Youth Camps

Youth Camps are underway!  Our first week of youth camp started last Sunday (17th), and it’s been a wild and activity-filled week at camp this week.  These campers are ages 8-12 and they are hilarious!  Being at the front desk provides many opportunities for me to interact with and assist these kiddos, whether it’s calling for first-aid for their scraped elbow or home-sick induced stomach-ache, helping them mail a letter, answer questions, and even posing for random pictures:)  It’s amazing to see their young curiosity and excitement for everything!  That’s what makes this age group some of the funnest campers to interact with.  They haven’t gotten to the “I’m too cool to talk to you” stage, and they aren’t interested in impressing anyone….not quite yet anyway.  They are so impressionable, which is a wonderful, but huge responsibility thing at the same time.  I’m so grateful that God’s given us the opportunity to serve these kids and to be a part of sharing the truth of God’s word and love to them.  Please pray for the young hearts of our campers as you go throughout your summer!  Next week, we’ll have another group just slightly older, but I’m sure it will be another week full of activity and energy! 

Settling In

This last week has been busy & full but definitely good.  We are officially in our house and are getting more and more settled each day.  We had ample help moving our stuff over to the house and had it all moved out in just two evenings!  There were also several CFS staff ladies who came over to help me clean the house which helped a ton, especially since we did some painting before moving our things in too.  We’re so thankful for those who sacrificed their time to help us with this transition.  We missed having the opportunity for our families to be involved in our lives in this way, but we see how God has provided “surrogate” family members in our midst:) 

We were given a surprise by the people who sold us the home.  About a week before closing, they actually gave us the keys to the home, and when we came up to the house we saw they had purchased a Huskers flag for us and had it flying on the flag pole!  We couldn’t believe how thoughtful and kind that was!  We didn’t even know they knew of our allegiance to the Husker nation, but somehow they found out:)  We’ll also be putting a US flag up soon, but for now, here’s a picture of the beauty.

In other picture worthy news - below are beautiful flowers that I had no part or effort in producing, but which have suddenly bloomed for our enjoyment (who doesn’t love perennials?)

Look mom!  I’ve got Peonies!  They sure bloom a lot later than yours:)

If my grandma were still living, she’d be tickled that I have a wild rose bush.

If we were quick enough we’d post a picture of a confused cardinal that keeps flying into our window.  It’s like an every morning greeting or something - it’s not that he hasn’t figured out it’s a window…which would be totally understandable for a bird.  No, he’s definitely flying into it on purpose…which is strange.  Maybe this is something cardinals do and anyone out there who knows anything about this can fill us in.

And in case you all were worried or concerned about little baby Smitty and how he’s handled all of the activity I’ve been putting my body through with the move - well we’re both doing great!  Certainly I’ve been busier, but I haven’t been overdoing it.  Our little guy is just moving around like crazy now and it’s amazing to see how many different shapes my belly can transform into.  Very weird, but I love it at the same time.  This would be the perfect time to post a picture of my pregnant tummy, but you know, we just haven’t taken the time to take a picture of me lately.  Maybe one will come soon…

Houses

Boat House

This is old news already, but I’ve been meaning to post it.  One part of Camp Forest Springs’ long-term capital campaign is the building of a new boat house at the waterfront.  After some unexpected delays and issues with the state, the plans for the new design were approved and construction began in May.  About a week and a half ago I had the opportunity to be a part of framing in the boat house.  It was great to put on the tool belt again and use the skills I had acquired in Omaha.  Yes, Chris, we finally used the gun!

Our House

If all goes as planned, on Wednesday we will close on our first house and begin moving immediately.  Tawnya and I have been busy getting things ready to go and we fully expect the next couple of days to be busy and crazy as all get out.  We are enjoying the process and are so grateful for the way God has provided for us.

Memorial Day Weekend

Last weekend we had the blessing of being able to fly to Birmingham, Alabama for Sam’s cousin’s wedding.  A lot of our extended family members were there which made it so good just to catch up with and see everyone.  There were many family members there that we do not see when we visit Omaha, so it was well worth the trip made. 

The wedding itself was absolutely beautiful and the setting was atop a bluff overlooking beautiful trees and rolling hills.  Here are some pictures to show you what we mean:

The ceremony took place here

Smith siblings present: Ted & Alicia, Sam & Tawnya, Mark & Katie

Sam’s mom Bonnie made the cake - it was beautiful and delicious as usual!

The area where the food was served - a very beautiful room

Here’s a sampling of the food that was served.  Shrimp & grits was the popular item by most southerners there (the food in the glass dish), but I think it might be an acquired taste:).  Also served was a fabulous creamy spinach dip, some yummy imported cheeses, fruit, and a deep-fried hush puppie (though so much better than the Long John Silver’s kind).

The day after the wedding much of the family headed to Sam’s aunt & uncle’s lake house where many took in some boating and water-skiing. You’d think Sam was a pro from this picture.

A unexpected blessing!  We missed our connecting flight in Dallas on the way home due to our flight out of Birmingham being delayed, and we got the privilege of staying with our good friends Jud & Kim overnight!  It was such a thrill to be able to see them, meet their newborn boy, and catch up in person!  God certainly orchestrated this little “gift” of a visit. 

House News

This is just a quick update since we haven’t posted in two weeks.  Sorry for our negligence.  Some of you are wondering about our house situation.  The official word is that Tawnya and I are buying a house here in Westboro.  This is all happening very quickly…the closing is next week already.  Please pray for all of the details to work out smoothly.

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Birmingham, Alabama, and a great weekend it was.  We’ll write more and post pictures in just a couple days.  Stay tuned.