Mime 4 Jesus - The Marvels of Camping

Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set the example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. I Timothy 4:12

Jun. 10, 2008

The Marvels of Camping

We got back yesterday from a three-night camping excursion at Buffalo Point, Arkansas. There was an extra participant to this crazy embarking: Mama Kay, our grandma on Dad’s side. She’s 74 and quite the stud. Here are some random memories from our trip. By the way, you don't have to worry... we all smell much better now.

Watching Mom struggle with the canopy we put over the picnic table. It’s quite the hilarity every time we camp because we never label the pieces and some of the labels that were already on there have rubbed off, so it usually takes at least thirty minutes to set up. This time Mom took the initiative and labeled the pieces (more than 40 of them) before we took it down. She came up with enterprising names, too.

Chicken (or is it rooster?) fighting with Katie. I was on Dad’s shoulders and she was on Jo’s. She probably would have won, but Dad is a little more sturdy than Jo. We sent both of them splashing into the water along “the sandy beach.”

Rescuing Grandma from the dead water that her tube seemed drawn to. We did several short floats from the Point down to our campsite (a 20-30 minute affair) and one longer float. Each time Grandma would get stuck somewhere or was about to run into a rock and one of us (usually Jo) would go drag her out into deeper water.

The kabobs! Grandma wanted to make shish-kabobs to eat while camping. I was a bit wary at first, but although they were a lot of work, they were certainly worth it! Mouth watering steak grilled on a skewer along with some assortment of squash, cucumber – or was it zucchini? – red and green pepper, pineapple, and onion. Some of the kabobs had chicken on them as well. They were delicious, and we got to have corn on the cob with! What could be better?

The rain at four in the morning on the last night. We heard the thudding on the roof of the camper and stumbled outside in time to see our various belongings – library books, bag chairs, clothing, suitcases, sleeping bags, you name it, it was out there – getting soaked. Dad, Grandma and I went around with flashlights in the rain grabbing things and placing them under a canopy. Andrew’s tent was lacking the rain fly – something we’ve still neglected to place blame for – and he was sound asleep in a dripping sleeping bag. Then, the rain was an inconvenience, but looking back, it was pretty fun. =)

Side note – the whole time we were there, we had marvelous weather. Hot, but not blistering hot (i.e. high 80s), no rain, a nice breeze… it was beautiful. The last day turned a little dreary on us, but we have nothing to complain about.

The bridge. Man, did we play that game! I think I was only involved in a completed rubber once… well, actually, maybe not even that. Since we had six players – yes, Jo now plays bridge – players swapped around a lot. I lost about every hand I was involved in, but that’s OK. Grandma got to play, and that’s what counts. We even had some bridge mix to go with.

The sunburn… I think everyone got burned, or at least severely tanned, somewhere. I burned on my face, of course, like I always do. Jo’s shoulders, Katie’s hair part, Dad’s stomach (from laying face up in the tubes)… I don’t think the other three got burned much. Either they’re very blessed or they’re very smart.

The death hike. That’s what we nicknamed it after the fiasco during our last camping trip, when we thought Mom was going to pass out after the three hour – at least – miserably hot hike with little water. It was frightening, exhausting, and full of bad memories. Somehow Dad convinced me to go again, this time with the guys and Grandma. We had a blast. Since I was wearing my swimsuit, I got to go swimming in the natural bathtub and kept cool for the whole hike. We explored the Indian Rock House with Grandma and took her up to one of the side caves. We watched crawdads and spotted lizards. It was pretty fun.

The amazing, two-hour long conversation Katie and I had the first night. We talked about all things AIM-related. It was “pretty much amazing,” as Melissa would say. We talked about songs, parts, character (both kinds), concerns, elations, and ideas for the new session. It was so cool to be able to spend so much time one-on-one with Katie. I was hoping we’d be able to talk like that again, but it never happened. Maybe later, I guess… although we’re running out of “later.”

The time with God on the beach. Why is it that it’s so much easier to connect with God when I’m out in His creation? Usually when camping, I never make time to spend with God and come home feeling guilty. I also usually don’t stay caught up in my Bible reading. This time, however, I was determined that it would be different. I didn’t pray the last morning – not sure why – but the other two mornings I got up and spent some time just talking to God.

During the evenings, when the canoeing crowds had left , the temperature had dropped, the family was playing bridge and I was “alone,” I’d sit on the sand and watch the sun set as the river rushed by next to me. I guess not much constructive was said during those times, but I think God was speaking to me through His beautiful creation. Those times were precious, and I’ll treasure them. Thanks, Father. I love You!

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Jun. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Kaitlin

I know what you mean about really connecting with God when you are out in His creation. But it makes sense, right? When you are surrounded by things declaring His glorious name, how can you help but praise Him and feel His presence? :) Glad you had a fun trip. Love ya!

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