Camp in the off-season is a strange grab-bag. We're must smaller-staffed, which means when camp's in, we're all possibly on the schedule (guess that's not so much different than the summer for people who work Program or help Program out), but it's still different, nonetheless. For one thing, I almost never do dishes in the summer. In the fall through spring season, I'm probably on several times each time camp comes in. It's a unique perspective, coming from the stage to the background.
Other changes occur, obviously. For instance, we split up the duties of running the various camps. Audrey takes care of the Women's Retreats, Ben Erway covers the custom camps, and I tend to operate the teen camps--such as the Senior High Retreat and the Youth Rally (which is coming up in two weeks!).
This leads to a lot of interesting communication issues, since kitchen, office, program, and other departments need to know the "when," "where," "how," and "how much" of it all. Let's just say, there are unfortunately times that things don't get communicated (sometimes it's even because we forgot who needed to know!).
All in all, camp is an amazing learning experience.
Speaking of learning experience, for the last few weeks and bleeding into next week, the Bridge (that's the college program I run here) is learning about the book of Ecclesiastes. It's been an amazing study all around. This next week alone will see upwards of 12 hours worth of my teaching (in addition to prepping for Youth Rally, which is no small feat).
Your prayers are continually required. Pray we stay humble, diligent, and faithful to our God and our calling. It's an interesting challenge, but God has clearly led us to this point, and I'm sure that, no matter what comes, He'll continue to guide us.
Thanks for your prayers and support! It means so very much. We have two particular individuals who write to us on a regular basis, despite our lack of effort at communicating back. We can't express enough how much that faithfulness means!
Farewell from California! To those in New England - Lord willing, we'll be home mid-December for the month. Thanks to Mom and Dad Wareing for covering the tickets so we didn't have to drive home