Thank You for Loving Us

Yes, John, Bridget & I made it home in one whole piece - actually better than before! You can put me down as a wilderness survivor now. We camped for about 24 hours in the Manistee National Forest north of Ludington, Michigan with about 28 people from our church in a rustic camp (ie. no plumbing or electricity). I have found if you are conservative in your drinking habits, you can get by with only having to use the pit pots twice in a 24 hour period.

We enjoyed the beauty, peace, and quiet of God's earth and great fellowship while we were there.


Lake Michigan is spectacular!





We had a great time together.


Bridget's little head is in the above picture in the choppy waves. (There were 2 adults out there with her who must have been under water at the time.)


The sunset. As romantic as watching the sunset sounds, you end up with about 12-15 bright sunspots in your eyes.


The Campfire. This gives you the earthy smell.


The music.


We sang praise songs around the campfire with 2 guitars, a mandolin, the djembe (jimbay). The drum beat had a mesmerizing effect, and I was sitting next to Diana, the one who sings the harmonies with the band. I don't think I ever actually sang a straight tune, but it was fun. Nobody took me up on the idea to come up with a new tune for Kum-bay-yah, but we didn't have to sing the old one, either. When Justin prayed, I remember he said, "Thank you for loving us," and I thought yes, thank you, thank you, I can't believe I get to be here.