Is it Wednesday already?

This happens every year. We work and grow and learn and knit together a camp. We come together as a team in a way that would not have happened at home. We are Covenanters who worship together, but not as often do we labor together. Monday comes around, and it's a bit nervous wondering what is going to happen. God's hand reveals itself, having held this wonderful plan and these relationships, these children and fellow labors in Christ at the local church for us together to praise and glorify Him. It's awesome every time.

Then Wednesday hits. It's almost over. We see and are planning for the parents' night tomorrow. Then Friday is around the corner. It will be gone. Already I regret the passing of these days. While we are each getting tired and worn down physically, we are also each so alive in the relationships we are building--those with each other, those with the children God entrusted to us, those with the the members at Christ the Redeemer.

If you are a bit nervous about going on a mission trip, that's smart. It just might change your life. I promise it will change your relationship with God. I promise you will see Him with a clarity and purpose that I wish I lived each day.

Eph 2 8-10

Monday, July 18

The first day of camp went very, very well even though we were managing more than 80 children, had a little rain, and were figuring out the lay of the land. New friends, hugs, smiles, and exciting new things to learn so overpowered those little challenges. We said our good-byes, packed up camp, and spent the evening at the local baseball park watching the Portland Seadogs cream the Binghamton Mets 7-2 (may not have been the final score--we only made it to the eighth inning before sleep threatened!). We're praying for more than 100 kids on Tuesday and safety as we go on a hike in a gorgeous wooded city park. Check back. We'll have updates and more photos! Thanks for your support in this effort!

Our New Friend

Crystal Kepler is one amazing woman. Crystal is a member at Christ The Redeemer Presbyterian Church, the church we are partnering with this week, and has been our contact for Explorer Camp. She did some of our shopping for us ahead of this week for things such as some craft supplies and snacks. She has also promoted the camp by delivering flyers and posters to various sites around Portland. Doing this camp would have been a challenge without her! Crystal Kepler--Thank You!!!!!

Hitting the Mark...

Is tough in life and in archery, but the kids LOVE this activity! Some of them weren't quite strong enough to pull the string back, much less hit the bulls-eye!

Telling the Story

Several kids on the Covenant team, down to the youngest one, got to share the story of God's love for us with their new friends using these bracelets. Thank you for helping us be here to tell this miraculous story!

The Girls...

Painted angels and sewed pillowcases. After hearing the story of creation, they learned that God rested on the seventh day. We hope they will remember that as they rest on their beautiful pillowcases.

We're Building...

Relationships and toolboxes with the older boys. Pray for the relationships to grow deeply quickly. Pray that the boys will walk away with spiritual tools that can help them throughout life.