I've been told by Mrs Stephens that I need to Blog!

The past two weeks I have been in recovery mode from moving, camp and the wedding. Creating a new "NORMAL" is what I've been doing in these two weeks. Being in a new house, having our oldest married, and some other changes.

Looking back at camp...we had a 12 car caravan going 3 hours to Sterling AK for camp. We had all 5 of my family cars being used as to cover all the visitors that flew in. We took our time allowing photography ops along the way as we had so many visitors from the lower 48 and this is a beautiful drive. We usually get to the campground about 5 pm, have supper and then start service about 7:30 pm. I believe we got into camp about 6ish. While the guys were unloading the vehicles of the food and luggage, Brother Nowling and I went and checked out rooms as the dorms had beds all switched around. We were able to put all the older couples in individual rooms with king beds. My mother-in-law who is 83 years old was there and it was her first time ever at camp, so I was glad we were able to give her her own room with a king size bed. She slept well. The challenge with these beds was that I had brought bedding for double, king and twin beds. I had no king size bedding. But between sleeping bags and flat sheets we made it work. Upstairs on both girls and boys sides there was one room that now had a double bed and bunk beds so that helped with the ones that had little kids. Spaghetti dinner was well on to completion when we got back to the dining hall. I believe service started at 8 pm. As tired as everyone was from having company, state convention and traveling, everyone got right into the service. It was great having Sister Amy Anders there to do the worship. Though Sister Griffins messages was short it spoke and the Spirit moved and the altar was full.

Monday was full with devotion, classes, games and service. The Griffins taught relationships class (splitting up the boys and girls). It was great fun listening to what the gals and guys learned. That night's service was awesome as Sister Griffin preached on taking back the arrow. Lives were definitely changed that night, but war was also waged at the altar.

Tuesday was the combined relationship class and it was a lot of fun, laughs and truth. Then we had the banquet with a theme of Battle for souls. Jenna did a great job of creating "hell" with flames and lots of glitter (that several helped to decorate) and then we had the road that led to a big cross with every one's name written in "blood". All the tables were done in red or white table clothes with candles and then cross key chains made of nails as place settings. CeCe Winans song "Waging War" was played while Brother Anders (dressed in black) took his place in hell and Brother Griffin wrapped in white sheet protected the saints. Satan would come out and try to get one of the saints and Christ would push him way. Little Brother Anders and big Brother Griffin, it was moving to me. Then we went into the service. After worship Sister Griffin had the ministry pray for the children. In no time the Holy Ghost took over and we had a POWERFUL altar service. She then preached a short message on the Holy Ghost and then we moved down to the lake for our baptismal service at 11 pm with the sun still shining bright but the water quite chilly. Brother Anders and Brother Griffin did the baptising. It too was awesome. The water was so cold at first but they said they truly felt the Lord warm it up for them. (By the way, we had some really warm weather and some chilly weather. I believe it got into the 80's one day; so everyone got a taste of what summer in Alaska is like). The young people still wanted their bonfire so we did a small one about 11:45 pm for about 45 minutes and we were blessed to have a moose walk by the lake behind the bonfire. How cool is that.

Camp ended on Wednesday morning after devotions, breakfast and cleaning up. We had a total of 41 campers/staff. I can never thank the Anders and the Griffins enough for all their work. Brother Anders taught, helped with the music, allowed the Lord to use him during the altar work and participated in all activities. Sister Anders worked so very hard beside Sister Connie Peter in the kitchen (and ladies I promise paper plates next year) plus helped me put the crosses together (which was more difficult then I thought they would be). Amy and/or Bev was there with the music whenever it was needed. Brother and Sister Anders, I don't know if you'll ever read this (but hopefully Amy will) my deep gratitude goes out to you for what you gave to our camp. You were precious and a blessing beyond measure to everyone but I am forever grateful for the help it gave me and the lives you touched.

Brother and Sister Griffin our very precious. They gave themselves in so many ways to the camp. I don't think anyone will ever forget your classes. Your sensitivity to the needs of the people and the Spirit was a blessing. We worked you every way we could, although Brother Griffin and Brother Nowling really became fond of Fred Meyers...I can never thank you enough, but my heavenly Father will reward you greatly. And Victoria, you are a beautiful, precious young lady for the Lord. I hope your first camp was a good experience for you.

To everyone that came and gave camp was about all of us and allowing God to do a work in us. We came expecting and jumped right in from the very first moment and we were rewarded greatly because of it. Hang on to what you received. Continue to grow and GIVE and SHARE God's goodness with others and we'll see many things happen.

Though camp already seems like so long ago. And though I had thought that once I got to camp I would be able to relax and that didn't happen; it was time that I wouldn't have traded any moment for anything. It reminded me once again why I love the camping program. Those days at camp, we are secluded from the world. We deal with the effect that world has already had on us without having to deal with jobs, school, etc. I love camp and I pray that God will continue to give me strength to work it until I die.

My next post; I'll outline the days after camp and Jessa's wedding.