Adventure

Not quite a week ago I had a chance to re-live some of the “best of times” and share new memories with my spirited adventurer, Ivy. I was invited to speak at STEP – a girl’s summer adventure camp I attended and staffed for 5 years.

We drove up as a family and spent the night so I could get up at 5:00am and guest lead a round of P.T. for the girls! Call me crazy, but it sure was fun to work out in the gym once again. I even managed to keep up with the girls despite being 12 weeks pregnant.

After a quick breakfast I lead a devotional using ice cream to illustrate points in all four chapters of Philippians, the book the girls study and memorize while at the camp.

We joined the girls on the rappelling tower for the morning. After watching a while, Ivy decided she would like to give it a try. I got her geared up and over the edge before she realized just how scary things could be. However, she continued on bravely, just a few tears, and as we neared the ground she gained confidence.

By the time her feet touched ground she had a huge smile on her face and felt very pleased with her accomplishment.

Flora wanted to try too but we were afraid she was too small. So we set up on the 5 ft. obstacle course wall. Sure enough, she didn’t have enough weight to overcome the friction of the rope through her equipment, but Daddy fed the rope through and got her to the ground, bringing big smiles.

Lance thought this endeavor looked safe enough and bravely went over the wall too. A future ALERT man in the making?

Brian and the kids left after lunch while Ivy stayed with me to continue the fun.

We watched the advanced group build a stretcher to transport a “wounded hiker” as part of their wilderness survival training.

Then we joined the girls at the lake for some swimming and canoeing. Ivy boated with me and began to learn paddling basics. Then she played pirate with the instructors, swamping canoes at the end of a race and swimming the boats to shore.

Ivy loved her time here and all the attention from the girls. We also enjoyed getting to see Aunt Katie and watch her work.

I had opportunity to talk with several of the STEP girls, as well as some of the staff I knew from other years. That evening I gave a testimony on loving God with all our soul and how He has taught me to battle for control of my thoughts. It was a long, full, fun day and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.