Seriously...It's The Last Day?

I honestly can't believe it. This summer has flown by, and yet at the same time, it feels like it's been going forever. Regardless, here we are at the last day of camp...at least for this summer.

Of course no last day can go smoothly, at least not completely. But bumps in the road point us to the One who is ultimately in control, instead of trying to rely on our finite wisdom. So far we've had two counselors call in today. When you're already bare bones in staff, being two down could spell disaster, but at Grace Adventures, we know Who is in control. God knew long ago how this day would go, and it's his plan to glorify himself through it. He's already been working.

I told you before that He had paved the way for Raven's siblings to come to camp. We signed them up to come this week, paid in full, but we've run into some glitches trying to get them here. So after that second phone call this morning, I just dropped to my knees and turned this day over the God. On my way here, Aaron Smith called and said that his bump in the road was removed and he was now able to pick the boys up and bring them to camp. Score one for the Big Guy! It's was almost like He was just confirming to me that He's got us covered.

Here's to a great last day of camp.

Our Largest Week Yet

I barely blinked and the week was gone...our largest week yet, more than twice the size of our largest week last summer. Crazy, isn't it? We had over 85 campers and 20 staff, outgrowing our brand new pavilion. Seriously, who would have thought? It was also our second to last week. Summer is certainly winding down, but it's not over yet. The saddest part of this week was that we said goodbye to 5 of our beloved staff members, Sara Beth, Tim, Erin, J-Mo, and Roya. Each of them brought their talents, gifts and passion for the Lord and his people to our camp family this summer. Even though there is only one more week, I feel like we're going into it a bit incomplete. I have to say that our team is beyond amazing and I'm so thankful that God sent them to us, called them to camp. I'm not sure what God has in store for them over the next year, but I hope each of them considers returning next summer, to continue investing in the lives of Grace Adventure's campers.

We have some campers that stay with us all summer. Let me tell you, that takes some faith on behalf of the parents. We're always honored when someone would entrust their children to us, especially when they don't know us. Last summer, there were several families, 12 kids total, who took the leap and signed their kids up for all four weeks. All but 1 of them, and they moved out of state, came back with summer. This past Friday night, our team was invited to the Shamlin's house for an end of the summer picnic and movie night. I'm amazed by this family. They have so much going on, from building a new business, moving to a new home, and raising two boys...and yet they still find time to bless our camp family with great food, fellowship, and genuine hospitality. We look forward to having them back next summer as well. It's an investment.

Another all summer family, the Metzgers, caught the vision of camp and ran with it...literally. Before they had even filled out the registrations for their four kids, three of their friends had already hopped on board (for the entire summer as well). Mr. Metzger is juggling so much while his wife is deployed, and yet he's still looking out for his friends and neighbors.

There are so many more stories just like that one where people are reaching out to the people around them and inviting them to camp. I know that as we grow, our vision will grow as well, encompassing the community around us. What a great way to open the doors of the Church, to invite people to play in its front yard.

Posted by Hillary