loads, and shared one triple load with my friend. However, by the time we got home on Sunday night, guess what? I had nine more loads to do. With the weather being so hot, you just felt like you needed more showers, and needed to change clothes more often.

Then camp wouldn't be the same without friends. This is the only picture of my friend Ladonna that I took this year. It was great to be with her and her husband Joe again, and to pick up right where we left off. We went to Wal-Mart together two or three times, did laundry together, and went to the mall too. It was great to be with you again, my friend.

On Friday, our family, along with a guy from our church, rented a pontoon boat and took it out on a lake that is about four miles from the campground. We had the boat for the afternoon, and just enjoyed being outside (Friday was a lot cooler, and much more enjoyable) on the water. We had a great time. It was very relaxing, and it just put the finishing touch on our "family vacation". Here's Jonathan driving the boat.

And so now, by this time, we've made the journey home, unloaded the motor home, done all of the laundry, put everything away, and are still exhausted from the heat, we feel like the picture below...lethargic. I just thought this was so cute. Her pacifier hanging out of her mouth. I just had to take her picture.

I did want to say one more thing. We had a wonderful time, it was great being away, and enjoy all of the things listed above, as well as many other things. But probably the biggest miracle of all was the fact that Paul made it through the whole week without any respiratory problems. He didn't have to use his nebulizer once, and very rarely had to use even his maintenance inhaler. For anyone that knows Paul very well at all, knows that this is a miracle. With the weather that we had last week (in the 90's, with very high humidity), he rode his bike 5-6 miles a day, and did fine. I just want to take this opportunity to thank the Lord for His touch on his behalf. Six years ago, he probably would have ended up in the ER. God certainly has touched him, and we are so very thankful. God is so good, and even though He didn't change the weather like we had prayed, He proved Himself faithful to us by giving Paul such a special touch. Praise the Lord!!!!!!