The Light Before Christmas….Every December camp puts on a dinner theater production.  This years show focused on light vs. darkness.  It was written as an outreach to show people the love of Christ and that the light (God) has conquered darkness (Satan).  This production was written by one of our staff members who is extremely talented in music and drama.  The show was supposed to be 3 nights; however, due to the amount of interest and a large waiting list we opened up a fourth night.  Some say that we could fill 100 seats for 6 nights.  The show was a lot of work, but extremely fun and rewarding as we knew that many non-believers were hearing the gospel. 

Today I am reminded that each day truly is a gift.  Early in the morning on December 3rd, grandma passed away in her sleep.  So here I sit, grieving the loss of such a dear woman and remembering the sweet memories with her.  She would patiently read stacks of books to us while we nibbled on her home-made popcorn.  My sister and I would sit on the steps eating Cheetos as she washed clothes and wrung them in the old fashioned wringer. We loved feeding the farm cats and coming in to feast on her home-made noodles.  Most of all, we treasure her humble love that she had for her family.  Each day truly is a gift.  Despite the daily demands of daily life, may we be reminded of what is important.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to spend time with family and friends in PA.  The highlight was simply getting to spend time with people.  We are grateful for how others encourage and challenge us, laugh with us and love us.  Below are a few pics with others….

 
                    —-Our Small Group—-                                                                  —-Running the Gobble Wobble with Friends on Thanksgiving Morning—-

 
        —-Before Bedtime with our Niece and Nephew, Autumn and Josh—-                                                    —-Dinner with Friends and Holding Baby Gavin—-

 
    —-Larry and Baby Ruth…you really think we’re ready for parenthood?!?—-                                      —-Dad and Makayla ready for Turkey—-

So many have been asking about snow, so I thought I’d post a few pics of the first snow.  (Which was a while ago, but there is still layer of white here with more to come soon!)  We are on the brink of our winter season here with snow being made for the ski and tube hill, the Christmas Dinner Theater this weekend, and Wintertainment (high school winter camp) just around the corner.  Soon retreat groups will be swarming in snow boots.  I can’t wait!

.....we’ll update Thanksgiving pics soon!

Today’s word of the day is SETTLE.  { set·tle (sět'l) To discontinue moving and come to rest in one place; To put firmly into a desired position or place; establish. }

After months of being in transition we have learned that “home” is with whatever people and whatever place God has us with that night.  We are so thankful for the countless people who have welcomed us in as live-in friends or live-in kids or live-in consistent company that no longer constitutes company.  We have learned much through sharing life with so many of you.  Furthermore, we are also so thankful to be serving at camp and to sign a one year lease to a little house in the country that we call, HOME.  Many of you have asked to see pictures of where we now live.  Below is a glimpse…How does one capture through pictures, the feeling, concept, emotions, and gratefulness of settling though?  Just know that if you show up at our door tomorrow or any day, we will gladly welcome you HOME.  Thanks for sharing in our excitement as we praise God for an opportunity to “settle” a bit on this side of heaven.

Larry sits on the floor of his office with a drill in hand to switch which side of his desk holds the keyboard and pen drawer.  I popped in Larry’s office in hopes of getting a great pic to post for you of Larry at his finest—and there he sat under his desk.  Random, I know, but it kind of depicts an aspect of our life right now.  Many have asked how we are adjusting to finally being at camp or if we are excited to be here.  Undoubtedly, our response is, “yes!”  However, there is so much to that question…we are still in the midst of much transition and much to learn.  Just as Larry awkwardly sits to observe what to make of his office, we step back to take in all that is before us as we discover more about the roles that God has placed us in and learn how to honor Him through the big and small seeming tasks. 

(In Short:  In a week we hope to be moved into the home that we are renting.  Larry is learning all the aspects of the hiring process for the summer.  In the next two months the ski hill will be covered with snow and we will be welcoming more retreat groups and winter staff.  We hope to make friends in the community.  The high ropes course is in the works.) 

Thank you for your continued prayers for sensitivity, wisdom, and patience.