October's Bright Blue Weather

I’m not going to be the girl who apologizes for not updating her blog recently. I have a life, and therefore writing a post is not on the top of the most important thing on my to-do list.

Fall is finally here! September 23 donned the beginning of the season and was also the day of the Cru retreat. Like always, I had an absolutely wonderful time at the retreat located in the quaint Camp Piankatank (I’ve got Microsoft Word stumped on this one). Every year they split up the guys and girls for an evening of Men and Women’s Time. Women’s Time is my favorite part because it gives us females that chance to open up with each other and just be honest. And who doesn’t like to talk about “relationshipy” stuff without the influence of the opposite sex. This year was different than last, though. I didn’t feel like I was alone on certain topics we discussed. It felt much more open and I was truly blessed by the women around me. Hearing their stories and knowing we’re going through the same thing brought a sense of comfort. For me, I never like it when Christians feel like they have to put up a front and cover their insecurities and struggles. In reality, we all struggle with the same things any other person does. Women’s Time was a reminder of that and I knew that every one of the women there were authentic and honest. It was such an encouraging time and something I really needed.

I am currently home on my Fall Holiday. The leaves in the Shenandoah Valley have begun to dress in their royal reds and oranges to say farewell before they fall to the ground to be raked into a beautiful pile of earthy tones. Fall never ceases to inspire me, and I find myself looking up every possible recipe that uses pumpkin and cinnamon, my favorite fall flavors. Amy and I went on a bike ride yesterday morning and I almost started crying from all the beauty around me. I could’ve been hormonal, but I’d like to think I was so blown away from the heavenliness of the scenery that it caused me to tear. Speaking of being blown away, the autumn breeze is so different than any other breeze. There’s a crispness to it that I just can’t get enough of…granted I have a hat and scarf.

I hope you all are enjoying your fall. Here is a poem to encourage your Autumn cheer.

October's Bright Blue Weather
By Helen Hunt Jackson

O sun and skies and clouds of June
And flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour
October's bright blue weather;

When loud the bumblebee makes haste,
Belated, thriftless vagrant,
And goldenrod is dying fast,
And lanes with grapes are fragrant;

When gentians roll their fringes tight,
To save them for the morning,
And chestnuts fall from satin burs
Without a sound of warning;

When on the ground red apples lie
In piles like jewels shining,
And redder still on old stone walls
Are leaves of woodbine twining;

When all the lovely wayside things
Their white-winged seeds are sowing,
And in the fields, still green and fair,
Late aftermaths are growing;

When springs run low, and on the brooks
In idle, golden freighting,
Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush
Of woods, for winter waiting;

When comrades seek sweet country haunt
By twos and twos together,
And count like misers hour by hour
October's bright blue weather.

O sun and skies and flowers of June,
Count all your boasts together,
Love loveth best of all the year
October's bright blue weather.

CNU: Celebrating 50 Years

This is why I love CNU.

Modern Slavery: The Nightmare of Human Trafficking

Did you think we left slavery lying on the fields of the Civil War? Think again. With over 27 million enslaved people in the world, human trafficking is the battlefront of the century. Here are some cold facts of modern slavery you may find as alarming as I:

• A child is trafficked every 30 seconds. -UNICEF
• The average age of entry into commercial sex slavery in the United States is 13 years old. -United States Department of Justice
• Human Trafficking occurs in 161 out of 192 countries. -The United Nations
• Pornography is a 96 billion dollar per year industry. –The Internet Filter Review
• Up to 96% of women in prostitution want to escape but feel they can’t. -United Labor Organization
• Human Trafficking is a 32 billion dollar per year industry. -The United Industry
• In some countries it is estimated that 70% of men purchase sex. -Victor Malarek; The Johns
• Over 27 million people are enslaved around the world. This is more than double the number of Africans enslaved during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. -Kevin Bales; Free the Slaves

I know this is a rather heavy topic, but human trafficking is a nightmare that is spiraling out of control. A new documentary trilogy, Nefarious, is a “hard hitting documentary that exposes the disturbing trends in modern sex slavery” (nefariousdocumentary.com). From recruitment to victim liberation, this documentary exposes the abyss of sex slavery. I have not seen it yet, but the next opportunity I get to see it, I’m there. Human trafficking is something that scares me so much but still makes me burn inside with frustration, anger, and heartache. Nefarious I: Merchant of Souls was just recently released, but the second will hopefully follow soon. Some of my friends have seen it and…they didn’t even have words to describe it. Sex slavery is something that just leaves you speechless sometimes because you never imagine how bad it is until you hear it from victims of the trade. As soon as I see the documentary, I will do my very best to explain my reaction to this spine-chilling topic.

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble [and] I will deliver you.” [Psalm 50:15]

The Africa Project

I had mentioned The Africa Project (TAP) previously in my goals for the semester. For those of you who do not know what I’m talking about, let me enlighten you.

The Africa Project was formed last semester by a group of eight students passionate about children and Africa, more specifically children in Africa. Since the group was small last semester, we basically met once a week, spouting different ideas about how to raise $30,000 to build an orphanage in Tanzania. Having such a small number was good because we interacted really well as a group and we had a lot of really great ideas. But having great ideas isn’t enough. They must be put into action.

Why did we decide on Tanzania, you ask? Although the world is filled with areas in need of shelter for orphaned children, Tanzania's high a very high adult mortality rate due to HIV/AIDS forces parentless children to wander the streets in search of food from trashcans. The orphanage will provide not only shelter, nourishment, and education, but also a church for the surrounding community. TAP partners with International Cooperating Ministries (ICM), a non-profit organization located in Hampton, Virginia. ICM has pastors in partnership in Tanzania that will pastor the church once it is complete.

TAP did a couple of fundraisers last year, like hosting a dance party and setting tables up around the student union. It was a great time to put our name out there and let people know what our mission is. This semester has been completely different in terms of numbers. We’ve seen the group grow from eight students to about thirty-five weekly meeting attendees, which is awesome! We’ve received a significant amount of support from other people in the community as well. We have a facebook group as well, if you would like to be a part of it.

Some of the group at a soccer game. We raised over $200 that night! PTL!


God has provided so much for this project already. He’s literally been blowing our minds. The goal is to raise $30,000 dollars and we’ve already received $24,000. Crazy, right?! Our next big fundraiser is actually tonight. We will be hosting a benefit concert to hopefully raise the next big chunk of funds. Please pray for not only the concert tonight, but that God will continue to provide so that we can reach the children in Tanzania. Who knows what the Lord has in store, but we trust that He is a God with a plan that is better than any of us can imagine. Our hope and prayer is that this orphanage will provide a safe place for children to grow, not just physically but spiritually, becoming strong children of God.

If you feel called to donate, you can check out our website and donate there, or if you would like to send me a check made out to "International Cooperating Ministries" with "The Africa Project" in the “For” section of the check (I don’t know if there’s a specific name for that part, but I hope you know what I mean). You can also help us out by simply praying for the project. Pray that God would be glorified in this and that He would provide. That would be much appreciated!

TAP into lives!

Photo from samaritanspurse.org

Semester Goals

I figured if I put these up, it would give me more initiative to fulfill them. I may alter or add more in the future, depending on my confidence in actually accomplishing them all.

First. Stay organized!
Second. Learn Photoshop, and use it!
Third. Run at least 3 times a week (Still working on this one)
Fourth. Write letters/keep in touch with camp friends
Fifth. Quiet Time every morning
Sixth. Raise money for The Africa Project (more about this to come)
Seventh. Begin planning my study abroad trip

The Issue of an Overactive Imagination

I could list the million other things I could be doing right now besides blogging. But honestly, I just can’t take it. I need a break from this madness, and facebooking isn’t "quenching my thirst" for a study break.

The last time we spoke, CNU students and faculty were being evacuated for the incoming Irene. We’ve since been back at school for about two weeks now, and this is about the time when all the professors think it’s okay to give us exams, research projects, and papers…all at the same time. My nights have been long, my brain has been washed, and I am officially a sophomore. Bring it on.

The only problem with having an overactive imagination is the difficulty of not being able to focus on the task at hand. For me, when things I don’t want to happen at the present time bombard me, my mind begins wandering to the things I want to happen in the future. Things like Autumn. I can’t wait until Fall. The changing leaves, the earthy tones, the smells of apple cider and cinnamon, apple picking, listening to bluegrass, scarves, bonfires, need I go on?! Now I understand I’m getting way ahead of myself right now. That’s what happens when you have an overactive imagination.

I’ve even begun my Christmas list. That’s how bad it is.

Once again, God has convicted me of my lack of focus on the things that should get done. I’m avoiding the things that are right in front of me, including my time with Christ. With all of the projects and papers due, I lose sight of the rock, who is my strength. Instead of going to the word to find comfort and strength, I write down the things I want to see under the Christmas tree. It’s something I’ve always struggled with.

God’s given us the joys in life, like apple orchards and the changing leaves of fall, and He wants us to enjoy them! That doesn’t mean I should let my mind wander to those things instead of Him. As my days grow hectic, my focus should always be on Him first. I’ve said it before but it’s my constant reminder. He also wants us to do our best, and lately, I’ve gotten distracted. The Lord does a great job at tugging on my heart, though.

"Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually." [1 Chronicles 16:11]


"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." [Colossians 3:2-4]

Earthquakes, Hurricanes, and Pentagons?

This has been one heck of a first week here at CNU. It all started with the earthquake. Yes, for all you skeptics, who believe the east coast cannot have earthquakes, prepare to be DENIED. We survived an earthquake on Tuesday! I regret to say though that I’m pretty sure I was riding my bike at the time of the earthquake and had no inclination that the ground had shook. Even if I had felt it, I probably would have thought it was the ground shaking from all the freakin’ construction going down on campus. Oh well, the news casting lady told me it happened, so I believe her. My roommates were pretty freaked out about it too when I got back to the apartment. I think the damage consisted of a Dixie cup falling over. My roommates are so cute.

Not ONLY did we have an earthquake, but hurricane Irene has forced CNU into evacuation mode. We must leave campus premises by noon tomorrow. No classes Friday or Monday! This unfortunately does mean no fall break for us due to having to make up the missed days, but we have to remember is that not many colleges have fall break as well as Thanksgiving break. I’m trying to think on the positive side.

1 “At this my heart pounds
and leaps from its place.
2 Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,
to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven
and sends it to the ends of the earth.
4 After that comes the sound of his roar;
he thunders with his majestic voice.
When his voice resounds,
he holds nothing back.
5 God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
-Job 37:1-5

This hurricane couldn’t have come at a better time, though, because my sister is coming to pick me up! She was coming anyway because she and I have a road trip to Washington DC this weekend. Seriously, there is nothing better than a road trip with Becky Scheel and crazy loud obnoxious singing. Our uncle is retiring from the Army. Apparently it’s a big hooplah when someone retires from the military (just kidding, I know it’s a big deal), so the whole extended family is heading to DC for one big family reunion at the Pentagon! I’m very much excited about it, because not only do I love the DC area, but I love my family. Not to mention we get a VIP tour of the Pentagon. Savvy, yes?

Stay dry!

Quick Update!

Quick update! I made it to school without my head falling off. First day of classes=success. I am here and ready to learn! I wanted to give y’all my address in case any my camp friends feel so called to be pen pals with me (hint hint). Like I’ve said before, I love sending/receiving mail, so chances are if you send me a letter, you will be compensated with a homemade letter from me. I dearly miss all my camp friends already, so hearing from you will lift my aching spirit (insert Anne Shirley’s dramatic voice). As I know many of us are beginning a new year in school, I pray for not just you, but me, that Christ will be the center of everything that we do. That He will not be put on the back burner, but rather flame within us so everyone can see the light. Oh yeah. address.

Kate Scheel
James River Hall 431
1000 University Pl
Student Union Box
#3107
Newport News, VA 23606

And now I must go print out my 25 page syllabus for my Capital Punishment and Judicial Violence in Global Perspective class...this may be the death of me. (Oh, the irony.)

Move

It’s a linear concept we often overlook. When I think about movement, so many ways to move come to my mind. Worshipping the Lord, exercising, moving back to school, traveling, just “doing.” Movement is the concept that has been on my mind the past few weeks. As the summer draws to a close and I begin to think about my move back to school, I realize the shift that will begin to take place. I will be moving from a place I’ve grown to love to a place I haven’t been in four months. But no matter where I move, the Lord is ever-present and never changing. Though the world moves rapidly around me, my foundation is firm and constant. The Lord calls us to move, though, with the confidence that he is our rock, to make a difference and glorify Him through it all. In this post, I thought I would share with you about the different “moves” in my life.

One of the new ways I have learned to move is, don’t laugh, yoga.

I’ll admit, I was one of those people that used to mock and laugh at the people that practiced yoga. “Downward Dog” was never my idea of worship. I used to be self conscious about closing my eyes and letting the muscles of my face “soften around the eyes.” This summer my friend and roommate, Becky, introduced me to a new type of yoga. Contemplative Movement. Becky is a yoga instructor and outdoor-adventure-extraordinaire. She taught Contemplative Movement (the Christian version of yoga) at camp this summer and I decided to broaden my horizon and try it out. It was relaxing, strengthening, challenging, and meditative. We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But this is only one expression. Contemplative Prayer is considered to be a pure gift from God. It is the opening of mind and heart-our whole being- to God, beyond thoughts, words, and emotions.

The two main struggles I’ll admit to with yoga was having to wake up at 6:30 (let me tell ya.. tough.) and wandering thoughts during my time of contemplative prayer. Thoughts like, How am I doing? This peace is just great! What the heck was the name of that song I really liked? Just ordinary wanderings of the imagination. But the Lord does a good job of gently reeling me back in to the reason I’m doing contemplative movement in the first place: to glorify and worship Him through movement. I am now a proud yoga lover, not just because it makes me feel great, but because it is a newly discovered form of worship to my heavenly Father, who gave us the gift of movement.

The next “move” that has occurred while here at camp is simply physical activity. I felt very sedentary before I came to camp. Being here with all these amazing opportunities to get up and move has been awesome for me. I’ve been kayaking more times than I can count, rock climbing, practiced yoga, water skiing, hiking, cliff jumping and, I never thought I would say this, running. Scratch that, I meant jogging. Readers, if you know me at all, you know I don’t think running is the most fun form of exercise. I haven’t even run all that much since I’ve been here, but I think I’m getting that chemical in your body that makes you want to run. to move. It’s great! And I hope it stays!

The most obvious big move is the move back to school. Ah! Stress, stress, stress. A lot of unexpected things have happened this summer as far as what this coming year entails. The first big change is we’re getting a new roommate. Hannah, Alli, Kellie, Bethany, and I were going to be living in an apartment in JR this semester. We still are, but Bethany will be going to Liberty Univ. this semester. We knew there was a chance that she would leave in the future, but never expected it to be so soon. The Lord has a plan for everything, and because of that I’m very excited for Bethany. I know she had Christ in the center of her decision. The first time she told me about the news, I was a little saddened, only because I was looking forward to sharing a room with her and having late night pillow talks. It’s an adjustment I will have to live with , Bethany and I will just have to have our pillow talks over skype :)

Because Bethany will not be living with us, we have an extra spot. Honestly, I was hoping I could have some time to settle down into my room before someone else moved in, so we figured we wouldn’t make a big woop-di-do about it to housing. We found out last week, however, that we will be getting a new roommate. This means, depending on how much we “blend,” I will either be sharing a room with her or one of the other girls. It’s up in the air right now, but please keep the rooming situation in your prayers. Please pray for cohesion between us girls as this will be a new environment for us all as well as our new roommate. Since we all know each other, I can’t imagine how she feels about the “new girl.” I pray she does not feel that way as that will make for an uncomfortable atmosphere, and if you know me, I hate having people feel left out.

I’m always on the go. And so is my mind. I’ve already been thinking about what to do with my next summer. Work on a ranch in Colorado, pack fish in Alaska with my good friend Chelsea, work at an international camp overseas. The options are endless. But my summers are not. Time flies, and I’ve only got three summers left before I step into the real world of adults. But whatever I do, I’m always moving with my Father right next to me, and that gives me the confidence that “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Adventure is out there! Just move.

Carly Chase showed this video to me and I thought I would share it with you. It's pretty legit.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

The Civil Wars: My Father's Father

Camp + Cornuke + College

Conversations have been riveting in the first grade classroom this past week. We have been discussing such things as Justin “Beaver” and his girlfriend Selena “Mogez” (no lie, that’s what they think their names are). Several children’s guinea pigs have died, and if they had $10, they would buy and Ipod touch. Don’t worry; we talk about the Bible, too. In fact, several of the children asked Jesus into their heart the other day. You know, though, how when you were younger, you had to ask Jesus into your heart just about every week just to make sure you did it? But hey, once is all it takes and the rest are just for good measure ☺ The children have blessed me so much and I have learned much from their young, but explorative minds.

"Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14

"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:4

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6

I had the opportunity to listen to one of the chapel speakers, Bob Cornuke. He is, as best as I can explain it, Indiana Jones of the Bible. He is a former police investigator and SWAT member. He is an author, explorer, and biblical investigator with journeys including the search for Mt. Sinai, Noah’s ark, and Paul’s shipwreck. His talk was absolutely fascinating, leaving me with several moments of goosebumps. He is one of those men who leave you wanting to shout, THERE IS A GOD! His evidence is riveting and exciting. I, in fact, got to hold what is to believed to be a piece of the anchor from Paul’s shipwreck off the coast of Malta. It’s talks like these that make me want to get of my butt and travel to Saudi Arabia or Jerusalem. To walk where Jesus walked...

My sister Becky left camp yesterday to head back to Virginia. She worked at camp this past week and I can’t tell you how happy I was to see her. She loved catching up with her friends from last year and seeing the children she taught. Having my sister here for only a week reminded me of how much I freaking love my family. I already knew this, of course, but having kindred spirits such as Becky and Amy for sisters. Gosh, we’re a trio not to be trifled with. We feed off of each other’s quirkiness. I’ve loved being here at camp, but seeing my sister and talking to my parents makes me wish I had more than eight hours at home before I head off to school. Sigh, time never stops.

Only 18 more days for me here at camp. My how this summer seems to fly! Please pray for me as I am beginning to stress myself out because of the amount of time I have to prepare for school before I up and leave. I will get home, at the earliest, around 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, and leave for school around 6 a.m…the next day! Whew! I’m trying my utmost to not freak myself out, but I’m not being very successful at the moment. Please pray for patience, comfort, and a soothing heart during the transition from “camp” to “college.”

My lovely kindred spirits Hilary and Chelsea!

Rainy Day: English Tea and Amos Lee

I glanced out my window this morning to see an overcast sky and the ever-present possibility that there would be rain at CAMP-of-the-WOODS today. Much to everyone else’s doubt, I absolutely love rainy weather. Because I don’t have to work until 5:45, I have the whole afternoon to be nothing but lazy. Rainy days give me a reason to put on an over-sized shirt and sweats, heat up a lovely cup of tea, and listen to some of the most perfect mellow music.

I’m sitting in the lobby of Zeitfuss with a delicious cup of tea in the mug I painted in the Arts & Crafts Store at camp. The rain is falling outside the open window, making trickling pitter pats on the ground. There is a pleasant cool breeze coming through the window and Amos Lee is playing through my headphones. I LOVE RAINY DAYS.
Because Rainy Days invoke a desire to write or explore the Internet, I thought I might share my Rainy Day pleasures with you readers. These are things I crave when I hear the sound of rain and smell the precipitation coming:

o Stumble Upon. If you haven’t stumbled upon Stumble Upon yet, you are no college friend of mine.
o Amos Lee. or Avett Brothers. or Civil Wars. or Nickel Creek. Need I go on?
o Cups of Tea. Add cream and sugar, and it’s a match made in heaven.
o Psalms. I absolutely love reading scripture, especially Psalms on a rainy day. It puts me in the best moods. Who would’ve thought rainy days would lift my spirits?!
o Information Books on Ireland. My weakness. Especially if there are pictures.
o Chocolate and Cinnamon. Come on, now.
o Pride and Prejudice.
o Sweatshirt Blankets
o Mr. Darcy
o Fireplaces
o Wedding Pictures. Don’t ask why. It’s just a girl thing.
o Art Projects. Generally card making is my project of choice on days like these.

“You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.” [Psalm 68:9]

Happy Rainy Day Monday!

Pop quiz: How many times did I use the words, “Rainy Day?”

Monday's Memorable Moments; Third Edition

One week has snuck out. Another week has snuck up. I can’t believe I’ve already been here six weeks. How the days fly! Last week, Ravi Zacharias was here, so the numbers of the guests in the camp imploded. First day of CE (Christina Education) last week, forty-two 1st Graders arrived at our door! Shoot. Talk about a sea of six year-olds. Due to the shortage in teacher hands and craft projects, we had to close the doors at thirty 1st graders the rest of the week. They were all precious, specifically a little boy who stole my heart.

Andrew was adopted from South Korea when he was a baby. A smile permanently filled his face, causing his little eyes to practically disappear. Every time I saw him around camp, his little hand would wave incessantly and his smile would automatically jump from his face to mine, causing my eyes to practically disappear under my smile. My heart is forever Andrew’s.



In other news, I am so very, very…very stoked to see my shishter, Becky-boo, in less than a week! She has been praying for an opportunity to get up here to see her friends she made last year when she worked here and, of course she hoped on seeing her favorite middle sister. I’ve missed the time I’ve had with my sisters while I’ve been here, so I’m very glad I get to see her this summer! I may very well pee my pants when I see her…

Now, for the point of this post. Time for another installment of Mondays Memorable Moments.

1) Cliff Jumping. About three miles from camp lies Christine Falls, a magical spot and perfect place for cliff jumping. Chelsea, Danielle, Brea and I escaped from the camp to do a bit of cliff jumping. Next to the falls sets a rock resting 25 feet above the water. The key to jumping is landing right in the froth of the falls. As I jump, my stomach experiences what I think feels like zero gravity. When my body submerges under the froth, my hair swishes around my face as I try to figure out which way is “up.” When I emerge from the water, the current gently but swiftly ushers me to the other side of the river? Stream? Creek? Whatever. It’s a lot of fun.
2) Eating fish eyes. Yes. I went there. One day, while working in Purdy, Lance was telling us all the great things about fish heads as Brandon filleted the Salmon. Lance mentioned the fact that some people in this world actually enjoy eating the fish’s eyes. I was skeptical because I had never tried this delicacy. Brian said he would eat one if I did. Being the culinary adventurist that I am, I agreed. We steamed the fish head and scooped the eye directly out of the socket (I’m going graphic here, so bear with me). Lance suggested we dip it in soy sauce and lemon juice to reduce the fishiness of the peeper. On the count of three, Brian and I ate the eyes. There is a solid part of the eye that is best not eaten, so I spit that part out after I sucked the rest. It didn’t taste as bad with the soy and lemon, so we had to try it straight up, eating the second eye. The only way to describe the taste I succumbed to is…a concentrated fishy flavor with the consistency of Jello.
3) Hiked Chimney. On my day off, me and another staffer, Ryan, decided to tag along on one of the hikes led by the Rec staff for the guests. The hike is only about 1.7 miles up, but the rocks can be somewhat strenuous to climb. The view at the summit, although not completely breath-taking for me personally, was beautiful nonetheless. We read some scriptures at the top as we munched on our sandwiches and nutri-grain bars. The next part of the hike, we walked a little bit further to see Chimney rock. The last part of the hike was probably my favorite. Eagle Cave is a cave involving a very small entry in which you have to lie on your back and shimmy down the narrow crevasses until you enter the first big room in the cave. If you’re claustrophobic, this cave may not be the most ideal for you. I had been to Grand Caverns before, but this was nothing like it. This felt unexplored, mysterious, and awesome, even though many hikers had explored it before. Once we travelled into the chilly cave a bit more, we turned off our headlamps and listened to the silence. It was awesome. The way up was a bit more challenging since we were now climbing up the slick rocks. I felt much like Spiderman as far as my appearance climbing these rocks. Overall, the company was great, the cave was awesome, and a perfect way to spend my day off.





Happy Monday!

You Give and Take Away

I have not been looking forward to writing this post. Partly because of my difficulty to actually sit down and write and partly because I’m not going to enjoy writing about what I’m about to write.

Last week was not a normal weekend at Camp-of-the-Woods. Last Saturday was not a normal day. Regardless of the beautiful weather that weekend, a shadow seemed to have fallen all over the campus. I wish not to go into detail at this moment, but you should know that there has been pain, confusion, shock, and prayers throughout the camp over what happened on Saturday. One of the staff workers went kayaking with a friend and fell out of the kayak. Not knowing how to swim, he drowned. It was nightmarish to hear of this news at staff dinner that night. At that point they hadn’t found him, so they had no answers for us. They found his body on Tuesday, adding a bit more closer to this miserable ordeal. Prayers were and still are being continuously lifted for the Perez family and Pam, Anthony’s girlfriend, who was with him at the time of the accident. Please continue to pray for a peace and comfort for them as they cope for the loss of a loved one.

Multiple thoughts and feelings raced through my head when I found out about the accident. I didn’t want to talk about it. I didn’t want to think about it. I wanted to escape in my head to a world in which suffering never happens. I wanted to know answers, and yet I didn’t want to know. I hate the feeling you get in your stomach when you find out about accidents such as these. Every time you envision it, it’s like a rock is rolling around in your body and you just want to think it never happened and it’s just a dream. I wasn’t mad at God, but it broke my heart to think of a death like drowning happening to anyone.

The important thing that I had to remind myself of was God is a great God. He is working in situations even when we don’t understand why or how. Another important thing to remember is that God is working for the redemption of man. The world may be fallen and filled with sin, but we may rejoice in the fact that a loving God created us and is still working in us in order to make all things right.

We rejoice that Anthony’s life is in our Lord’s hands. He was a believer, so we have the comfort that he is with the Lord right now. It has been awesome to feel the closeness of God in times of pain and suffering. For God is still God, and God is still good.

Throughout this whole week, the lyrics to Blessed Be Your Name has consoled and uplifted me, and I pray it will do the same for you. Whatever you’re going through, in what feels to be the darkest hour of your life, blessed be the Lord’s name, who gives life to all. Praise the Lord.

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Monday's Memorable Moments

If you haven’t looked at you calendar today, it’s Monday! Not to mention the Fourth of July. Happy fourth to all! This week has been chock full of memories I will cherish. If I listed all the things that happened to me this week, you would never want to read my blog again because I will have then written a novel. That may just be because I’d go into to WAY too much detail. Nevertheless, Week One at camp was, for lack of better words, challenging, inspiring, exhausting, and memorable. Which leads me to another installment of Monday’s Memorable Moments.

The first grade classroom at the Jelinek Center was filled with eight spunky, intelligent, adorable, and hilarious children this past week. Compared to this week with thirty children averaging each day for Week Two, eight kids were a cinch. Here are some of the quotes I caught from the children while in the classroom:

• Me: Guess how old I am.
(Alison thinks long and hard and answers sincerely)
Alison:…36?
(…close)

• Miss Kate: Who knows what’s happening tonight?
(Josh raises his hand excitedly)
Josh: The carnival! The actual carnival is tonight!
(You probably had to be there for it. His inflection made it)

• Jason says to me: You look like Jesus’ queen.
(Not exactly sure what that means…but I’ll take it.)

• As I was standing outside the boys bathroom waiting for Zachary I heard,
Zachary: ew…Miss Kate?
Me: yes?
Zachary: It’s a poop turd.
(grrrreat)

• Kaitlyn: We had to put our cat to sleep because he kept peeing under the kitchen table.

I’ve been taking advantage of the glorious weather, enjoying frequent canoe and kayak trips with some great people. One that really stood out was one with my friends Hannah and Sharon. We kayaked by the shoreline, stuck our “chaco feet” out of the boat, and just shared a bit about our lives. It was super relaxing and a great way to share our lives with each other. I have yet to take a sailboat out, but it is a goal of mine for the summer.

Camp-of-the-Woods had their Fourth of July fireworks on July 2nd, oddly enough. Some of us girls decided to swim out to the dock in the lake to get the best seats in camp. And boy were they. Laying on the floating dock, oo-ing and ah-ing at the marvelous sight of explosive pyrotechnics. The booming sound of the fireworks surrounded the lake, adding to the magnificence of the whole experience. The lights from the fading sparks reflected on the water as they slowly floated back to the ground. I cherished every moment of it.

Just this evening concluded another memory that I will cherish here at camp. My friends Maddy, Chelsea, Brea, Hilary, and I took, yet again, another swim out to the dock to admire the stars, since the first time on the dock was such an enjoyable success. Author’s Note: New York has beautiful stars ha. Probably because Speculator is the closest town with not that many lights, so the stars are easily visible. We huddled close together on the swaying dock to keep our body temperatures at a favorable degree after climbing out of the “chillish” waters of Lake Pleasant. As we lay there, giddily squealing whenever we saw a shooting star, we discussed the mind-blowing aspects of stars and space. Ya know, the normal unanswerable questions that arise when gazing into outer space. It got me thinking about, of course, how big and powerful the God of the Universe really is. Job 25:5 says,

“If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in his eyes.”

Even something we think to be absolutely beautiful and bright in the sky, it doesn’t even compare to the greatness of God. Psalm 148:3 says,

“Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.”

Even the stars worship Him! All of creation should worship the God who made everything.

I would like to get some pictures posted so you all can see some of the faces and places I enjoy around camp. That will hopefully be coming soon. In the meantime, I highly suggest you take at least one night this week to grab a blanket, grab a friend, and go lay out under the stars. It's amazing the things you will think of.

Happy Fourth.

What is Love?

Like my older sister, Becky, I receive joy from the things children say. They are full of life and learning, and yet, some can say the wisest things. Becky found a website where professionals asked children ages 4-8 years old “What does love mean?” and it made both of our hearts melt (greatdad.com- no, she doesn’t read random websites like this. She found it off of msn.com. Just wanted to insert that disclaimer.). She posted it on her blog, but I found it so sweet that I wanted to share it with you to brighten your day a little.

The answers were deeper and broader than they could have imagined. Here are some of the answers they got:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
- Rebecca - age 8


"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
- Billy - age 4


"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
- Karl - age 5


"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
- Chrissy - age 6


"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
- Terri - age 4


"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
- Danny - age 7


"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"
- Emily - age 8


"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
- Bobby - age 7


"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate."
- Nikka - age 6


"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
- Noelle - age 7


"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."
- Tommy - age 6


"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
- Cindy - age 8


"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
- Clare - age 6


"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
- Elaine-age 5


"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."
- Chris - age 7


"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
- Mary Ann - age 4


"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."
- Lauren - age 4


"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."
- Karen - age 7


"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
- Mark - age 6


"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
- Jessica - age 8

Happy Thursday!

Monday's Memorable Moments

Yes everyone, I KNOW it’s Saturday. But hear me out. I knew I wanted to start a consistent post because with the schedule I have and the little time I spend on my computer, I don’t have that much time to really plan out my posts. I apologize for my negligence of updating this blog frequently. That being said, I thought I would give you snippets of my weeks every Monday (Because the aliteration of “memorable moments” is baller with “Monday”). Don’t worry, The rest of these Monday posts will be published on the correct day of the week. So here are just three things I will tell you about this past week. Some are memorable for good reasons. Others…not so much.

1) Zumba with the girls of Zeitfuss II every Tuesday and Thursday with the awesome instruction of our very own Puerto Rican/New Yorker, Leonexy. This is our chance to shake what our mommas gave us in the privacy of our building. It’s a great de-stresser and a whole mess of fun with the ladies. Although, I think I just released some information that the opposite sex should’ve plugged their ears to. Oh well, at least they can’t participate in our weekly assembly. By the way, new favorite song to shake the booty to: Danza Kuduro by Don Omar. Look it up.

2) Watching Lance Nitahara fillet a fish. Not gonna lie, I think Lance is a celebrity and I’m so grateful to be in his presence this summer, even if I am washing his pots. He’d hate me for saying I think he’s a celebrity because he is one of the humblest men I know. He glorifies God in everything he does. Tonight I witnessed him in action in the kitchen. Me, being the nerd that I am, pulled out my phone to record him removing the bones from the salmon while I casted him questions about when he knew he wanted to be a chef and his favorite type of fish. His technique was like a dance. Graceful, methodical, and beautiful.

3) Dropping my camera in the lake. Yes, this is the memory I wish I could forget. But alas, it is forever engraved in my mind, hence, making it menacingly memorable. Some of my friends and I decided to take a kayak trip around the lake last week. I felt like there would be some great photo ops, so I cautiously put the camera in a zip lock bag and guarded it with my dear life. I placed it in the waterproof canister attached to my kayak. The longer we were in the boats, the more I became comfortable with pulling my camera out for a few quick photos. My stomach is turning as I type because I hate thinking back to this moment. My friend asked if we could take a picture together. Hesitant, I entrusted my other friend to take a quick snapshot. All was well until she was passing it back to me. It was no one's fault, I blame no one. The world felt like it was in slow motion as I saw it slip into the water. It felt like a nightmare. I wished it were unreal. Thoughts raced through my head as I practically dove into the water, screaming. I don’t want to think about the idiot I must have looked like. Thankfully, where we were, the water wasn’t that deep. I felt the strap in the sludge and quickly pulled it out, immediately turning it off. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. All I could do was pray for my poor camera and paddle back to shore to put it in some rice. My friend Brandon was so nice to walk with me to find some rice, trying to consol me by talking about other things. It helped.
I was shaken up for about a day, not knowing if my camera was dead or not. But honestly, it was a great lesson for me. I had treated this inanimate object like a person. I was invested in this worldly possession. A comforting verse for me during this time of frustration, anger, and doubt was Colossians 3:2-4, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” I don’t know if my camera is okay, but I know these things happen, and I am forgiven. My family still loves me and my Father still loves me. This camera means nothing compared to the gift I have in Him. Even if it was the worst incident at camp so far, I still really enjoyed the kayaking trip, and God taught me a lesson through my mistake.

I wouldn’t exactly call those snippets, which is why I’ll leave it at three. More Monday’s Memorable Moments to come in the future. The guests arrive tomorrow, meaning the children will arrive! I’m guessing a majority of the Memorable Moments will be coming from the classroom with the things the kids say. Kids say the funniest things. That’s one of the main reasons I love being around them. I can’t wait to meet them and learn about Christ’s awesomeness together!

Consider It All Joy

It’s been a week here at camp and I’m trying to figure out if it seems like I’ve been here for a while or feels like I just got here. If I think about the amount of work I’ve done in a day, it feels like forrrr-ehh-ver *insert Squint’s voice. * If I think about the week as a whole, it feels like it was just yesterday that I arrived at camp. This will most likely be a recurring feeling throughout the summer as I am beginning to realize the amount of work that goes into each day here. The entire faculty here works (at least) 55-hour weeks. They are insane. The only way staff gets through the day with a positive attitude is through the Lord’s strength. forreal. It’s been a challenge for me to keep a positive outlook while pulling a “Cinderella” on every staircase in the camp. House keeping is not my permanent job for the summer, but it will be my job every Saturday, and heaven knows I’ll have to whistle while I work in order to keep a cheerful demeanor

We have devotionals every day. With devotionals, usually one of the full-time shares a short devotional/message before breakfast. Despite the groggy appearances of the “morning loathers” on this specific morning, one of the staff, Tim Trezise, shared something that caused my baggy eyes to open from their half awake state.

This summer, I knew I wanted a job. And I thought camp would be the ideal job. I would get to meet awesome people, have memorable experiences, make some moolah, and serve the Lord in a beautiful place. Although serving the Lord was in the equation, it was not at the top of the list, because I was thinking of this as a job. But Tim shared something this morning that may seem elementary, but nonetheless it impacted me. What we’re doing here at camp is not a job, but a ministry. Everyone has been called to serve the Lord, whether it’s scrubbing the stairs of Zeitfuss Lodge or going overseas. And serving the Lord should be done with a joyful heart that is glorifying to Him.

This summer is going to be a challenge. The Lord is going to test and push me in ways I never thought I could be pushed. I’m going to be physically and emotionally tired. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” But the amazing thing is that I want to be challenged. I need to be challenged. In order to grow in your walk with Christ, it’s important to be pushed to further the walk. I’m not going to lie, I’m tired and worn. It’s my nature. But the Lord is my strength, and I’m eager to learn what He is going to teach me.

On another note, we had our End-of-Pre-season party tonight and it was a blast. The staff enjoyed good conversations with each other and volleyball on the beach. And I must say, we clean up nicely. After a week of wearing stinky, sweaty t-shirts, it was nice to see people in some decent clothing ha. I’m enjoying so much getting to know each and every one of these people and they make my life a little richer.

Whistle While You Work

Here I am at camp, finally! Tim picked me up, along with my new camp friends Hannah and Rachel from the airport and we headed off to camp. New York is beautiful, full of quaint little towns and elegant lakes. Camp is, as I imagined, beautiful. You know how you come up with the way things look in your head only to be contradicted when the real thing comes along? Well, that happened to me. I think the reason this happened was because I spent hours (okay, maybe not hours) looking at the pictures online and piecing the places together in my head. Then I came to camp and everything looked a little bit different than I thought, which isn’t a bad thing at all! The camp is better than expected! But now I have to rearrange everything in my head so I don’t end up in the wrong places. The camp is great in size, but most of the buildings are smooshed close-ish together. The lake is beautiful and the lake front accommodations line the beach.

We arrived at camp and scarffed (I was that hungry) down some turkey, rice, and mixed veggies so we could catch the last bit of staff fellowship. Now before you think to yourself, turkey and rice? That sounds like cafeteria food to me, keep in mind that the head chef, Lance Nitahara, of one of the dining halls is a celebrity. At least, in my eyes. He was a competitor on the Food Network show, Chopped, and came in second! If you’d like to check out the episode, click here.

The first day we got our preseason schedules. The Episcopalians have a weekend retreat here every year so we spent yesterday preparing for their arrival. I was doing house keeping the whole day, which consisted of dusting Wigwam (one of the buildings here with a cute little library), washing the windows of some of the rooms, and swabbing the deck of some of the porches. Let me tell you, house keeping is not for the faint of heart. They do work! By the time five o’clock rolled around, I was about ready to drop. But thanks to God’s perpetual strength, I was able to end the day with a smile on my face. But let’s just say, I slept very well that night. The rest of this weekend, I shall be on dish duty in Hill dining, and I’m ready to get down and dirty with some unwashed pots and pans.

The staff here is, for lack of a better word, awesome. I’ve already met so many wonderful people, and not all of the staff has even arrived yet! Every single one of them have hearts that desire to serve the Lord and I’ve never been around so many people as genuine as them. They’re fun, lively, sweet, and full of God’s love.

I’m sure I could say more about my first day, but I know how tedious it can get reading a long blog. So to sum up my first couple of days here at camp in a few words: Camp is great!

Thank You, Wright Brothers

No specific reason compels me to write this post except to take up time while sitting in the Philadelphia International Airport waiting for my flight to Albany. I'm sitting on the sunny side of the terminal because the air on the plane from Charlottesville to Philly practically froze my little tosies off. I have my coffee in hand (much needed after the four o'clock wake-up call) and a $3 muffin sitting next to me while I write. This post is completely random and has no connection to my experience at camp (Obvi, since I'm not there yet), but these are my thoughts on my standpoint of flying. I thought I would take this time to convey to you my deepest affections for flying. no sarcasm. Consider this my love letter to the invention of aviation. Hats off to you, Wright Brothers.

As I was flying to Philadelphia, my forehead glued to the undersized window, I couldn't help but think, I could go there. I could go there. I could go anywhere. My thoughts began sounding like a Dr. Seuss book. Of course the plane couldn't land anywhere, but the concept that I could travel anywhere lingered in my head. If I could go anywhere, I wonder where I'd go? To Las Vegas, or Monaco? At this point, my thoughts transferred from Dr. Seuss poems to ABBA lyrics. That's the way this brain works. Anyways, it got me thinking about how big this world is. Duh Kate! This world is so vast and explorable (yes, that is not a real word). And creation is just so beautiful. I've said before one of God's biggest visible gift to us is creation, and I stand by that. The Creator of the Universe is so darn creative, it blows me away!! Holy Cow. Okay, settle down, Kate. I can't wait to expand my understanding of this world and travel to the places I've only dreamt about my whole life. Studying abroad couldn't come soon enough!

I know everyone has their own opinions about flying. Flyers can fall into three categories: One category of flyers falls into the people who absolutely despise flying and avoid it at all costs to the point of rather dying. That's the extreme case, and I've only heard this reasoning once. Another category are the people that are indifferent. Almost every business man, I'm assuming, falls into this category. The other category are the ones who try to come up with excuses to fly. I fall into the latter. I'm the person who says, "We're going to Maryland?

Why not fly??"

My parents were very forbearing with me growing up in their house because I would ask this question for just about every one of our family trips. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE road trips. If you know me at all, you know I love travelling by just about any mode of transportation. Sketchy public buses, rickety old bicycles, a mall cop's segway. Give me a window with a view, and I'm set. But there's something about the view from an airplane, the feel of the plane lifting its wheels off the ground as if I myself am Wilbur the albatros from The Rescuers Down Under. It's exhilarating. If I had the patience (and the money), I would totally get a pilot's license. Only one request I ask when I fly:

"Can I have a window seat, please??"

Even the airports fascinate me. I actually enjoy sitting in the airport, It's only pleasant, though, when your flight isn't cancelled or you're dashing to the appropriate gate only to find your plane just left. When those are not the sorrowful scenarios, I greatly enjoy observing late comers hurdling over small children and dodging old women and their dog carriers to get to their gate on time. It's quite comical. People watching is the best past time when you're sitting in an airport.

Welp, I've rambled on about that long enough. I've still got about an hour and a half in the airport until my flight leaves. So I think I'll go scoff at the overpriced trinkets as if they are to blame for their considerable expense. Can't wait to get to camp and meet everyone!

Write Me!

If you ever feel like you would want to write me, I am giving you my address for your convenience. I LOVE getting snail mail, and I love hearing about what's going on in your life! Plus, I will guarantee that if you send me a letter, I most certainly will write you back! It's a win win situation here, folks.

For Letters:
Kate Scheel
Staff, CAMP-of-the-WOODS
P.O. Box 250
Speculator, NY 12164-0250

For Packages (If you feel so called!):
Kate Scheel
Staff, CAMP-of-the-WOODS
106 Downey Ave.
Speculator, NY 12164

I leave around 4 a.m. tomorrow to catch my flight from Charlottesville to Philly, and then from Philly to New York. I would appreciate your prayers as this is my first solo flight and I'm worried I may board the wrong flight or miss it completely ha! I absolutely love flying, but doing it by myself? Now that's another story.

Camp-of-the-Woods: Promo

I leave for camp Wednesday. I feel like there’s still so much to do here before I leave and I feel like I should begin packing up or something. After all, four days doesn’t give a girl much time to pack! It’s a multiple day drudgery! And yet, I haven’t started yet. In my head I’m getting super excited but I’m not excited about packing up. Time for team motivation to kick in! While I’m letting that kick in, I thought I might tell you a little bit about Camp-of-the-Woods so you can see why I’m so excited.

Camp-of-the-Woods (Camp-of-Woods.org) is in Speculator, New York in the Adirondack Mountains. It’s a 100 year old, 90 acre Christian family camp surrounded by beautiful landscapes and beautiful people. Amazing speakers from all over the country come and speak at the camp with featured speakers every week. Because it’s a family camp, not only with there be young children running around playing, but parents, grandparents, and great grandparents will be there. It’s a smorgasbord of people! Did I mention the lake is gorgeous, full of sailboats, kayaks and canoes? At least I think it is. I’ve spent a enough time staring at the pictures on the website to begin to get some ideas of it’s greatness. Becky said it almost should be called a resort. Geez! I’m going to be spoiled this summer! I deeply apologize if any of this comes across as bragging or anything (“My horse is bigger than you horse” type thing). I don’t mean it to be. I’m just so fortunate to be a part of something like this for the summer. It’s the type of work that I love to do, being in a beautiful place, working with children, basking in God’s glory.

Okay, so I won’t be the teacher in the class, but I will be the teacher’s assistant, which is what I wanted. That way, it will give me a chance to interact with the kids on a closer level and give me freedom to move about, not just in the classroom, but around the camp as well. This is because a TA has the freedom to help out in other areas of the camp too, like work in the bookstore, the Tee-Pee, and other areas. Plus, I’m glad I don’t have the stress of lesson planning. I’d rather play with the kids ha. But no, I can’t wait to get into the classroom and meet these kids. 1^st grade is where it’s at. What what!

That’s honestly all I know about my job at the moment. When I get to camp June 8^th, we’ll do preseason work for about a week and then training the next week. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the staff as well. Becky’s been filling me in on the people that will be returning and people I should keep my eye out for…in a non-creepy way, of course. I feel like I’ll be introducing myself as, “Kate, Becky’s sister,” which I’m totally fine with because I think Becky left a good reputation there…I hope.

Once I get to camp, I’ll be able to give the deets on all the excitement going on at camp. Meanwhile, time for me to do laundry.

Blog Numero Uno

Alright, so I had created this blog at the beginning of my second semester at school in the hopes of becoming an avid blogger. Like many of my ideas, I get super hyped about it, create maybe three posts if I'm lucky, and then loosing it in the cyber world after a week or so to be forgotten forever. I found myself doing this act numerous times, first creating a myspace account in high school and never even entering the site a second time, and then getting stoked about tumblr and never keeping up with it. This not-keeping-up-with-things happens copious amounts of time to me. But not this time. I fully intend to update this blog regularly if it's the last darn thing I do. The main reason I am this determined is because I need to keep people updated.

Not gonna lie, one of my favorite things to do on the internet is read my friends' blogs. I love hearing about the awesome and exciting things happening in people's lives. Every blogger has a unique way of illustrating their personalities through their blogs. It opens the reader to a better understanding of the person and hearing about what's going on in their lives. That being said, if I delight in reading others' blogs, why not give you the chance to tap into my life's happenings?!

One of the main reasons I'm starting up this bloggeroo is to keep friends and family updated on my summer adventures. I will be in Speculator, New York (in the Adirondack Mountains) this summer. I have been SO excited to start this job and I'm busting at the seams to get up there. Stoked is probably an understatement in this moment. My sister Becky worked there last summer and has done nothing but praise her experience at Camp-of-the-Woods. She does a stellar job at getting me stoked and consoling me when I freak myself out about actually having a new, real job (not like working for my dad isn't a real job, it just doesn't feel as legit as wearing a camp shirt). I'll be a teacher at camp, working with the chillins. I'll fill y'all in a little more about the camp lowdown in my next post. I get sad sometimes when I think about leaving the things I just started here this summer and the friends that I'm leaving home, but I know that as soon as I get to camp, the good times will just keep on rolling. And I hope this blog will also keep me connected to my friends, no matter where I am!

This first blog is just the first little step into the cyber world, and I'm banking on this blog to stay, unlike my many other attempts at blogging. People, do not doubt my ability to blog. Have faith! I hope to keep you readers in step with my life, my mistakes, my "winnings," my dreams. I'm so excited to begin this summer and begin this blog. I rejoice in the fact that the Lord is with me every step of the way, not just this summer but all through the days of my life. huzzah!