Wired Again

Or should I say wireless again...

Regardless, we have returned from our adventures teaching the Wilderness Survival emblem at SAY camp this week. It was a great week--it was our first time leading anything at a Salvation Army youth camp and it went better than we expected. We think the boys had a good time (and hopefully learned a few things too). Not exactly being the epitome of "kid-people" we were a bit anxious about the endeavor, but when the call for help came out to the officers and this one week available fit our summer schedule perfectly, we really felt like it was something that we needed to do. We're so thankful for the opportunity, and have decided to make a week-long commitment to teaching an emblem next summer.

I can see why many people are drawn to our camping ministry. It was almost an "outsider looking in" scenario to see the counselors and staff interact with the kids. I have a new admiration for those people, as it is truly a gift that they have to connect and make a difference in these children's lives. I sat there with tears yesterday as a flood of children went forward in chapel to accept Christ. Truly amazing.

Long days, and a long drive to and from--but it was a good break from the norm, and I think we needed that. It was nice to work together with my husband on something that was separate from the corps for a few days. Just spending that time together was what we needed. I'll post a couple pictures on facebook later--I took tons, but I won't post any with the kids (despite how darn adorable they are), but there's some pretty funny ones (like my husband with a display of a large number of his knives that we displayed for our equipment demo).

Kind of hard to be back...it's one of those things where you come down from the high. Lots to do here at home, and it's just blah to look at the prospect of dealing with it all. One thing at a time...one step forward. It will all get done.

Eh...not much more to say tonight. Slightly distracted at the moment, watching "The Lovely Bones" with the husband--deeply disturbing, probably not going to sleep great now.

On the Road Again...

...and this is officially IT until officers' councils!!!! (Actually, I think we have a mentor visit to Spokane the week prior) We are so tired of traveling, our suitcases haven't even been put away since the end of January. We're taking 6 days of furlough in mid-July and six days at the end of August (don't want to miss Sundays) where we intend on STAYING HOME AND DOING NOTHING! (Well, a camping romp or two, but close to home) I shouldn't complain, some of our business trips have been self-inflicted for some trainings we wanted, but the majority have been required events and meetings. Literally, one or both of us has been gone for some span of time every other week since the last week in January.

We're off to teach wilderness survival for the adventure corps boys at camp tomorrow. We're rather excited, we've never experienced a Salvation Army camp session, so it will be a learning experience too. My dad laughed at me on the phone earlier when I told him what we were teaching...I'm not sure whether to laugh along with him or be insulted! Granted, I'm no Annie Oakley or anything, but I do know the basics of what we are teaching to help them achieve their emblem requirements!

Just finishing up laundry and probably should think about bed soon...7 hour drive through the middle of no where tomorrow. Some parts are pretty, but there's a stretch going through northern NM into AZ where you don't see a single vehicle for miles ahead or behind...makes you wonder if you've been left behind. (Just kidding!)

Anyway...lots of pictures to come this weekend I'm sure. Have a safe a blessed week!