Total Impact Missions Trip

It has been a privilege for Brian and Angela to participate on this team for a second year. When the girls and I saw them last night, they looked tan from working the land clearing it for the new hispanic church to be built. They looked tired--wet tents after rain resulted in nights of sleeping under the stars. Some of the team looked itchy from the poison ivy they've contracted. Thankfully, neither of them are yet amongst the "itchy" group yet. They looked satisfied with work well done for God's glory.
They are serving dinner to 125 each night as part of the Vacation Bible School that they are staffing. The kids come hungry. The girls and I provided dessert and kitchen help on Monday and Thursday night. It was great to see Lily and Robyn work cheerfully and faithfully setting table and refilling drinks.
They wrap up the VBS with a big carnival tonight and then return tomorrow at 5 p.m. and we pack up the van to drive south on Sunday.

Packing Up and Saying Goodbye

It's that time again....The girls and I saw our first yellow leaves on our walk through the orchards. We could smell the peaches ripe on the trees and the early apples are being picked. That means it's time for us to travel south again. I'll say goodbye to my mom today. When I do, I always wonder if it will be our final goodbye this side of heaven.... I spent yesterday morning sitting at the picnic table talking with these two dear friends who have been like sisters to me. Someone asked if we were sisters....I was tempted to say "yes".
It is comforting to have a history of "coming back home" year after year now. There is a greater sense of confidence when we give each other a hug and say, "Can't wait to do it again next summer." And wait with anticipation, we will....

Ministry Opportunities

Brian spoke last Sunday night on "Parental Rights and Responsibilities in the 21st Century". If you'd like to hear the presentation online, it is available at this website: www.bhbconline.org Click on the link for Sermons. Click on 8/03/2008 Evening Class--Brian Webster.

Tomorrow morning Angela and Brian join 15 other Junior Highers for a 5 day campout and missions opportunity. Migrant camps for fruit pickers are common up here this time of year. The team will be serving these families by distributing food, serving dinner, holding VBS and hosting a carnival at the end of the week. The group will also be clearing land to prepare for building the first spanish church in the area.

Robyn's Early Birthday Party

Robyn celebrated her birthday a few months early hosting a tea party for her friends. They played games like pin the hat on the lady, musical tea cups, hot hat and a manners relay . Tea was served--quiche, fruit, cinammon rolls with cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. After lunch, each of the girls painted a tea cup at a pottery studio to take home with them.

Anniversary Celebration

Mom and Dad enjoyed an overnight along the lakeshore at an inn. They walked the beach and the pier and ate lake perch for dinner.

Blueberry Picking

More fruit picking, now it's blueberry season. :-)

Dutch Village

On Thursday we went to Dutch Village with some friends. We had a lot of fun. We dressed up like little Dutch children and wore wooden shoes called 'clogs'. My favorite place there was the candle shop called Holland House Candles, Inc. At the shop you could see how they made the special candles. First they dipped them in many different colors of hot wax. Then they took knives and made long slices which looked a bit like banana pealing. They would then fold the slices across the candle so that it looks sort of like a bow. They also made beautiful shapes on the sides of the candles. To see some of their candles you can go to this website: www.hollandhousecandles.com
They had many other little shops where you could watch how wooden shoes are made and see how they make cheese. There was a carousal and a swing ride where you sit in a swing and go around in circles. It was really fun.

Our Summer Home

Here are some pictures of our summer home:

Good Times, Good Friends

Hope's posting: Last time my 3 high school friends and I got together with our families was when I was pregnant with Starla 4 years ago. It was a joy to spend an evening together. How can it be that we are just shy of 25th year reunion time?

Kids Worship Arts Camp

Last week was the week of Kids Worship Arts Camp at our church. KWAK is one of the highlights of Lily and Robyn's summer. Since Lily is in the Senior camp she has gets 2 elective classes. This year she had Sign language and power point. Robyn had dance as her elective. Every day for a week, all of the kids come in and learn the songs and get parts in the play and go to their elective classes. At the end of the week they put on a production. This year their production was called "The Pirates of the 'I don't care' -ibbean" My friend Evanne and I were helpers in some of the classes. It was a fun week for everyone.