Yesterday may have been one of the most fun days that I’ve had on Prince Edward Island, which is saying a lot because I do enjoy the island. It was Josh’s birthday, and he wasn’t awake for more than 10 minutes when he asked me about his presents. I got him some small things: a projection alarm clock, photography magazine and a dark chocolate orange, and at some point this month he’s going to purchase a lens for his Nikon as a birthday gift as well.

Josh had announced to me earlier that we would also be doing something to celebrate our anniversary (3 years of marriage on Sept 9!), so as a surprise he took me to see the Anne of Green Gables Musical which I've wanted to see ever since hearing of its existence. The play was very well done and the girl who played Anne was full of spunk and energy just the way I'd picture Anne to be. They did a great job adapting the story into a musical, and I’m glad that I finally got to see it on its last showing of the summer.

After Anne, we had dinner at Hunter’s Ale House where we tried out the potato burger with Caesar salad (forgot that Caesar salad has bacon in it! Oops!). It was good but nothing too spectacular. I’m looking forward to trying to create my own veggie burgers at home. I’ve been looking up lots of vegetarian recipes so we’ll see how it goes. Switching over to vegetarianism has been an adjustment but for the sake of the animals, health and the environment, it is one that I’m glad to make.

In the evening we went over to Brackley Beach where Josh took some photos and then we went to a ceilidh (pronounced ‘kay-lee’) where local fiddle player Cynthia Macleod was performing. It was such a great show. I really enjoy Cynthia’s music and I love the local ‘down-home’ feel of her performances.  Josh makes sure to remind me that I’ll never be an Islander and that I’ll always be ‘from away’, which I’m perfectly fine with- doesn’t mean I can’t still get into it! Fiddle music to me, is like the soundtrack of fall and I love the fall! We’re hoping to make it back for another Ceilidh in the next couple of weeks before they finish up for the summer.

Next week I start school at Holland College for Early Childhood Care Education, and a new job at Value Village (I’ve always wanted to work there!). So I’m both excited and nervous. Since apartment hunting hasn’t been successful we’re going to stay in the bachelor apartment in Aunt Alexandra’s basement for now. It's cozy and will be much easier on our wallets than the places we've checked out so that's a good feeling! It's also starting to look really great thanks mostly to the hard work of Josh...hey, someone's gotta cook the food while all the work is being done!

Yesterday was last day of camp. Our Alumni Session (for 17-21 year old campers who have aged out of our summer camp) certainly did live up to its reputation as being laid-back, refreshing and inspiring. In the Muskrat cabin we had 8 girls aged 17-19 years old, and 4 full days of free choice, social events and even an evening trip to Great Escape. It was a joy to reunite and visit with some campers who I had in the Bear Cabin during my first summer of ’08, and then in the Fox Cabin in ‘09. Lucky for me, lots of my former Foxy and Bear campers were fans of the barn so I got to spend a lot of time with them. Also, in the compound was Josh with his Chipmunk cabin who were all girls this session. It was amusing but also touching to see Josh’s interactions with his girl campers. I know that if we ever have a daughter, she’s gonna get spoiled!

Our oldest and most cuddly rabbit Jeter was a popular guy this session, just as I thought he would be. Coming to the barn and holding Jeter has become a special tradition for a lot of the campers, as they’ve held him every summer since they were little kids. Jeter especially came through this week for some special campers who I believe were really in need of the extra loving and therapy that sometimes only a furry friend can give.

As the longest talent show in Double H history preceded, I slipped out of the stage area to bring our wishboat (a boat that each cabin makes completely out of things from nature which carries each camper’s wishes written on birch bark and then is lit on fire in the water during our wishboat ceremony following the Talent Show) down to the waterfront where our wishboat ceremony would be taking place. It was dark out and I had forgotten to bring a flashlight but I carefully made it down the hill, and found our Muskrat post along the water. As I set down our little wooden boat full of wishes, and kneeled down under the starry sky, I was filled with such an appreciation for having been able to spend another summer at camp. It was an awesome summer that I feel God has used to challenge and change me. Camp has been a place where I can give, grow and receive, and do the little that I can to try and live out my love for God. Camp has also been a place of challenges, laughs and little misadventures that could only take place at summer camp.

Usually I don’t get emotional at our final staff meeting, but I did cry a little bit as I hugged the barn girls goodbye. We had become pretty close and worked so well together, that it didn’t seem like it should ever end. I’m going to miss serene mornings spent in the barn doing chores. It was all so therapeutic for me, and I’m going to miss the animals so much. I felt like the guinea pigs and bunnies were all my pets for the summer.

Now Josh and I return to Canada. As I type this we’re passing through some part of Canada. Not sure which part at the moment, but it is really pretty. I’m excited for the fall season and to start school. In these next days to come we’ll be setting up our life on Prince Edward Island as we look for an apartment, and textbooks, and do all those practical things to get ready for an exciting new season.

For me, Session 7 didn't feel like Session 7. It felt like Session 3 or maybe even Session 5...but it sure didn't feel like the last week of regular camp. I don't know if a summer of mine has ever gone by as fast as this one has. I feel like I'm ready for the fall and to start school and be with family and friends at home, and see our hamster.
 But I'm not sure I'm ready to stop cleaning 11 bunny cages, hanging out and working hard with my barn girls, banging plates and silverware obnoxiously at the dinner table with my crazy and amazing Bear cabin, and all the other fun and crazy normal every day stuff that occurs here at Double H Ranch. But ready or not, the summer is coming to an end pretty fast- gotta embrace it!

We had our semi formal staff party during this intercession at a beautiful country club. It was so fun to see everyone dressed up and the food was outstanding!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of travelling to New Hampshire as a volunteer in our hospital outreach program. I really enjoyed hanging out and playing with kids in the hospital setting, and that experience just further confirmed how much I enjoy doing outreach.
 Tomorrow begins our Alumni Session which is special 5 day session for kids 17-21yrs old who have aged out of the summer camp. I've officially left my beloved Bear Cabin (where I had so much fun!) and I'm now with a new team in the Muskrat cabin where I will continue to care for older girls.

Today Josh, Don and I get to go to Melrose to go visit a very special camper and his family! The fun just never stops! Happy Summer '11!

In case you haven't already met him or have just seen his adorable pictures online- allow me to introduce Jeter. 

Jeter is our chocolate coloured velveteen (aka Rex) rabbit, who I recently learned is at least 9 years old. He is also the biggest rabbit we have.

Jeter's past times include lounging in his cardboard box, grooming and cuddling his stuffed teddy bear, hopping around outside in the garden pen, and sticking his face in plants (apparently he likes the smell).

He doesn't like carrots but he loves apples, oranges and bananas. When I hold a banana out to the other rabbits, they take neat little nibbles off of it. Not Jeter. He takes the biggest bite he possibly can, or tries to rip off half of it. 

Jeter is very popular among both the staff and the campers here. I especially enjoy when the kids from the oldest cabins (15-16 yr olds), come to barn and ask excitedly if Jeter is still here and if they could hold him. I feel that since Jeter has been at Double H Ranch for so long, he's become a part of that magical camp experience. He's like that cherished childhood toy, especially since he was around when many of our oldest campers were just little and new at camp. I can't even count how many times I've already been asked by campers if they could take Jeter home, and if he's ready to retire.
I love Jeter. He'll sit on your lap just like a dog and hardly move. He's a sweet and loving rabbit, and I have to confess that I do give him special treatment. But he's been serving here for a long time and has made a lot of kids really happy, so he deserves it.

Ok, let’s talk about some of my camp highlights. Since food is always a highlight for me let’s get that over with as I tell you quickly about the  grilled hummus and tomato sandwiches (which I really should start making at home!), the couscous with lentil stew and pesto sauce, the constant supply of Nature Valley bars, and the Paul Newman vanilla almond cereal with rice flakes. Ok, that's all I'm going to say for now about the awesome food here. We’ve got it good here at camp.

Ok, let's talk about the barn now. Children, horses, cute fuzzy little animals and a great, fun and quirky barn team- what else can a girl ask for (besides maybe some dark chocolate)? It’s a sweet job, and it’s hard to imagine coming to camp and not working in the barn. I love the animals, and I’m becoming more and more convinced that I need to have my very own pet bunny someday, and keep volunteering with animals.

And of course, a big highlight is working with a diverse and fun mix of people in the Bear Cabin to take care of and make camp happen each week for 15-16 year old girls. It can definitely be challenging. That is not an easy age. I’m sure anyone who has once been a teenage girl or who has just been around one would agree. Some of the girls love camp with a passion and look forward to singing their favourite camp cheers that they've been singing ever since they were 6-years old. Some girls feel a little bit uneasy and overwhelmed in the camp environment especially if they're new to it all. No matter what the situation of the camper is, we try to meet her where she's at to try and give her the best week possible. Adaptability and flexibility is really important here.

So Session 6 starts tomorrow as a new group of kids arrive. The summer is starting to go by really fast, as we have less than a month left! Coming up this month we also have our staff party, and I'm going to be going on a hospital outreach in a couple of weeks.

The big excitement on Thursday was during the all-staff meeting when they announced which cabin everyone would be switching to. For the first 3 weeks I had been with the 15-16 year old girls in the Bear Cabin, and on my request form I actually put 'Bear' as my top choice of cabins. I was really happy when the time came and I was called up on stage surrounded by a new team, and it was announced that we would be the Bear Cabin. I reallyenjoy being with the oldest girls so I'm glad to continue on as a Bear counselor.

The next exciting thing for me was that Lauren, Donelda and Alex invited Josh and I to go with them to Boston, Massachusetts during 2-day intercession. We jumped on that invite really quick since Josh and I share a love for traveling, especially to cities.

So we split on a hotel room and we spent a day and a half just walking around Boston and seeing the sights. None of us had spent much time in Boston before so it was all new. With a little help from a guide book and the hotel clerk, we didn't have much problem at all finding our way to some pretty cool stuff.

Surprising to me, one of my favourite activities was going to the top of the Prudential Building and taking in the scenery of historic Boston. Usually the cityscape doesn't interest me a whole lot, but with it's little buildings and sailboats, the scenery of Boston captured my attention more than any other city that I've been in so far.

We also ate at a fabulous Mexican place, and explored the Boston Common (which I found out is actually the oldest park in America). Things started getting funny and a little awkward when we sat down in the grass and and suddenly a bride and groom arrived with their photographer and party, and began posing around us to take pictures but insisted that we stay.

In the evening we went to the Quincy Market and we all bought Boston t-shirts. We had an early night and spent the next morning at the water front. Since we all had a meeting that evening, and the kids would be coming the next day, we left in the early afternoon.

I would certainly go back to Boston. It is such a pretty city. And I'd certainly like to explore some more cities that I've never been to before.

So the first two sessions of camp have come and gone. Not without its challenges, as assimilitating diverse groups 15 of teenage girls into the fast-paced life of camp can certainly come with its trying moments. But also not without its funny moments, insightful cabin chats before bed, moments of bravery, and true teamwork.

I have one more session in the Bear cabin with my team, and then everyone switches to different cabins. So after next week, I’ll be working with different people and perhaps a different age group. I really like my team so I’m going to be cherishing this week especially. 

Aside from the busyness of camp life Josh and I have kept ourselves occupied with some extensive reading. We’re studying the book of Acts together and using 3 commentaries to do so. I’m currently reading the classic ‘Why Revival Tarries’ by Leonard Ravenhill, and doing some devotional reading with Mother Teresa’s ‘No Greater Love.’

I feel that my enjoyment and love for animals is increasing all the more as I take care of the 14 bunnies and 8 guinea pigs who live in the barn. Being crazy busy is just the way of life here at the ranch, but small animal enrichment continues to be a main priority for me. It means a lot to me that the critters get to play outside in the garden during the day, receive different types of fruit and veggies to eat, and have toys in their cages to play with.

                As camp continues, my prayer continues to be that God would delight in using us to show His love for the people here , and that we would be bold and uncompromising in that love.

 It's easy to love and be compassionate when people are kind and appreciative. It takes almost no effort to love with those types of people. But when people aren't easy to be around and especially to love, it is the supernatural grace of God that we draw from. I believe He is our only hope for loving those who seem 'unlovable'. On our own, we could try to express the most amazing love and kindness, but it all remains a shallow visage without the supernatural power of God working in us to love to such an extreme. He is Christ in us the hope of glory!

After three weeks of staff training and a relaxing couple of days off, Session One officially begins  kicking off the start of our summer camp. We're all pretty excited that the kids arrive tomorrow. All of the staff is divided up into cabins which are created by gender and age group. I’m in the Bear Cabin which is the 15-16 year old girls. Josh is in the Beaver Cabin which is the 15-16 year old boys. So we’re both with the oldest kids at camp, and then we switch cabins half way through the summer. I started out my last two summers as a Bear and I’m happy to keep up the tradition since I really enjoy being with the older girls.

I’m working with 8 other girls in the Bear Cabin and I’m truly looking forward to experiencing camp with each one of them as we sing and dance at campfires, plan and rehearse our talent show acts, watch The Dive Show at Great Escape and ride The Blizzard, play board games and paint nails in our Getaway room, and spend our days with campers who will inspire, invigorate, and challenge us. When I’m in the Bear Cabin, the girliest themes and movies seem to invade my mind like The Babysitters Club, Ramona and Beezus, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and other movies and book series that are surely out of date to the campers coming.

Soon I’ll be spending my day in the barn facilitating the petting program with the rabbits and guinea pigs, and hosting ridiculous Free Choice activities like fashion shows and guinea pig races. I’ll be with the rest of the barn girls as we listen to our country music, wear our jeans and t-shirts (and cowboy boots for some of us) and enter into the dining hall together smelling like animal, hay and manure as we charge to the salad bar. It’ll be good times. It always is.

The day that Josh introduced me to Google Reader was a good one. I used to not look at blogs too often, nonetheless follow them, but the blogs that I’ve discovered have become irresistible to me. They have inspired me in my cooking, my work with children, and in my writing, just to name a few. There are more than just these 5 blogs on my Google Reader but these are the ones that I really look forward to and check out the most.

31 Bits

31bits is an organization that sells beautiful, stylish jewelry made by Ugandan women. This organization is run by a group of girls, and has developed into programs for the Ugandan women as well which include vocational training, and health care. My sister introduced me to this organization and bought me a 31bits bracelet for my birthday and it is so cute and colourful. I’ve been wearing it a lot and getting lots of compliments. Seriously, I bet if I had a 31bits party here at camp, I’d sell quite a bit!

How Sweet It Is

I like reading recipes as it is, but add in beautiful, vibrant photos, and clever writing and you’ve got me hooked! Jessica’s realness is refreshing as she talks candidly about her quirky self and her husband, through all her cooking adventures and mishaps. I like how sometimes she’ll even post about a dish that didn’t work out just for a laugh.  She also responds to a lot of comments which I think is pretty cool.

Joy the Baker

And talk about funny! Joy gets me laughing so much. I like this whole idea of writing about much more than just the recipe that’s being featured. She has this way of rambling in an artfully, structured kind of way that just makes me want to continue reading. Joy is certainly a gifted writer and photographer. Her pretty, vintage dishes are a favourite of mine too. I can spend a long time just digging through the recipe index which includes lots of whole wheat dishes.

Messy Kids

This blog gets me inspired! The staff at the daycare would nod in agreement and maybe cry a little if you asked them how much I enjoy messy play. And now I have a blog that is encouraging me! I know there’s quite a bit of blogs out there that feature crafts and messy play, but the ideas on this one have caught my interest like no other one has so far. A few days ago I was looking at post called ‘Toilet Art’ in which the kids were using plungers, scrub pads, and toilet brushes to paint. That post made me want to be right back at the daycare so I could do that with my kids. But maybe it’s better for the sanity of my former staff that I’m over here!

Good Life Eats

I like hearing from a Mom. There’s something about reading recipes from a frugal mom that just brings rightness and balance to my recipe blog reading. Katie has a great recipe index that includes healthy recipes from a variety of cuisines. I follow a few recipe blogs that are dedicated mostly to baking, and their mostly just for entertainment purposes for me. The reason being is that on a special occasion I may decide to bake something outrageous which involves cream cheese, all-purpose flour and crushed up Oreo cookies (and even then I’d probably be trying to make healthy substitutes!), but during everyday life what I really want is those healthy, inexpensive recipes and ‘Good Life Eats’ has got ‘em for me!

Here at Double H Ranch, we just finished ‘Camp Inspiration’ which is a special week of camp for ventilator-assisted children and their families. Since the medical needs of these children would be too intense for them to attend our regular camp (which starts at the end of this month) this week is just for them. To make Camp Inspiration possible, we have our doctor and team of nurses on site along with another doctor, lots of volunteer nurses and team of respiratory therapists.

It is certainly the most medically-intense week of camp. Even as I spend time with these kids, it’s hard for me to really grasp that they are on life support and receive oxygen 24/7. I don’t believe I’ve ever even seen a tracheotomy until Camp Inspiration, so it’s been a very special experience for me.

We had about 14 campers and their families. In between running the small animal petting program at the barn, I got to spend time with my camper and her parents, and meet the other campers as well. I had met quite a few of the campers a few years ago at Camp Inspiration, and it was really special to hang out with them and their families again.

There is one certain family that inspires me so much, and I imagine there isn’t a person here who isn’t touched by the awesome life they lead. There are 7 people in this family: the parents and their son who is ventilator-assisted, the husband’s brother who has special needs, and then 4 other people who have special needs and have been adopted into the family. I wish I could find the right words to tell you how extraordinary the husband and wife are and how their love for God is being lived out in their lives to such a degree that it just leaves us awe-struck. I think they should write a book, or a blog, or something! They would have much to teach us. Hands down, one of my favourite things about Camp Inspiration is getting to spend time with this incredible family.

With the end of Camp Inspiration, we’re on break for a couple of days. Tomorrow afternoon the rest of the counselors arrive and then we merge into some all staff training. 

Click here to read an article from the Post-Star about Camp Inspiration