Memorial Day

My oldest son went to a birthday party over this holiday weekend for a good friend of his from church. He was delighted as the invitation read: "You have been drafted!" ....for basic training.....there would be obstacle courses, combat with the enemy and birthday celebrations! Army men birthday! Little boys dream party!

Instead of bringing a gift the boys are asked to bring items to pack in a care package to send to a platoon that is being deployed to Afghanistan. These 6 soldiers are in a very remote area, have 110 v power, but have no running water, and are all living in a small plywood area, 8x10 in size. The boys were each asked to write a letter to these men and participated in packing the care package.

Here is Josh's letter:

Dear Soldier,

Thank you for protecting our country.

You keep us safe.

You are a hero.

I want to be in the Air Force when I grow up.

I am a Cub Scout.

I like to swim.

I play the electric guitar.

I wish you good luck.

May God be with you.

Your friend,

Josh

As I go through my days enjoying a luxurious lifestyle (especially compared to the living conditions of these soldiers who are protecting all of us), I will keep them, and their families, in my prayers not just on this Memorial Day but every day.

Dear God,

As we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for our protection and freedom, may we remember you taught us there is no greater love than to lay one's life down for one's friends. May the families of those who have lost loved ones, while in the service of our country find peace and comfort in knowing they have followed in Jesus foot steps.

May you surround our troops with loving protection. Grant them courage and trust in You for each task they face. Also provide strength, peace, and provisions for their families while they are away. Lord please be with our country's leaders. May they rely on Your guidance as they make decisions that affect the lives of so many. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

John 15:12-13

"This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friend."

The Last Bell Ringing Until Fall

Today was Beth's last day of Three year old preschool. She has grown up so much this year! On her first day she was carried into the school by the teacher, and though she did not cry, I did upon leaving the parking lot! She confidently walks into the school arm in arm with her friend and talks to her teachers and peers! We are so thankful to God and to those who have helped her on her way!

We enjoyed a delightful ocean themed program where all the children sang and danced! She will miss coming over the summer, and will be looking forward to fall. I am thankful that she loves to learn and look forward to a great summer!

Fun At Camp...The Place To Be

This past weekend we went to a camp reunion. My husband and I both went to this camp all though our childhoods, and worked there during college. Our groups of friends, times there, and memories, are all different, yet our love for this place is the same. We wanted our children to experience some of the magic we found there as children and to catch up with friends.




We had a wonderful time hiking, exploring, learning about plant life, canoeing, laughing, singing and dancing....(Josh- not so much enjoyment on the dancing portion). It was fun to see folks we'd not seen for 17(+) years and watch them enjoy camp just as much as they did long ago! All of the children, not just ours, had a blast! They were all friends within moments, and it seems the magic of camp has once again been passed to another generation!

We hugged tightly the man who was director during most of our childhood and all of our times as counsellors. This man taught us much about God, and showed by example, Christ like service to others with enthusiasm! We hugged his dear wife, who lightened our camp time with songs and dance! Dances and songs we still perform for VBS and at home with our own kids. They have touched our lives and helped us on our journey more than they will ever realize. When ever we are asked who was a mentor to us in our faith, Chuck always speaks of his Dad and this camp director. I am thankful Chuck was able to see him and that our director was able to see amazing man, Chuck has become!

Bamboo forest on the way to where the Wild things are!!!!

On to the Rock slide for an extremely cool dip in the creek!

Josh, Sam, and Beth's new friend "M" going very quickly down the rock slide!

We had a very short canoeing time due to thunder. (note the longer faces below)

Beth dancing with her very own Prince Charming!

Many thanks to all for a great time!