Joy in the Journey 7-26-2017

   Fun….Family….Faith.   All of those were intertwined in my last week.  The week began with myself and another young gal driving two vans northward toward Park Rapids, Minnesota.  Within the vehicles were twenty-one excited 5th and 6th grade campers, on their way to a week of church camp. Plus one older lady that I had invited to go along to see her son and sister who happen to live in that area.  We got a good start Sunday morning after Sunday School, with everyone toting their sack lunches and bottles of liquid to keep them hydrated. (They really needed it that day as the temperatures climbed to nearly 95 with high humidity.)  By noon we were at our first stop in Olivia, MN. It happened to be a large convenience store, and I was happy to see their welcoming smiles as the kids invaded their space to fill their hands with cool treats and drinks.  It is also where we met my granddaughter, Abbi, from Eagan, MN, who joined our group for the camping experience.

   In about a half hour we were back on Highway 71, moving toward our destination, Pine Haven Christian Assembly.  It is located about six miles outside of Park Rapids on  beautiful Long  Lake.  The first time that I attended this camp was actually in the 1950’s when I was a sixth grader.  At that time there were just little cabins, a small dining area, lodge and chapel.  We washed our dishes out back in large wash tubs, and found great fun in the swimming area of the lake.  Today those little cabins still are used, right along side the newer and more modern buildings of the bath house, dining hall, canteen, and several other places for fun and learning.  The kids still enjoy the lake for swimming, but also have canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and rafts to add to their fun.

   About 3:30 we finally pulled into the setting of pine trees, and as we piled out of the vans we could sense a feeling of peace but also excitement.  Already there were many other campers milling about, and our kids quickly lined up to register and find out where their bunk would be and who would be their cabin mom or dad.  Before they could get to that part though, each one had to be checked for lice!  Ugh…that words just gives me shivers.  Because they had an outbreak of lice last camping season, the “inspection” is now part of registration.  We were blessed to make it through that with no problems. Yay!!

   Soon we were rolling out the suitcases, duffle bags, bedding and sleeping bags from the small trailer that we had pulled all those miles north.  Each camper disappeared toward their assigned cabins for the week.  I watched as Abbi made up her bunk, and arranged needed items around her given space.  It was going to be her “home away from home” for the next several days.  It is funny to watch girls unpack and arrange…compared to peeking into the boys’ cabins.  Way more “stuff” with the females, even some hangers and good smelling lotions and potions.  Males…especially at this pre-junior high age, those items are not even in their radar.  A pillow and sleeping bag or blanket, and a couple T-shirts and they are set.  MUCH more low maintenance!

   This was the first of many years that I was not actually on staff, so I spent the week in the area, coming and going to the camp to enjoy time with the kids.  And also some R and R time for myself.  I took a few “projects” along that needed doing, and I was thrilled to complete them.  Abbi made new friends, and I enjoyed popping in and out to eat some meals with her and share some great worship time.  Many of these same kids are in my youth group during the school year, so it was good to connect with them in a different way.

   One day I traveled a little over an hour to the Fargo area to meet up with my nephew and nieces for lunch and a happy visit with them.  Since they have grown into young adults, I don’t get to see them very often, so it was a treat. All of them have jobs, their own apartments, and are involved in classes at Moorhead State.  I am so proud of their accomplishments.

   Another day I met up with the older gal that traveled with us for the week, and her sister and niece and I spent the day at Itaska State Park.  It is only about 25 miles from the camp, and just a gorgeous drive to get there.  The trees, winding roads, and beautiful blue sky just made the day a great adventure.  Both Red and White Pine grow on the 50 square acres of the park, and the straight and tall trees are such a contrast to what we see here in southwest Minnesota.  The key reason for this park’s existence is to save the remaining old growth pine, which is adapted to the cold and dry conditions of northern Minnesota.  Most of us probably know this park as the beginning point for the mighty Mississippi River.

   I kicked off my sandals and made the short trek across the 12 foot wide source of the river, where it begins its 2552 mile journey south to the Gulf of Mexico.  It flows over a simple rock barrier separating the river from Lake Itaska.  If you like hiking, there are literally paths going in every direction to drench yourself in the vegetation.  If you are in the right spot at the right time, you may encounter some sort of wildlife.  Loons are pretty commonly seen and heard near the misty waters.  And the wind whispering through the pines is almost intoxicating.  Soothing really.

   As the week wound down, we all returned to the Worthington area tired, sweaty, mosquito bitten, but 100 percent glad we had gone!  Each camper had different reasons for enjoying their week, and I was glad to be part of the experience with them.  Once the vans were unloaded, I made my short drive home to switch gears and get ready to enjoy some family time with my five siblings, their spouses, and our mom.  Along with several nieces, husbands and boyfriends who also came to join in.

   My family slept in different places, but our gathering point was on Lake Ocheda outside of Worthington in a couple of cabins owned by friends.  They are so generous to allow our family to invade their distant farm yard in such a serene and beautiful setting.  Nothing fancy, but definitely peace-filled and refreshing to all of us.  We have met like this many times, and we hope to continue for many years to come.  When each family contributes to the food and work needed to be done, it seems like a vacation to all.

   This year one of the young couples brought their jet ski and it was a hit on the little lake.  Along with canoes, paddleboats, fishing poles, and just plain jumping and swimming in the lake.  Water on a warm summer day just draws you in.  The evenings found many around the campfire, first cooking our evening meal, then downing those yummy s’mores, and finally just talking and laughing at family memories.  When it got darker, and fire was dwindling, several retreated for the cabin to play some games and continue the laughter and making new memories.

   I would encourage you to make some family fun often.  Life is changing at a speed never seen before in human history.  Time passes, and these special times spent with those we are especially connected to is priceless.  The things we can learn from elders  and those we love are limitless.  Ask questions…be interested in young and old lives alike.  It not only blesses them, but enriches you.

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