This week

Monday evening we went sailing again. We took out a "new" boat to make sure it was ready for the city sail program. We went out with storm clouds in the sky just to the east of us, but we thought they would miss and we really wanted to get this boat out. So we set out in this boat. We had trouble getting out of the docks because the motor kept stalling. At one point we caused a big ferry boat to avoid us because we could not move out of the way. Finally when we did get into the river with the sail up, we found that there was not enough steady wind to let us sail. Instead we were being swept up river by the tide coming in. All the while it was starting to rain and there was thunder and lighting off in the distance. So we decided to head back in. Thankfully the motor worked long enough to get us back. On the way back our boat did tip to the point to make Steph rather nervous, which was understandable since we almost took on water. When we did get back the weather cleared right up and was sunny. Go figure.

Tuesday and Wednesday we spent camping at Wawayanda state park. We took our 15 teen employees into the woods and roughed it. When I say roughed, I mean no running water, no electricity and a single outhouse. This was the first camping experience for several of the kids. And almost all of them really did not like the woods at first. The kids big concern was being attacked by bears. We did not tell them that the rangers said it was a bad year for bear problems. Thankfully we did not see any bears. This was probably because the kids ate every bit of food that we brought by the first night.

However we did have raccoon problems. These were the most daring coons we have ever seen. At one point one came within 5ft of us when there were 20+ people sitting around while it was still light! Steph and I were put on raccoon guard and we chased a few away, but they kept coming back until I hit one with a big rock. Then they went to bother the neighbors.

We spent most of Tuesday and half of Wednesday doing trainings with the kids about what their jobs are and how to do them the best. This included game creation, teaching the summer camp songs/raps, and relating to the kids. The other half of Wednesday we spent playing ultimate Frisbee, and going swimming. Several of the kids learned how to swim that afternoon and would not leave the water.

Overall it was wonderful to see trees and grass. It was great to spend time in the woods. We saw a variety of wildlife, including a fawn that went through camp. It was a very tiring trip because the kids stayed up late and we worked and played hard.

Today we did a dress rehearsal of the first day of summer camp. It looks like everything is coming together well and hopefully most of the hiccups were taken care of. I found out which teen I am working with to teach the Bible lessons and found out today that she did not know the story David and Goliath or rest of the Bible for matter. I am praying that as we teach the Bible together that I will be able to share the gospel with her.

Thanks again for all of your prayers.