When we last left you, my parents, Dave and Doris had just left to head back to Conway. We had to quickly regroup and get ready for a group that was coming in for the weekend. These days, that means trying to have all the grass and grounds cut and maintained at least by Thursday. I've found that the grass here in Pennsylvania although about half the growing season as grass in South Carolina, grows about twice as fast. If you don't get it cut at least once a week, you are getting behind. I am usually busy with outside ground maintenance work at least a couple of days out of the week if you include work down at the other camp. Anyway, our group last weekend was only here until Sat. afternoon. It was a ladies' retreat from a local church in Mansfield, Pa, which is only about 30 minutes from us. They had a good time, with about 21 ladies in attendance. We had to have a quick turnaround with the cleaning and room clean-up because of different board members of Three Springs Ministries coming in for a board meeting. Also coming in were families and parents of our 8 interns that were graduating on Sunday from the True North Internship program. After a combined effort from multiple staff to get rooms ready, we all went down to Three Springs for a ice cream social to meet and mingle with board members that were there, some of which our family hadn't had a chance to meet yet.
Sunday afternoon everyone was invited to Three Springs for the intern graduation. They had a nice ceremony and celebration of the past year with a recap of what they had learned and experienced. Afterwards, everyone was invited to stay for a picnic supper with plenty of time to fellowship. It is always a sad time each year, when the interns have to leave and move on to what the Lord is directed them to, but it is refreshing to see how the Lord has taught them and matured them throughout their stay at Three Springs.
Kathryn's mom and younger sister Margaret, as well as her grandparents Bill and Julia Long came in on Monday, just in time to help celebrate Audrey's 5th birthday.
This was Margaret and Bill and Julia's first visit to see us, so we were very excited to have them for a few days.
Unfortunately, the weekly weather forecast called for strong chances of rain everyday. We did, however, find a few breaks in between showers to get outside and do some things. We showed them around both properties, as well as taking them them on a short hike to see our wilderness cabin.
The kids enjoyed spending time with everyone and just playing, reading books, and being silly.
We did go out for supper Wednesday evening, but maybe the highlight for me was after we got back home. We still had some daylight left and it happened to not be raining at the time. I went and borrowed one of the four wheelers from camp and took turns taking Kathryn's grandparents and sister up the mountain across from us on our neighbors property. Their view from the top of the hill is beautiful! You can see for miles in about every direction. I also rode them down to see the sugar shack, where the maple syrup is made. Bill and Julia really seemed to enjoy riding around on the four wheeler, as it was the first time ever for each of them. Grandmama even said that she wanted her picture on the four wheeler to make the blog, so this is for you 'Ma'!
They all headed back towards South Carolina Friday morning. We were glad for the chance to visit with them, but it is always hard to say goodbye.
Missing our families and also our church family has been the biggest sacrifice of our obedience to come here to serve. You don't realize how much you rely on the help and support that you get from family like we have, until you don't have them close by anymore. However, God's grace is sufficient, and we know He will give the strength needed.
I did manage to continue working throughout the week even though it was very wet and rainy. I put on my rain gear and did some more pressure washing and also finished mulching the rest of the flower beds. We even planted some flowers around the inn.
I also have been training for my life guarding test, which will be coming up in a few weeks. Luke, also on staff, and I have been going down to the YMCA in Williamsport to swim. We've been four times so far and are getting closer to being in swim shape for the test, but we still need a few more times. Our pool here at camp had the cover just taken off this week, but I would not even attempt to swim in it yet, as it is still very cold.
Our group this weekend was from a church down in the Lancaster area or "downstate" as they say here. We had about 14 couples from their Senior Ambassadors Sunday School class.
This was their first time here and they are planning to come back next year, so I think they had a good time. Kathryn and I continue to tag team some of the meal times, so that we each can share some of the hosting responsibilities.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We thank God for you and your involvement with us as we serve the Lord here!
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