I haven't had a chance to be on here in a while, but I thought it was about time. Summer is quickly coming and last night was a visual reminder... Out door ed. groups are in and they over take our camp with 5th and 6th graders, it reminds me that in just over a month we will soon be taken over by kids of all ages!
I was asked this week what I am looking forward to this summer. This winter has been the hardest on Aaron and I as the stresses of him being in two full time jobs has pushed us to our limits. I have often found myself complaining to family and friends about being stressed out... and to be honest, I haven't sat back and thought about what I am looking forward to this summer. I have instead just been focused on me and now. But as I think about why we are at camp and in camping ministry, I can't help but get excited about this summer. I love summer camp. I love that kids come from all over Anchorage and the Valley to learn about Jesus and that we are given the opportunity to teach them and stretch them. I love that not only do we stretch them spiritually, but we also take them out of their physical comfort zones and help them experience Alaska in a different way.
Some of my favorite memories of being a counselor was hiking in Teepee ridge with the little kids. They always complained so much going up. They were tired and wanted to know if we were there yet. And of course we never were... but I always told them the hike was so worth it. When we reached the top, I never had a kid disagree with me. They loved the view and were so proud of themselves for completing the hike!
I love taking kids camping and cooking over a fire.
I love teaching kids new camp songs and hearing them sung throughout the day.
I love talking to kids on the porch of our cabin at Alpine camp.
I loved walking to and from the dining hall and striking up conversations with individuals about God and stuff.
There is so much to look forward to and I am so excited that God still has us as a part of this ministry.
We are hoping by the end of the summer to have additional help for Aaron in the Program office. There is still so much potential to what the ministry could be here, but Aaron doesn't have the time to develop or go above and beyond the necessities of making summer camp just happen.
Relief is on the way... Justin and Lynsey Hostetter are raising support to be the program director, and Derek and Bridget McAlary are raising support to join the program team as well. Be praying for them as they are out seeking support to come up here. They both need to be at the 100% mark of monthly pledges before they are able to join our team. If you would like to help us in our ministry consider supporting these couples. All it takes is a phone call to our financial office 907-745-4203 and ask for Elaine.
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