Cub's Place

The Hound From Heaven

2009-07-05T16:49:00.004+10:00

We have just finished the Boise, Idaho Royal Family Kids' Camp for children in foster care. What an amazing week with 36 great kids and a committed team of workers. While the week went fairly smoothly and there really was a great atmosphere of peace and unity, it was not without its hiccups. One of these was when a camper - we'll call her Tahlia - ran from the lakeside area (having been upset through not having the beach toy available for her use). This little girl experienced panic attacks, and it was clear that she had a background of severe abuse. As she ran towards the road, Sue and the Grandma Irene pursued her. I radioed the Camp Director, Tom, to alert him as to what was happening, and our other workers continued to supervise the children playing in and by the water. By the time Tom arrived Tahlia had retreated to the bushes (having put Sue through some harrowing moments when she had called out "I will kill myself" as a logging truck came down the road.) And so there was a stand-off. Eventually she moved along towards the building on the property. And then it happened - out of nowhere appeared a basset hound. He slowly ambled to Grandma and myself and I knelt down to pet him. "Look how gentle he is. Oh what lovely silky ears. He is a friendly dog" all said loud enough so our girl could hear. The dog then looked up and made a beeline for her. She fell to her knees, put her arms around him and rested her head on his. At this time, her counsellor arrived, and the tension was diffused. When I looked back, the dog had gone. I learned later that he lived on the next property - but no-one saw him come, no-one saw him go. What amazing timing! Coincidence? I think not - just God looking after one of His precious kids.

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS....

2009-06-24T09:03:00.006+10:00

Father's Day in the USA is in June, not September as in my home of Australia. This year I was able to spend it honoring Sue's Dad, Dale Carpenter. It has caused me to reflect on the "fathers" in my life.
1. Arthur Boyd - MY dad. A man of integrity, faithfulness and a great role model to me as I grew up. When he battled cancer, he did it with dignity and the assurance that his God was well-able to heal, but if not, then that was OK. I admit I was amazed at the strength of his faith in facing what he did - he had always believed he would see in the year 2000 and live a full life into his 90's just the way his mother did. He went to be with the Lord in March, 1993 and I still miss his wisdom and his total belief in me.
2. Richard Holland - my friend Hilary's dad. He was my pastor for many years, my friend almost as long and my spiritual dad. It's been just a year since he left at age 89. The way he handled personal onslaughts (health and others) taught me much. When wronged, he would say "It's alright, God knows and He will work it out" when I wanted to shout from the rooftops the injustice of the matter. He pastored a church with the heart of a shepherd who truly did lay down his life for the sheep.
3. Dale Carpenter - my friend and co-worker Sue's dad. A man of great faith, affection, steadfastness and incredible patience. Now robbed of physical strength and ability through aggressive MS he maintains dignity and continues to reach out to outhers in compassion. He loves to escape the house and get to visit people at church on Sundays, and is an inspiration to many people, including me.
The world needs more such men, such fathers.

Perseverance

2009-05-01T17:25:00.003+10:00

This photo was taken at Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia. The river had flooded in a big way! Hard to imagine water levels as high as 5 metres and more. Now the waters had receded, and the sun had baked the mud into a clay pan. However as we walked along I spied this plant - pushing its' way through the hardened ground. Tenacity and perseverance. Underneath that mud somewhere was moisture and that plant sent its roots deep to tap into that. I think of our lives - sometimes swamped with schedules, deadlines, other people's expectations - easy to feel overwhelmed at times. But Jesus said "I am come to give you life ABUNDANTLY" - that's not just life to exist - it's life to live to the max, to enjoy, to find fulfillment in His purposes. In times of dryness it takes some effort to find the waters that ARE there for us. Don't look at the surface, they mislead. Dig deep and find the water of life. It's there!

Halls Creek, W.A.

2009-03-15T21:55:00.004+11:00

Western Australia (Australia's largest state) is an amazing place and I could write pages on the changing landscapes, the vivid colours, the wildlife and awesome scenery. But for me the highlight of this trip was the people of Halls Creek. If you drive through this town you may get a different impression - it's easy to see the effects of alcohol and to judge and move on. But when you stop and listen - to the stories of the people and the laughter of the children you see a different picture. There are many people in this place who have a sense of purpose and future - our friends at the AAO church there are some of these - they have formed good friendships with local families and are working to see families strengthened and restored, to respect culture and lead in wisdom. For me, the hope is in the children - great kids, huge smiles, terrific sense of humour, a love for fun, enjoying the simple things. For them the future is not something thought about. They play..eat....play again, go to school (not always) and finally sleep. For some, food quality may be a problem...in some homes food money is what's left over after the visit to the local bottle shop. But then that's sometimes the case in families down south too, - alcohol addiction is no respecter of race. My heart goes out to the grandmothers - many helping to rear their grandkids...and to the parents who are endeavoring to break the patterns and raise strong families. As a Christian I see that for these kids Jesus is the answer - not a white Jesus or a religious Jesus - but a REAL Jesus who stands alongside to help us stand up after we fall even if we do it again and again and maybe again. A Jesus who helps us to see that we have potential and can make a change. We have learned so much listening to the stories of the women...of how parents walked out of the desert and met white folk for the first time just over 40 years ago. That's amazing! There is wisdom in these women which we respect and learn from. Hmmmm....we have much to think about after this trip which will not be our last.

Victoria's Terror

2009-02-10T20:07:00.003+11:00

In 1904 Dorothea McKellar wrote a poem called "My Country". While the first verse described the fields and orderliness of the English countryside,the home of many of those who had journeyed across the sea to find another life, the rest of the poem beautifully describes her new home, Australia. The second verse goes like this:

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me!
This week Australians have watched nature in all it's terror as the state of Victoria burned. Over 29 fires roared up hills and into valleys, across rivers and roads. At the whim of the wind it devoured homes, property, livestock and most tragically of all human life. At one stage the fire travelled 25 km in just four minutes. In some areas, by the time people saw it coming, it was too late to leave.
As I write emergency services are at full force aided by the Australian Army, Red Cross, the Salvation Army and many others. The CFA (Country Fire Authority) which is almost totally volunteer driven has worked in shifts around the clock. Three days after the hottest day on record for Victoria (47.6 C or 117F) fires still threaten country towns and the radio station dedicated to emergencies continues to read out fire warnings. "If you can see smoke, you have time to leave. If you see flames it is too late." Some of the survival stories are amazing - a group of three who crawled into a wombat hole and covered themselves with wet blankets - the fire roared over them but they were safe. The family who hid in a bunker reluctantly built by a husband who thought his wife was overreacting at living in the bush. It saved their lives too. A little boy found burnt but alive in a ditch with totally destroyed homes around him. As I write this, the death toll is 181, but all the homes have not been able to be reached and the thought is that this toll will rise significantly. Some of the fires had been deliberately lit - what does society do with someone who does this? But it is at times like these that community becomes a word with great meaning - Australians have huge hearts, and almost every district, club, sports team, church and school along with corporations are opening their pockets to provide relief to the thousands of now homeless people. If you are reading this, please pray for the people who are fighting for life in the burns units of our city hospitals, who grieve the loss of loved ones, for others who desperately wait in emergency centres hoping that their missing relative/neighbout/friend will show up alive, for those who sit dazed and bewildered with reality not yet set in, for those who literally only have the clothes on their back. Pray - give - and pray again. For up to date fire news try
www.abc.net.au/news/events/bushfires

New Knox Camp!

2009-01-17T22:18:00.003+11:00

January saw the culmination of almost a year of planning, praying and working to see a new Southern Cross Kids' Camp come into being. A new camp launched in the Knox area, making seven camps now happening in Australia plus one in New Zealand. Colleen (pictured here with me and Bluesea) joined me in directing the camp and did a great job. We had 24 first-time buddies and staff members, who joined with experienced workers to give these kids an unforgettable camp experience. Bluesea didn't do too badly either in her very exacting job of watching for campers displaying good attitudes and kindess. Check out SCKC at www.sckc.org.au

GOODBYE 08 - WELCOME 09

2008-12-28T16:31:00.006+11:00

One year drawing to a close....the turning of a page to the opening of a new, blank space. 2009 is approaching fast, and it is usual to reflect on what has gone before and to anticipate what might come. I don't know about you, but the page for 2008 was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster - lows (loss of dear ones,added pressures and expectations of others.. highs - news from a far land, unexpected blessings (my red Forester!) travel to people and places I love (Thailand, Cambodia, USA)....good friends, Southern Cross Kids' Camps... along with the aching of joints that used to work smoothly. What will 2009 hold for all of us? World finances topple....nations continue to war....millions starve or subsist...children are still in enslavement and deprivation. I don't have the answers - I do know that all I can do is my bit. To help where I can. My Compassion boy "Ton" will be educated, fed and given some spiritual input this year, because God faithfully provides for me so that I can provide for him. There is an old song that says "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives all fear is gone, Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives." [Bill Gaither] It pretty much sums it up - as the psalmist says "My times are in His hands." Psalm
31:14. So I choose to look forward to the year ahead with its challenges, blessings, unexpected surprises. I look forward to deepening relationships, to new friends, new travel experiences and new growth. (Inward growth that is, not a widening girth!) :) To everyone who checks on this blog from time to time - may 2009 be a great year for you and for the ones you hold dear.

The Great Gift Exchange

2008-12-26T18:07:00.002+11:00

Christmas in Australia means many things - family time, food, decorations, church, shopping...shopping....shopping. The giving of gifts has overshadowed the greatest gift of all - that of God Himself coming as a child to live among us, experience the challenges, joy, tears and fears that is life, and finally to give Himself to take our punishment, to give us the gift of life. Life now and life eternal. Now that's a big gift! Yesterday I had the privilege of sharing on this aspect at Northside Christian Church in Bundoora. I had two 'bad news readers' come up to read the headlines of today - mostly doom and gloom, tragedy and loss. Then chose a child to be the angel reading the Good News of Luke 2. Finally I chose two boys to represent the two groups of people who knew of the event of Jesus' birth before anyone else - shepherds (the lowest of society of that time, often scoundrels, rough and ready) and wise men (I had this young man wear a mortarboard and hold a diploma - the Bible says they were "wise' not necessarily kings). The two extremes - rough, uneducated, to highly intelligent and capable. One of the messages of Christmas is that God's gift if for everyone and all who will accept it. He offers unconditional acceptance, unconditional love and through His Son, eternal life. WOW! What on earth can I give to match that? The simply answer to this - I can choose to live to serve Him, to live life through His eyes, to accept others, to curb selfishness, to make a difference in this world, not to earn salvation (acceptance of the gift does that) but to seek to see others discover the same gift. Christmas - Christ in our world, our life. Consider this quote from Charles Swindoll: “Emmanuel. God with us. He who resided in Heaven, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, willingly descended into our world. He breathed our air, felt our pain, knew our sorrows, and died for our sins. He didn't come to frighten us, but to show us the way to warmth and safety.”

Fund-raising

2008-12-24T00:16:00.002+11:00

Southern Cross Kids' Camps benefited from CityLife Church's Christmas production "Finding Christmas" which ran last weekend. Krispy Kreme Donuts and SCKC Calendars helped bring in some much-needed funding for the new camp starting in the Knox area and I got a chance to spruik. "Getcha calorie-free calendars here!"

A RARE SIGHT IN MELBOURNE...

2008-12-14T09:28:00.002+11:00

When my friend from Singapore called to say she was in town, it was a great chance to catch up in the city, and I took this photo while waiting to cross the road. The glorious rain sent me (and hundreds of others I am sure) scrambling through closets and car boots (trunks) to find an umbrella, remove any spider webs and then enjoy the sound of rain splashing all around apart from my own personal cone of dryness. With rain scheduled on and off for the next week, there is a chance of good falls in our water catchment areas. At time of writing the dams are just 34% full for the greater Melbourne drinking supply. Water - the most basic of needs, now treasured as something precious. I am reminded of the story in John 4 where Jesus talks with a woman at a town well. She comes from a background of promiscuity, and of great need, and Jesus cuts to the chase when he tells her "I have water that will satisfy. Drink from me and you will never thirst again." Sometimes it takes something as natural as a rain shower to remind me that I do have a well that goes deep and is filled with living water - and I need to dip into that to fully satisfy the thirst within.

Friends.....

2008-11-11T17:49:00.003+11:00

Today I lunched with two "old friends" - old not so much in years, but friends I have known since they were University students, and who now I see only occasionally. However, whenever we meet it is as if we have never been apart. It was good to reminisce, to catch up , to anticipate each others' future plans. It made me reflect on other friendships - some I am unable to contact, others who fail to respond when I do. I do not take friendship lightly and my thoughts are spelled out below.

FRIENDS...
Faithful......consistent
Realistic....accept you as you are, no undue expectations
Interested...in your life and what makes 'you' you.
Enjoys.....your company, communications, opinions
Natural....no pretences, masks or 'game-playing'
Determined....to fight for a relationship that is valued
Share...hopes and fears, aspirations and dreams, heartaches and joys

SOUTHERN CROSS KIDS' CAMPS CHARITY GOLF DAY

2008-10-14T10:03:00.002+11:00

As you know, SCKC is a cause close to my heart. These camps seek to assist children within the social welfare system, many of whom are in foster care. A new camp is starting in the Melbourne area of Knox and I am heading up the new team there for this first camp. There are 7 camps now in Australia and one in New Zealand. If you want to know more, check out the camp website at www.sckc.org.au

The first golf day, while not as big as we had hoped, did raise significantly the profile of the organisation and the kids we hope to reach with a hope for the future. I am pictured presenting an award to our third place winner.

My MIracle Car

2008-09-27T08:55:00.001+10:00

In the last CCM newsletter we mentioned that my car (in its 10th year with well over 200,000 kms clocked) would need replacing at some stage. We asked people to pray about this. When I travelled over to the US this last summer (winter in Oz) I was amazed when cheques began to arrive - some from people I had never met. Then when I came home I found that God had been moving in a number of ways, going ahead of me and preparing an incredible blessing. Today, with both joy and tears, I took delivery of a beautiful Subaru Forester that 'fits me like a glove' and will enable the ministry of CCM in Australia to travel safely and well! THANK YOU LORD - thank you to all who are a part of this miracle. I have to keep pinching myself to know it is real - IT IS!

Melbourne Spring.....

2008-09-14T19:33:00.005+10:00

Ten days home - Spring weather's ups and downs, bulbs blooming, blossom just breaking though on barren branches. Sometimes things are never what they seem - my backyard has the remnant of a nectarine tree, and a young cherry. I was delighted to see blossoms on the nectarine - amazing as these flimsy branches have sprung up from a seemingly dead tree. Then the cherry - no sign of anything, and I presumed it was a victim of the water-shortage Melbourne is experiencing. But then, on closer inspection I saw them - the tiniest buds, and today, a tiny green shoot of a leaf. the miracle of life. John 10:10 says "I have come to give you abundant - overflowing - LIFE". I am thankful that I found the LIFE that Christ offers - that when I was DEAD in my own selfishness, His love penetrated the dead wood in my heart, and, just like my cherry tree, He brought forth NEW life. I love the deadness of winter springing into life, to action, to beauty - welcome SPRING!

2008-09-05T15:14:00.003+10:00

When I boarded the plane in Seattle to head for home, I was seated next to an elderly couple, both of whom had arrived at their seats in wheelchairs. As the plane began its descent into LA, the lady remarked how much she was looking forward to being home again, as they had flown all the way from Denmark, where they had been on holiday. I was stunned - so far and so old! Then as we waited to deplane, the man told me that they actually lived in Palm Springs, but that he hadn't felt like DRIVING the three hours and so they would pick up their car but would overnight in a hotel. He then went on to say they he thought they had overdone the travel this year by taking three separate trips - South America, Alaska and now Denmark. I looked at him more closely - if he had said he was 90 I would have believed him. What tenacity! I walked behind them as they were wheeled off the plane, pulling my carry-on which now felt quite light! What an encouragement! Pastor Ron Peretti prayed for me on my last Sunday in Seattle and one of his prayers had been for renewed strength and more opportunities to minister. Hey.....if THEY can do it, it's a cinch! Asia....Europe...AFRICA....I'm ready to get ready!

The end to a great summer....

2008-08-25T10:25:00.003+10:00

Back in Seattle there is so much to do - people to see (some for the first time in 08), last-minute curriculum changes, the September newsletter AND "The Pack". I'm sure I didn't buy much...but there's certainly more than I arrived with! There's much to be thankful for this summer: time with family and friends, great responses from the kids we minister with, the beauty of this north-west corner of America, and the never changing satisfaction of knowing you are where you are supposed to be, ministering with a great friend and anointed ministry. Then there's the way we have been ministered to also - through churches large and small, fellowship with pastors and others who worship at the churches we visit. We hear God's voice in the encouragement we receive, in the way the children respond, in God's word as we prepare our messages, and through sermons when we occasionally have the opportunity to simply sit and enjoy. One great source of ministry to us is in the prayers of many of you who read this blog a(and Sue's), through phone calls, Skype chats, email and snail mail. Thank you! As I prepare to head for home to a new set of challenges, I look back at the US summer with thankfulness and fulfillment. Good times. [Photo: Payette River, Idaho]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2008-08-19T15:41:00.003+10:00

SUE's MUM and DAD (Bertha and Dale) celebrated 59 years of marriage on August 18.
The day started with Dale giving Bertha a beautiful bouquet of roses as I played "Always" by Harry Neilsson on my laptop (That was their special song!) Then followed "breakfast by demand" - Dad chose scrambled eggs, a sausage and a pancake and so that set the menu! Once that had digested it seemed no time before we headed out to lunch at The Golden Star Chinese Restaurant - I think this was the first restaurant in Boise that I went to with the Carpenter family all those years back! It was hot - in the high nineties - and we were glad of the cool van as we headed home. Dale to bed, Bertha to enjoy her cards and gifts, and Sue and I to take a quick breather before the physio came for Dad. Marriage takes two people who are committed to each other, and in this case, to the Lord. Dale and Bertha's faith has certainly enabled them to rejoice in the good times, and trust during the bad. Do keep them both in your prayers. CONGRATULATIONS - you are loved!

A BIRTHDAY MONTH.......

2008-08-12T06:12:00.008+10:00

WOW! Is August a month of celebrations and merriement????? For me it surely it, although I do miss out on a lot of cake (probably that's a blessing in disguise) Photos show: Seb (on right with Sarah and Edward) Marissa, and below Thomas next to Sarah and Jaymie in front. Top of the page Jenah is talking to two birds! One is very rare!
SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...
August 4th - Sue's dad (78) and my godson Sebastian (19)
August 6th - Jenah - one of the coolest kids we know from Idaho City
August 7th - Sue (#*)
August 10th - Nieces Jaymie (9) and Marissa (4)
August 13th Adopted brother Joe and great friend Marilyn
August 15th - Friend Kathy Peretti (a BIG one this year)
August 17th - Nephew Thomas turns 21 - congrats Tom! Amy Tobeck shares this day too! Friends Garry and Lai Eng close the month! PHEW!
and there maybe others who have slipped my mind!
MAY THE LORD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU, HOLD YOU CLOSE TO HIS HEART and OPEN MANY DOORS DURING THE COMING YEAR. Love to all.

2008-08-12T06:00:00.001+10:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Birthdays......

2008-08-07T08:13:00.004+10:00

Left: Sue's dad Dale celebrated his 78th birthday on August 4. Sue celebrates August 7 and is pictured picking up her BIRTHDAY i-phone at the Apple Store. She hasn't stopped smiling!

TRUE TREASURES

2008-07-26T15:19:00.002+10:00

Treasure....those who know me know I live in an aging house (provided by my parents), don't have a large bank account, or a regular salary, but in my mind I am rich beyond measure. Not only do I have the Lord in my life, but I have been blessed by some wonderful friends and mentors over the years. Two of these have now 'finished their race' and have left this world. The first (see earlier blog entry) was Ps. Richard Holland, the second - pictured - is Earl Murphy who passed away earlier this week. I first met Earl and his wife Nancy in the early sixties, when I was fresh out of college and teaching in primary school. They became friends, mentors, prayer partners. Each year I send them newlsetters and schedules, knowing that wherever I am, they would be praying for both Sue and myself. I will miss Earl's cheeky grin, his love of gourmet foods, particularly the 3 C's - coffee, cheese and chocolate. I feel so far away at this time - I pray for Nan to know God's comfort and love, and look forward to seeing her when I return. Thank you Lord for Earl - I will miss him very much.

LIGHTS - CAMERA - ACTION!

2008-07-26T14:55:00.005+10:00

Gracie and Tom - aka Minnie and Mickey

Everybody loves Rainbow - even Dillon!

Carolyn, Larry and Rainbow

We always try to plan new and relevant programs for those we minister with. This year we developed the Lights-Camera-Action theme. Light - God's light in our lives. Camera - He is watching us to care over us and direct our steps. Action - our response to fulfilling His purpose in our lives. The week long VBS with the Nazarene Church at Colfaz was filled with fun, great music, excited kids, and amidst all the fun and games the "Quiet on the Set" segment some relevant stories from the Bible. Each night children responded during prayer time ...and even some adults joined in, inviting Christ into their lives or joining in a prayer for help in times of challenge and the storms of life. We enjoy the people of Colfax, their great hospitality, and the way EVERYONE gets into the act! The Palouse is a unique area of the northwest - rolling hills of oats, hay, wheat, lentils and more, a patchwork quilt of provision. And the Nazarene Church is a great place of provision too - love, joy, peace, compassion - a church who places value on youth and kids.

KIDS in TOUCH with GOD

2008-07-18T06:50:00.004+10:00

The New Hope International Church (Mercer Island, WA) holds their Family Camp at Warm Beach Conference Center, Stanwood. We have a great relationship with these kids, and many of the first children we ministered to in this camp are now leadership material in the youth group. This year we included a segment on "How God Speaks To Us Today". The children entered into worship and prayer and many drew visions and dreams that the Lord had placed in their hearts. It was powerful stuff! Justin explained his drawing to Sue: "God is simple, not fancy." And went on to explain his drawings: "Wind = calmness Water = wiseness Rock = power Trees = friendship Sun = holiness Grass = sweetness Flowers = love."

On the Tuesday the children went up onstage to sing and share with the adults. To our surprise we were asked to stay while the church honored the senior pastors, guest speakers and us. We were given Hawaiian orchid leis (beautiful) and then the song "Thank You " by Ray Boltz was sung by Vangie, the worship leader, accompanied by a powerpoint with photos of us all. It was quite overwhelming and the first time this has happened this way. It culminated in all the kids surrounding us with hugs (Sue ended up on the floor!) I wouldn't miss this for the world! :)

A CAMP FULL OF "KEEPERS"

2008-07-07T13:47:00.005+10:00

"It's a keeper!" was the catch cry at the annual fishing trip half-way through the RFK Camp in McCall, Idaho. Every child caught a fish - amazing! - with the help of a great band of volunteer counsellors and staff. This camp is the model for the camps we commenced (with a great team beside me) in Australia. Children within the foster care system are referred to camp via case workers. These kids have very diverse backgrounds - abuse, family breakdown, abandonment, inoccent victims of broken relationships. At camp they experience an environment of unconditional acceptance and trust, 'safe' people who genuinely care, and the opportunity to enjoy a week of childhood - something many of them have almost forgotten. Sue and I are privileged to be the speakers at this camp and we are always blessed by the way the children connect with the stories and the life-lessons they provide. We think THESE KIDS ARE "KEEPERS" - filled with the potential to be the person they were created to be.
Check out the RFKC blog at http://www.rfkcboise.blogspot.com/

Camps that give hope...and a whole lot of fun!

2008-07-07T13:24:00.005+10:00

As I write this I am back in Seattle (having flown over mid June) after two camps and a Vacation Bible School in Idaho and Washington states. At the Mountain Kids' Day Camp held over a week in Idaho City (a town totally out of the wild west!) the theme was "Construction - Strong Foundations" Held in the wilds of Camp Ivydale the chapel area is outdoor - a rough built stage with a pine tree backdrop, the chatter of squirrels and birds - beautiful!
Sue (picture) and I were joined by a great team who provided music, a great construction site drama, and fun activities and crafts. Our job was the storytelling, some puppetry (Larry Funzel) and object lessons all pointing to the importance of making good life choices and building lives that are strong and grounded. As Christians we understand the sure foundation of Jesus Christ in our own lives - storms come in all shapes and sizes, and without Him, I don't know where I would be. But my conviction is that HE is my rock and my deliverer (see Psalm 18) and He has proven never to fail.
By the way, the camp director is Michelle Alden - check out Isaiah's Ranch at www.isaiahsranch.org providing great options for kids of all ages.