Camp!

A week ago I put Rynn on a bus with a suitcase and a backpack

to travel more than five hours to camp in Wisconsin's North Woods.

It was her first sleep away camp experience,

and it more than exceeded expectations.

We got to join her on the last day of camp for Family Day-

a day to share in a rodeo, a ski show, and cookout. 

Eleanor is already convinced that she is going to be on that bus next year.

There was archery, water skiing, horseback riding, 

sailing, ceramics, and all kinds of other activities from which to choose.

...Like frog catching

and frog kissing, for example.

The camp is owned and operated by a Christian College called Wheaton.  The counselors and staff are largely Wheaton students, and their enthusiasm not only for outdoor recreation but for sharing God's love was contagious.

Catching up after a week apart...

 I want to paint this.

Some cabin buddies (and one falling off the slack line).

My buddies.

Rynn's only regret?

That she couldn't stay another two weeks.

And while that makes a mama's heart get a little 

pinch of sadness that my baby is growing up,

it even more delights that the world is opening to her.  

I am reminded that our children are the Lord's.  

They belong to Him, and he cares for them in ways we
 not only can't but don't even know to imagine.

For in the words of Rynn's favorite song from camp,
"Behold, He comes, Riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun,
 at the Trumpet Call.
Lift your voice, It's the year of Jubilee.
Out of Zion's Hill Salvation Comes."

Sunset over the lake at HoneyRock

Listen to it here ...