Not just crafts and Otter Pops...

It\'s hard to believe we\'ve been here for two weeks already. We\'ve been catching up with friends we haven\'t seen in a year and telling everyone the story of our wedding and showing off the pictures. The week we got here was the calm before the storm that is the camp season. One of the biggest uses of our camp and the property we run is a summer camp for underprivilidged kids in various areas around the island of Mindinao. During our summer break (March-June), we host a new group of children, varying in age and background. Our first camp finished yesterday.

During the week, I found myself flashing back to the various summer camp experiences I\'ve had over the years. Going to camp was our family vacation each summer and it\'s exciting to see these kids getting the same experience. We had over 150 children from around our own city join us for our day camp, and the only phrase I can use for it is controled chaos. I\'ve you\'ve ever experienced a summer camp, you know that phrase well. The energy level is at an extreme high and is the sugar content, which is always a dangerous combination.

But, we made it through the week alive, and Monday brings in another group. By the end of the summer, there may be close to 1000 children and teenagers from Northern Mindinao that have set foot on our campgrounds, experienced all of the events and games we have for them, and ultimately heard about the Gospel and the sacrifice of Jesus. After all, camp isn\'t just about crafts and Otter Pops. It can actually be exciting to love Jesus and fellowship with others that believe the same.

Tara and I are still waiting to see what the Lord could have for us and our time out here in Malaybalay, but until then, we\'re content with leading the conselors, washing the dishes, and playing tag with the kids since the campers don\'t understand a word we say. It\'s been incredible being here and setting up our home in the midst of outreach and loving on our kids at the children\'s home. we\'re excited to see what else God could have ahead of us...