Session 4 was undoubtedly the most challenging session I have had while employed with HH. I am definitely looking forward to Session 5, which, for the first time this summer, will be a completely full camp. We’ll be running at maximum capacity!

Over this break, Heymans drove down from Niagara Falls to camp out and visit us for the weekend. We did a little shopping, went to the beach, and played some mini golf. It was great to see him again, and look forward to visiting him and others in Ontario when we spend some time there in Sep/Oct. 

 
 
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Cabin Switch is here and the whole camp is relocated to new cabins for sessions 4-7. I was hoping to return to Muskrat (boys ages 6-8) but I was placed in the Wolf cabin which is boys anywhere from 9-12. The Wolf cabin ages depend on various factors in the other cabins below and above it. I have heard great things about the age group from other counselors, so I am getting pretty stoked about the cabin. With only a month to go before the end of camp, now is the time to throw ourselves into our cabins and really 'go for it'.

Yesterday was the yearly HH Island Party. Once a summer, the Board of Directors buys a bunch of food and transports the staff to an Island in Lake George for a day of fun and relaxation. Jenny & I debated going up until the last minute but decided to go. It was a good time. The highlight was definitely the boat ride back across the lake with choppy waters. Kansas, Joyce, and I enjoyed immensely.
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HH Island Party '09
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In other news, I am readin an amazing book by Fr. Albert J. Hebert, S.M. called Saints Who Raised The Dead. It is a fascinating look at believers who through the years after the early Apostles until now, have performed eye-popping miracles and bizarre wonder workings. The book is completely biased toward the Catholic faith, but it is such an inspiring read. To buy your own copy, click -->HERE<--
 
 

Session 3 is almost over, and that means only 4 full sessions to go before the end of camp. The last break was filled with contacting friends and checking websites trying to get the cheapest tickets possible so that we can visit those friends after camp. Before landing in PEI in October sometime, we will visit Virginia, New Mexico, Las Vegas, Windsor (twice), St Catharines, Toronto, and maybe Ottawa. Our life certainly is interesting, and the Fall will culminate in returning to the foreign mission field. It's literally a toss up between Russia, or Cambodia. 

Until then, we strive to enter into His presence here in Lake Luzerne. Verses from Philippians have kept popping up in my mind lately. Though some are preaching Christ out of envy and competition, others do it out of a good heart..... These do it from love...... But those are preaching Christ in a spirit of competition, not from their hearts...... What then? Only that in every way, falsely or truly, the preaching of Christ goes on; and in this I am glad, and will be glad. (Php 1: 15,16,17,18 bbe) Double H is anything BUT Christian, preferring to take chances with luck rather than faith. Just as in the church competition at the Ranch seems to run high. People are there for many different reasons. Some are there because it looks good on a resume, some are there to feel good about themselves, some are trying to build up good karma, and some are there because they are servants in life and want to love on these kids unconditionally. Like Paul, whatever the reason, I am glad there are those who have given their summer to helping provide these kids with a week full of joy.

 
 
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[the BEAGLE (Beaver/Eagle) Cabin]

Session 1 is over and Jenny and I are on break for a couple of days before the next batch of kids arrive tomorrow. It was a fantastic week, and though the numbers were low, the energy was high. The Eagle Cabin hosted a half dozen of the most awesomest kids I have ever met. I thoroughly enjoyed the week, and look forward to Session 2. The Eagles are males aged 13-14. They are the second youngest male cabin on site.

It really struck me this session just how much camp means to some of these kids. Many have severe disabilities that really affect the social aspect of their life. As one parent told the staff, "It's not like his phone is ringing off the hook." But from the first moment these kids step on the grounds here, they are met with cheering, encouragement, and complete support. They have real friends here, and they love it more than I will ever know.

1 down, 6 to go. This summer is gonna go by all too fast!