30 December 2008

Ugly Sweater Parties

Stuff White People Like.

White people are great. They can make fun of themselves. And plan some wicked awesome parties. Time for a reunion, eh!?


http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/12/14/118-ugly-sweater-parties/


Eloquently Put

Words are cheap. As a result of other people's words I've soared for days and been depressed for months. My words have encouraged, challenged, hurt & wounded. I still haven't overcome the "I was forced to read things I didn't care about in college" and still don't fancy my days around reading books for higher education much besides things specifically addressed to me, magazines in close proximity to where I do "business" and the great Santa Biblia. Yet there are times I just admire the way people are able to express themselves and communicate things in life. Here is one such example which depicts the random and crazy fun that is part of my life by a summer staffer... couldn't have said it better [in a million years] myself.


POLAR BEAR SWIM 2009!!!

Date: Sun, Dec 28 2008 9:12 pm
From: samuel levy


Deep within all of us, there is a longing for adventure. As Camp
Hebron staff, we especially feel a tug on our hearts for the extreme,
the uncertain, and the untamed. What exploits have you recently
encountered? What journeys have you undergone of late? If you are
like me, the swift exit of summer has left you salivating for more—for
something truly thrilling.

In less than a week, my sisters and brothers, we will commune together
one last time. And there will be a chance to quench our thirst—at
least for now. Some of you have taken part before. Some of you have
opted out. Some of you are now facing your first opportunity. Will
you step forward and join? Will you take part in

POLAR BEAR SWIM 2009?!!!!!!!!!!

Those of you who plan to partake, please read ahead in order to
properly prepare yourselves for what you will face. If you, however,
are on the fence, or (gasp!) think you're not going to do this, you
too must read on, good friends. Read on.

It is the renowned Jordan Kauffman who holds responsibility for this
tradition being etched into Camp Hebron history each year. He is a
viable source (remember, he somehow made it onto nearly every scene in
the staff video this summer, despite only volunteering for two weeks),
so take seriously what he has to say:

"The beauty of the Polar Bear Swim is the symbolism of cleansing. The
water is cold, but you feel so alive afterwards. A new year starts
out on a bang. It will be a new year and nothing wakes you up to the
world around you than the Polar Bear Swim."

The nature of this kind of activity merits some precautions. Rest
assured that those precautions have been taken and the Polar Bear Swim
has been approved by the Waterfront Department. Our beloved Wufda and
soon-to-be Spaniard, Amy Skittles, has given this poetic message to us
all as we look ahead to the upcoming event:

"In comparison to the scattered hot and cold spots and the usual slim
layer of slime Floating on top of the lake during the summer time,
The beauty of winter is just as grand
As summer here at Camp Hebron.

The ever favorite King of the Kayaks off the dock lunge
Can't compete with this icy cold polar bear plunge.

Choose wisely dear summer staff of 2008,
Picture yourself running into the glistening lake.
Hopefully there will be golden rays of bright sunshine
To guide you charging into the water participating in this united
experience of the
Polar Bear Swim 2009!!!"

Our Rec Directors are well-versed in the art of adventure. They
studied it all summer, and they will certainly be available after this
glorious but challenging activity for a debriefing session for anyone
who will need to talk it out. But do not let the challenge turn you
away. There is a deeper lesson to be learned here. Listen to the
wise words of Rec Director and current graduate student Christopher
Schulze:

"James 1:2 says, 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face
trials of many kinds.' Although cold, the polar bear swim will melt
away the superficial reliance on comfort, allowing us to go deeper
into our hearts (much like we will go deeper into the pond) and find
our true selves. We must step out of the everyday comforts of life to
truly discover what is at the core of our being."

Now, after all this, do you really need more convincing? If yes, take
it from the "D" in SPD, whose excitement is just as big as the "Beast"
of a vehicle she drives, the one and only Alecia Groff. She's got a
constant I'll-do-anything attitude, and here's why:

"You will not regret this exhilarating fight for life. You will take a
new breath of fresh air like you never experienced before. You will
race out of the pond after you take the plunge, but that is the same
way in which we are to race to what the Lord has for us. Afterward you
get to share in this experience with everyone who participated in the
warm van while thawing. :)"

Our last contributor is a man who has more experience at Camp Hebron
than ANYONE but the Millettes and the Sheelers. Do not let his smooth
and soothing guitar strumming fool you, for this fine fellow is an
honest-to-goodness swashbuckler at heart. Please give it up for Caleb
Jablonski!

"A great man once said, "What lies behind us and what lies before us
are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." This Polar Bear
Swim is an occasion that tests our mettle. Now is the time to truly
find out what lies within."

So do you have it in you, Camp Hebron Summer Staff 2008? Are you,
sisters and brothers, ready for the challenge ahead? This Friday
morning, don't take time to think about it, for there's really nothing
to think about. Don't stand around weighing the options, for there is
only one option that stands alone in the face of cop-outs, party
poopers, and the invalids (you'll need to head over to the FAC
Shack). That's right...

POLAR BEAR SWIM 2009!!!!!!!!


...and if you would like the Readers Digest version of this email,
here is an exciting and effective summarization from a man who
accidentally swore while reading a Bible verse to Discipleship
campers! (We don't judge Jason Stauffer; we just laugh—with him, of
course, not at him.)

(dramatic drums in the background)
In a world of heat, one event stands alone as...POLAR!

This winter come experience what the experts are calling:
"...an occasion that tests our mettle."
- Caleb Jablonski
The Camp Hebron Herald lifetime achievement award winner

"...a new breath of fresh air..."
Alecia Groff
VP, The Sam Levy Review

"...superficial reliance on comfort..."
Chris Shulze
Founder, Disc Quarterly

"...responsible..."
Jordan Kauffman
Senior Editor, Pregnancy Magazine

This film is not yet rated.

08 December 2008

mr. yuck sticker

Pride does really ugly things. gross.

26 November 2008

Let me declare it now... Microsoft Word is SO FLIPPIN FRUSTRATING!!!!!!!!!

first thoughts of the morning

My first thoughts of the morning were dedicated to rerunning my dreams from the night, saying "Huh" and picking those memories apart from reality. Now why on Nov 26 would I dream about being part of survival teams and having to compete in a gruesome bike trip and being hassled by locals in a country convenience store then be on some tiny island sand bar with too many people in a small area watching humungo waves that trap us in from swimming to shore? I woke up feeling like there was a lot of physical struggle to persevere which required gritting my teeth and pushing through adversity and fatigue while surprisingly not feeling defeated. I'm no interpreter of dreams but maybe God was encouraging me through sub-conscienceness to persevere through my struggles here in 'conscience'-ness. The big guy has brought me closer to a sense of overcoming here as of late so I take that encouragement and raise ya one! I want to be more than a conqueror with my awesome Savior!

My next string of thoughts were testing my motivation to go for a jog. I spent the next 20 minutes getting ready, all but 4 minutes of which were working on my mental psyche, hidden behind debates of how many layers I would need and what skin I could stand to have exposed. :) I step outside only to be delighted with how cold it wasn't and what's that?... the sun poking through the clouds! Lovely. My empty belly gurgled and bulked as I jiggled it around with each step instead of feeding it. Thankfully it soon settled down and held on for the ride. Within a quarter mile of my start I shed a layer that I thought was oh so important and stashed it in the woods until I passed by the spot again. Waved to Dave as he buzzed by in his tell-tale red blazer. Left the watch at home and enjoyed the time outside at a leisurely pace. A friend of mine told me that studies show people who spend time outside around trees are healthier people -- sweet! That'd be me. My prayers, though scattered, focused on those in leadership, relationships and thankfulness. I went farther than I'd originally planned too. Great start to a great day.

p.s. I had the darnest time figuring out how to spell "pysche".
Maybe its time to pick up a class or two 'cause I felt like my brain struggled more than it should have. How helpful is dictionary if you don't know how to spell something!?

19 November 2008

This whole ridiculousness with gas prices skyrocketing and then plummeting like an EKG makes me feel like we're getting jerked around and its aggravating that we have NO control over it. However, I'm not complaining that I filled up on gas today for $1.77 in Carlisle...

04 November 2008

God Approved

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election


1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.


And God approves this message!


ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE


30 October 2008

How's Your News?

This is just amazing.

How's Your News

29 October 2008

some Washington pics



The Miss Leslie Gottschalk posted some words and photos about our trip to Olympic Nat'l. She's funny. Les, when and where next? I'd have written that to Heidi as well but she doesn't blog.




The Miss Leslie Gottschalk's Blog


Look at how wildernessy she is. She shimmied across this nothin trail like it was her job. I on the other hand was slow like a turtle and shaking like an aspen in the breeze. But we have pic to prove we DID it.

I love that I have friends who get me to do such awesome things and get out and enjoy God's creation. Its time to go again... Without coaching I'm not sure what to do with my time. That's a prayer item and I'm excited to see what comes along.

27 October 2008

Maybe some day

God's love is. That's it, it just IS. Maybe some day that will click in my mind. This can be a very difficult concept for me to grasp because the kind of love that I experience, feel and compare to is human love. In my life human love has been earned, lost, won over, conditional, a checklist, missed the mark, temporarily fulfilling and disappointing, incomplete. I've both been on the receiving end and been the giver of this human act of love. When I meet someone there are times without trying to I bring along a checklist. Is this person attractive? do they annoy me? are they intriguing? what makes them tick? can I listen and converse with them? are they real? will they accept me if I'm honest? what benefits are there from knowing this person? What will a friendship with them require of me? Am I willing to give that? I can almost guarantee that I would fail God's checklist for me to earn His love. Do I have a checklist for my relationship with my Creator? How ridiculous! The awesome thing is, He loves me. He LOVES me. HE loves me. He loves ME! and YOU. No one is worth His love but he loves us anyway, more than we can grasp. Wow. What will it take for me to understand this? Maybe some day...


I cuddled a 2 month old peanut over the weekend. He was simply perfect and my kind of baby. He was so content being all bundled up and outside in the 40 degree weather around a campfire, nookie in mouth. Someone made the comment that I looked so natural with a baby in my arms. My comment in return was simply, "maybe some day." If I may be real... I admit that being a mommy is something that I don't let myself dream about. I guess I could adopt as a single parent but there is no WAY I'd want to tackle parenting alone. Raising children takes two. A community even. Seeing as how I am as single as I have ever been and no indication from the Big Guy who holds my future of whether my soul mate is really out there, I gently push that desire aside and continue enjoying freedom that is young adulthood singleness to come and go as I please. Maybe some day...

21 October 2008

You go Girls!

I just can't quite get enough of the game of soccer. I'm over half way to 50 and I'm still playing. Its not quite at the level of college competition... far from it. Its just a great way to trick myself into working out. I admit that I compare my skills and endurance to check if I'm really getting old or not. Some days I think not, seeing as how I can take it to my high schoolers in skill, sprints and endurance runs. Sheesh, some of them are half my age. I feel to young to be able to say that but its true. Anywayzzz, this post is to share how proud I am of our girls.
They made history Saturday night by becoming Schuylkill League Champs. I've only been involved with the program 3 years but just 5 years ago the squad was started thanks to go-getter Jan Hoffner the head coach. I hear stories of their first year getting just drowned by teams, a hundred goals against and 3 measly goals for the season, going 0-16. Now fast forward to ever improving records and the ladies earn the title of League Champions. The seniors had a very proud moment of carrying the Saturday night earned trophy to the Athletic Director Monday morning.
The game that decided the title was an hour and 45 minute bus ride to Tamaqua (a predetermined site) for two schools that are only 15 miles apart, Halifax and Millersburg. Ironic. These two teams always show up to play each other for pride is at stake. We beat them soundly 2-0 earlier in the season. The funny thing to me is that they all practically know each other either through youth group, dating kids at each other's schools or other sports teams involvement. My girls mentioned more than one text message from one of the opponents saying "good game." I just shake my head (internally) at this small town I find myself in while being sure I'll always be a bit of an outsider, not related... not from around here, by choice. I need something to set me apart. :)
The Pottsville Republican wrote up a great article of the scoreless double overtime game that was decided by 7 penalty kicker rounds. The seniors are an awesome group of hard working, dedicated ladies. They lead by example and positive input and their faith. We pray as a team in a huddle before taking the field. I love that the girls had the chance to share that their help in maintaining composure in such an intense situation was a contribution to their faith in God... through whom they can do all things through Christ who Strengthens them.
Newspaper Article

This week we start District playoffs... incidentally our semi-final game is against Millersburg. Woo doogie, round 3.

02 October 2008

"Oh wow"


Oh wow!... That was the most common phrase out of my mouth the entire time on the trail. Five days in mid September were spent enjoying the west coast temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park, Washington. My fellow Wilderness Chick extraordinaire Heidi and I were joined by newbie (to our group not the the trail) Leslie - an AT through Hiker, for our fourth major back country expedition. Despite poor Heidi feeling crappy and not being her witty, sweet self, there were many awesome highlights. The first night Leslie went for a walk and thought she heard an elk bugle. Her curiousity led her to a secluded meadow and a whole herd of elk. The next morning we scampered out of our tents to see if the herd was still around. Sure enough, and they were closer too! We counted some 40 odd elk, big daddy's and baby's too. They make the weirdest sounds. The papas barely ate as they kept tabs on their harem and screeched out noises to them, while the ladies would bark if we made too much movement. On day 2 a little black bear must have been training for the annual bear run as he crashed banged down the mountain not 15 feet in front of us. We spotted 2 more bear aways across a beautiful lake. One even entertained us by taking a quick dip in the mountain water! Day 4 after passing that same lake on the way out, we had 9! black bear sightings in a 2-3 hour time span. Leslie was the master at spotting them. We also came across a Marmot clan, including the granddaddy of Marmots who could have cared less about us or the bear. Day 3 we took on a 16 miler, leaving our packs at a gorgeous riverside location and just taking what we needed for the day. We hiked up to Blue Glacier and decided it was worth the up, up, up gaining over 4,000 ft in elevation one way. Conversations with Heidi and Leslie's entertainment were such a blast and a huge priviledge on so many accounts.
Before heading back East I spent a day in Seattle waiting for my flight. I am so happy for the time away, down time to just think & relax on the trail for hours, beautiful scenary beyond words.






Yet, I sure was anxious to go back home too. Life is Good. I missed 6 of my high school soccer girls games (they are kickin some serious booty), there are a lot of great retreats coming up I'm planning at Hebron, I'm getting involved in a new church and its the fall!

15 September 2008

On the trail again...

'Tis time once again for Heidi's and my bi-annual wilderness chick adventure! This time around we've decided to journey to Washington's (yes, the state not DC as we east coasters associate with the term) Olympic National Park. Its been a busy summer and autumn and I didn't have much time to plan, dream, drool or think about the trip. So I'm just trusting that once I'm there I'll live it up. Its like the name of my blog, 'Kendra Content'... which actually has double meaning. Yes, its content that is in my mind, but more, its learning to be content whatever the situation. To face this day for what ever life throws at me, to be who God wants me to be (and accept that I can not usually attain it save by his grace). I'm going to miss my soccer girls dearly as well as 6 games right smack in the middle of the season. But I'm just a volunteer and what better time to get out than fall... Prayers for safety, thought processing, seeing and knowing God, fun and adventure are much appreciated. Trails, packs, gorp, fires... here we come!


when asked what my favorite part of my role here at hebron is, i usually answer: the variety. This past week I had the priviledge of directing a retreat for senior citizens. Let me tell you, there is a lot of life left to live at 70! I still want to be young, active, adventurous and sweat but I love being friends with seniors. And let me tell ya, being the token granddaughter is not a bad thing either. The grannies tried to hook me up with their grandsons, the grandpas call me sweet and give me hugs, and they love to hear what's on the mind of the young[er]. they themselves are still young at heart though they go for walks instead of runs, watch their grandkids play sports instead of playing themselves and might have to ask you to repeat what you said a few times. Highlights for me of from our week together were hearing the many stories of the speaker, the "adult only" peanut scramble (there were a few elbows, bums high in the air and Loads of laughter as they reverted back to childhood), the Oldywed game and conversations around the table over meals. There was so much wisdom and encouragement to be had among such friends! Wish I were a bit more ambitious to go visit these folks... so if you ever consider visiting the seniors in your life - DO IT! You will be blessed, encouraged and more of a blessing to them than you can imagine.


22 August 2008

on the way to practice

Just had to share this... on my drive to soccer practice this morning shortly before 8 am, I saw this guy standing in his driveway beside a monstrosity of a gas-guzzling vehicle, dressed in a flannel shirt, boots, jeans & camo baseball cap munching on Doritos like it was his job. It just struck me as funny.... and country. Too bad I didn't capture that one on film.

20 August 2008

Who needs cups?


It hit me today that I am living the ultimate bachlorette life. The activity was drinking milk straight from the jug to wash down the chocolate after a scrumptious hot dog & cheezit meal eaten at 9:00 pm. Who needs a cup when you can get it straight from the jug? There have been a few times I didn't bother to sit down when eating due to not wanting to cook for one (or having the supplies to do so even if I would have wanted to) and was rushing out the door to some random event. Even if I don't have time, I do my best not to eat over the sink. It usually has some gross food waste and I just can't forget that Mahu -- the first cat I actually liked, most of the time -- peed in it. Many bleachings and cleanings later I just can't quite let it go.

So the toe is not broken. It happened about a week and a half ago and its feeling much better. I'm probably using it more than I should thus why its still a bit chubby/swollen but the discoloration didn't last long. Phew!

If anyone doesn't find coaching as youth ministry, they've got another thing coming. I'm not the most compassionate person; I do my fair share of raising of the voice and at times focus too much on the sport itself. [When I was coaching the elementary soccer kids I literally had to bite my tongue from telling a whiney 8 year old to 'suck it up'.] But what keeps me coming back is the players. Its tough to maintain focus but I know the season will be more meaningful and glorifying to God if I can ask Him to help me invest, relationally, in these kids lives. Its really cool that the other coaches are Christians too.

Summer staff have all left. Sad. Transition season is upon us once again. Not sure how I feel. It is nice to have things back in place. Its a bit quieter around here. Lonlier too. But the 'in your face-ness' of summer camp is replaced by time to get involved in the new church I started attending, coaching, prepping for upcoming retreats, Bible studies and random mini-roadtrips. Hmmm, fall. Its almost here! :)

15 August 2008

Suspicious Discoloration

Its that time of the year folks... high school fall sports!! W00t! So I'm super excited about this season. I don't know what it is but I just love being around the game of soccer and with the combination of our awesome girls at lil ole Halifax HS makes me love to pull on the smelly cleats, whistle in hand and run around like I'm one of them. the girls didn't appreciate their pic being taken at 8 am haha but they are all so beautiful. Coach K-mart got into the action this week. Got a ball taken from me and in my shock to recover quickly from this rare occasion, ended up - somehow - kicking the ground as I lunged to lessen the humiliation. The result was this show on my toe of the Violet end of the rainbow spectrum. This suspicious discoloration could possibly be my first broken bone. But I'm walking on it and what would the docs do for a broken toe anyway? So if it is indeed my first broken bone, I guess we'll never know.

Chances are this season will include some excitment so check back in for future updates.

06 August 2008

Trekking the AT mid-point


The week of July 27 - Aug 1 I had the awesome priviledge of hiking 40+ miles of the Appalachian Trail. We had 4 campers and 3 staff. By the second night of camping we realized that this was just plain fun. More the camping/hanging out and eating than the hiking. We all had trail names, mine being O'PAK due to the abundance of food I packed -- oops. But-- for my fellow hiking-inclined friends -- know that food doesn't taste as good as it does on the trail. Our final night out led to the making of a large vat of hot chocolate which included 20 some odd packets of choclately goodness. Hmmm, there is so much to say but pictures say it best.








21 July 2008

life in the country

I consider Halifax, PA to be rural Pennsylvania. I realize there places FAR more rural, even in PA. With that disclaimer in, Saturday mornin' I went in search of the Driver's License Photo Center in Elizabethville. I wasn't sure how it would go and I had memories of a crowded, hour long wait amongst the eclectic mix of folk from the Reading [i.e. urban] area. E-ville proved to be an altogether different experience and one I was pleased with. Wanting to 'beat the crowd' I peeled myself out of bed, put on a nice shirt, necklace too (hey, I heard of some now famous actress being noticed for her passport pic so I certainly didn't mean to do myself disservice by looking the part of a cruddy, typical rural American in my license photo) and the hair didn't need too much work. I took off on my 20+ minute drive to the plaza which my directions told me were 4 miles east of such & such a road. Ok.......... I missed the plaza the first time driving past because of the massive Walmart that moved in next door, thus distracting me from my humble destination. Upon spotting the place on the return trip I was happy to see only 1 other car parked outside the building. It was an old couple but they beat me inside the door. So I patiently had a seat and waited for Betty to show her pearly whites and uncertainly, answer the questions on the computer screen. I think the answer pad on the counter through her for a loop but the attendant was a good encourager and direction giver. I was up next (one other person came in the door in my whole 6.34 minutes). The lady looked at my address, asked if I was at Camp Hebron, said she loved the place and even told me I was a beautiful as I looked at the smiley face below the camera. I signed my photo, had the new & improved license of a more mature Kendra, told the lady in my sweetest voice to stop by Hebron and say hello and was outta there. Its true my friends that having to wait in lines is a great time to practice patience, to pray, to have conversations with people... but its also nice to not have a line every once in a while.

smile!

15 July 2008

Here's a tribute to family camp by way of a photo montage. There's Janelle's grandma a.k.a. "9 and a half" (that referring to the number of fingers she has) making paper at the ladies craft. This unbelievable lady also tie-dyed a rather large pair of undies one day, then tied them onto a baseball cap, making it look like two ponytails on the side tied up with ribbons. She's sneaky. Then we've got the ever popular shaving cream battle. Arliss also participated in the shaving cream battle. She had Janelle (her granddaughter) set a chair on the edge of the plastic and there she sat, threatening anyone who dared come close enough to get in her firing range. It was a sight to see!! If I find any photos of her mohawk, I'll add it later.


Hmm... so I didn't have as many exciting photos as I thought concerning family camp. Ok, more shalom. Galen on harmonica with his Burger King crown and Jen learning something obvious from Nevin. :)












I just had to add this Pizza Hut sign care of the Hong Kong YES team's tribute to Chinglish. Let's Pizza... together...
If anyone approached me with that kind of question, I'd find it hard to resist!





Only 3 more weeks of camp... where does the time fly? Before we know it fall foliage will be upon us. Then its soccer coaching, quieter living space and a very much anticipated backpacking trip to Olympus Nat'l Park with my favorite hiking partner H-e-i-d-i!!! But who's looking ahead? Seriously, I'm only looking that far ahead because I was looking at tickets. But it is a challenge to stay real connected to camp when I'm not assigned to anything specific.

11 July 2008

luv notes

Just had to share this... yes, its weeks late, but come on, its the busy season. One of the most potential occurances to be somewhat awkward proved to be one of, if not THE most sweetest notes I've ever received from a boy. During Shalom, the speaker announced that David had asked if he could come up and share a few words about Camp and Kendra. 'Oh dear me,' I thought. This could be really awkward. David got up with a yellow piece of construction paper folded up. He was so nervous he ripped the page as he tried to open it. The camp pastor opened it for him and he read the note - aloud, to all 60+ people present, me with a half smile, half grimace on my face, glued to every word.

"Your always there fore me
When i first came here to camp your samile is nice see to every time
When I see you we always when i see
Your smali shine always in your heart
You shine your ray of light
You are my heart and soul and mind and leader of camp HeBron
My always my friend forever and ever and ever ever lasting friend
I love you a lot
i like you a lot"

He read it much cleaner than that but the misspellings are so endearing. needless to say... the dude got his very own public hug from his favorite leader of camp HeBron. At that night's staff meeting one guy counselor commented he needed to take notes on how to write notes -- agreed!

Camp has got to be one of the most encouraging places to be. Maybe its unfair that its a given I'm at camp each summer -- this wonderful place where God's presence is felt, his people worship Him and the body of Christ is actualized. There is something right, like a piece of heaven, in telling others and hearing from them the Jesus you see in each other.

The photo is of my dear buddy Lisa. This is the photo that so excited our very own 2008 Shalom cover girl. :)

25 June 2008

Stinky Feet

My feet are smelly. What a good day! I drove a tractor & wagon. And fell off a tractor. And played in a soccer game. And had Bruster's ice cream. Got lots of hugs from ppl at camp. Actually its been a pretty good week....

Last week was Shalom - a retreat for adults with developmental disabilities. If you've spent any amount of time with me you have almost definitely heard me refer to something one of them has said or done... maybe without even knowing it. I enjoyed the week, can't believe its over. While it was going on I felt like an outsider looking in. Fritting around doing the behind the scenes details I let myself get caught up in and sometimes hide behind. I will say that one of my favorites, Lisa, came through with another quotable episode. She ended up on the cover of the DVD that gets sent home with each camper. She was SOOOOOOOOOOO excited, I mean REALLY excited. You would have thought she won a million bucks or signed a sports scholarship at a DI school her arms were flapping so. I heard her clear across the room go up to every single staff (no matter it was the first time she talked to them all week) with growing volume. She's awesome. The picture is good ole Nevin - who didn't sign up for the talent show but LOVES to have a mic in his hand. We literally have to pry it from him and drag him off the stage. Ask me sometime about his talent show stage hogging. :)

My wonderful amazing godly other 'mom' LaRie invited me to join her at one of her favorite places... the beach. When she asked me a month ago I wasn't sure if I could actually go... am I allowed to leave Camp Hebron at any time for any reason over the summer? But it just seemed too good to pass by. So Saturday after Shalom we drove to OC, MD. The place wasn't anything real special but I'm not picky, the price was right, company great and you just can't beat the 207 foot steps from door step to foot on sand!! Yes, I counted. w00t. I was exhausted and sleep deprived yet God woke me up every morning before 7 am. Ridiculous but it was nice to have time to jog and read la biblia. I certainly don't plan to be an early riser but sleeping is not a gift I have so maybe some of the time I'll respond the way God desires and use that to spend time with Him. :) Rie's grandson made an appearance (he came with his other grandparents). He's such a stud. Here he is showing us his muscles on the beach and flying as super man. [Oh-- and another first- kendra bought something pink for the first time EVER. That is the honest truth. and of all things... it was my first bikini, er, two piece that is not Camp Hebron approved swim wear.] Thanks God for the awesome weather, sun, food, creation and relaxation. Now that I have some sunburn I'll hide away at camp. Good thing I love it and I was ready to get back.


The last weekend in May 5 of us EMU friends roadtripped it up to Vermont for Brandon's wedding. Mr. Social Butterfly himself is married. Guess it took spending a few years around the trees of Vermont to realize marriage is a desirable thing. :) It was a great trip - including plenty of stops for ice cream, conversations both silly and contemplative, seeing friends and the beauty of Vermont.
Did I mention the summer staff are amazing? I hope that I am able to dig in and truly enjoy the unique opportunities God has given me at this time in my life instead of being distracted by what I don't have. Where else (and with who) can you roast crayfish over a fire, find a grotesque mannequin in your bed and get excited about quality time at the laundromat on a Friday night!
Well... maybe I should try to do this blog updating more often so I don't jump around to 16 different topics. Maybe Camp should get high speed internet so its not such a pain... and maybe I should get back to work. Thanks for checking in!

08 June 2008

transitions are always that

Some things we just don't out grow, no matter how old we get. Transitions are always awkward. When in a new group there is always a period of time trying to figure out how & where you fit in and what role you'll play. Insecurities surface at random. Inside jokes start almost immediately. People are intriguing. First impressions abound and we hold each other at arms length.

Summer staff has arrived! Its exciting - very, but for some reason I'm not sure how excited I actually feel on the inside. With orientation week in full swing I am on the go and my list gets 6 items added for every one I cross off!! God's made it obvious he wants me here with taking away the option of some distractions so I'm pretty sure the best way to fight emotions that are competing within me is to pour myself 100% into being here. But its tough and I welcomed those distractions [insert whine]. This summer is going more smooth but still quite challenging with still getting my not-so-new (1.5 yrs) boss and following his leadership style. So, yeah, thanks for praying about that...

God's blessed us with an incredible staff AGAIN ... He always seems to come through. I now have 65 younger brothers and sisters. And I love them already. They make me laugh, shake my head, and challenge me. Yes, they really are all younger than me. Sigh. BUT I kept it real bykickin butt on the Gold Rush field and my mountain run remains a legend.

If you are reading this blog - wow, you must really be avoiding doing something else - then you have time on your hands and I challenge you: Send me a letter or package (it would be best if YOU were in the package!). That would make me so happy and you'd be on my top list pretty much forever.

Stay tuned for updates on Shalom Retreat, Family Camps, random funness and WOW moments about the Lord.

::
Psalm 139

22 May 2008

Wet, wild & wonderful!

This will probably not do my recent backpacking trip report justice but that's ok. It was a quality time. Mindy, Eric, Daniel and I blocked out our schedules and scampered to the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in West Virginia. That is a great state. I think I could live there but then I realize that no, its better to just go there for adventures. :) Friday it rained and we did so many wet stream crossings that we just gave up hiking in boots and doned the Chacos which are awesome. [See blog about canoe] I wasn't sure about hiking in sandals with a pack on but it went alright and there really wasn't much choice. It was a chilly weekend but it stopped raining once we had our campsite set up and Saturday was a beautiful, mostly clear day. The route we were going to hike required crossing a "creek" that is probably normally a creek and knee height at most but the roaring river would easily have come up to my waist. We changed our plans. :) We ended up hiking about 20 miles instead of the intended 15. According to Eric's GPS our stoppage time was at least an hour more than the time we were on the move which proves we knew how to enjoy pretty views, take munch breaks and soak in the sun - limited as it was. We did cross the river at a lower point Saturday morning (so cold!) and had to recross it Sunday on our way out. It was a fight of the will to put our sandals back on, roll up the pants as high as possible and just to make it more memorable, it started to pour as we stepped in. We just smiled, shook our heads and got to the other side as quick as possible. With all the rain everything was so lush and just smelled good! I tried to imagine I was hiking in a rain forest in south america. Highlights were experienceing West Virginia culture (country music, oh yeah!) at a pizza place prior to hitting the trail - also home of the most valuable bus boy EVER!, baking blueberry muffins in orange peels in the fire, hours around the warm campfire, tent time with Mindy and the scenery.
It was so enjoyable I felt like I wasn't really there and couldn't take it all in. Good job God and thanks for a sweet weekend.
- -In other news... another fav passtime of mine is the wonderful game of soccer. I must love it for all the driving I do. My awesome co-ed team played an extremely wet & muddy game - we're talking standing puddles on the field that were ankle deep. Its good for the inner child though to play in the mud every so often. This was the Championship game against the other division. Finally, a competitive game and in ideal conditions! (it rained and then the clouds put on a nice show). To prove the point that this was one of our few competitive games, guess who was the female scoring champion of the league.... yup, Kendra the defender who Never tops out on any scoring records. Cherry picking proved effective as I averaged about a goal a game in season. I even got a trophy. Yes, its cheesy but yeah... i'm kinda tickled. The top male scoring champ was Nate, second guy standing on the left. We went down a goal first half but managed to tie it up in the second - not by either scoring champ and I was even playing defense. 5 minute OT no goals. Down to PKs. I had flashbacks of my season ending shan back in college against Va Weslyen... and opted to let others shine under pressure. All 3 of our guys missed but 2 out of 3 gals made it. The opposition also made 2. Next reserve guy on their team - blocked! Joe steps up - having missed a wide open shot in OT and puts it away. RELIEF! VICTORY! He got a big hug for that one because I would have been the next one to go. Note: I'm making this sound so competitive and serious but we just have a ton of fun together. Ok, all for now... your champ (but not when it counts). ;)