Flying by...

Hello friends,

Sorry it has been so long since I wrote you last. I can only check email on the weekends, and those are often really busy. This weekend we're having our staff retreat. Yesterday we went to the beach and just hung out all day. We're all sunburned, even the ones who put sunscreen on. :-/ But despite that, we had a great relaxing day with frisbee, football, swimming, and volleyball! Last week I played piano for church and sang. Tractor, I and another guy sang "Clinging to the Cross" for communion.

The last couple weeks have been great too. The week before last I went on the High School Missions Encounter. Lauren may have already shared about that with you. But the thing that I learned the most was how much we should value salvation and how that should change our lives. We met with several missionaries who truly understood what they'd been saved from. We also spent time talking with muslim people. I realized that what they believe really changes their lifestyle. What they wear, eat, do is all based upon what they believe. But then I asked myself, why is it that these people who are believing in false hope have such changed lives when people like us believe in Christ but don't live changed lives? It saddened me to see the difference. Since then I've been encouraged to make my life a living testimony of what I believe.

That week was a good week, but getting back to Jonah was really good. I was Jonah-sick a lot of the week. Coming home made me so happy.

Last week was a blast. It was Kids Mission Camp with a tribal theme. :) The kids went to a wooded area and lived like tribes for a night. It was really neat. A couple guys and myself led worship for the kids, and I was so encouraged by it. All the kids sang so loud. One of the sessions there were three little girls in the front row who had their eyes closed and hands raised. I almost cried as I played the keyboard. :')

The first couple days I was around and helping out with the camp, but besides leading worship, I wasn't involved much. The two guys I did the worship with I'm also planning a big part of the HS Adventure Camp with. We three are plannning what we call an Eco-challange. A 9 hour long hike through the woods, caves, swamps, with different challanges, clues, and assignments along the way. It is really fun brainstorming ideas and making a vision with them.

That is what I've been doing lately. I haven't been assigned kitchen duty yet like I was expecting. I've mainly just been on reserve for counselors, leading worship, making powerpoints everyday, and planning future camp stuff. I'm very blessed to be given these roles. It is what I had hoped for, and I've almost been surprised at how much I've been able to use my gifts for the Lord.

This week Tractor is directing camp. He has delegated a lot to other people this year which will make it easier on him. I'll be helping with worship and also continuing the work on the Eco-challange. :) You can pray for safety, energy, joy, and wisdom for Tractor especially!

I really appreciate you all and look forward to being able to write more stories later.

Love you,

Louie