While we were home for Christmas, we all decided to pack up and head over to Camp Adventure for a nice hike around the woods. This will be Gabe and Libby's new home in a few short months! What a wonderful day, being together, and hiking on a part of the property that doesn't get used that often! Memories were flooding in for most all of us, I suppose, as each of us have had some amazing experiences at that place. For me, it was where I found and accepted my Savior, Jesus, at 6th grade summer camp. It was also where I had my first job. And met my best friend, who then became my husband (and still remains my best friend, just to clarify!) Ah, talk about some life-changing, monumental happenings! What is even more amazing is that this is where Gabe and Libby met, as well. Can you believe it? Two sisters meet their husbands at the same camp! And to beat that, this is just a few miles away from the Senior High Camp (Epworth) where my mom and dad met when they were just in high school!!! I love to tell this story. I also love to add in the part about Ben, who, when asked if
he wanted to go work at Camp Adventure (wink wink!) would say "Not for me! Keep me away from that place!" Knowing what it produced for his sisters. hehe. Oh Ben, your sweet wife-y is out there somewhere, and when you find her, there will be nothing that can stop you from loving her!
You know, this time visiting camp, it was a bit different than any visit before. Joe and I were able to introduce our next generation to the very place where our lives were forever changed. Andrew probably doesn't remember much from that day, but I hope to take him back when he can understand. One of our goals and hopes is that we can raise him to truly love the ministry of camp, as much as we do. And to understand the profound and important impact it can have in a person's life, both young and old. Praise the Lord!
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for bringing mom and dad to camp that week in their young lives. Thank you that they encouraged all of their children to attend camp, to seek a deeper relationship with You. Thank you for speaking to Joe's heart in college, and sending him to be a counselor at camp. Thank you that our paths crossed, we fell in love, and now are raising our child at a camp. Amazing. Thank you for bringing Gabe and Libby together at camp the same summer, and in Your truly amazing way now taking them back to that same place, so they may continue to impact your kingdom in great ways. And thank you that you have Ben in Your hands, just waiting to reveal even greater things than he can even imagine. May he see your plan, and simply trust in You. Amen!
