Arrival and Getting Organized

This pyramid is in the border town as we cross into Spain. From here it is less than an hour to camp. The kitchen work, headed up beautifully by Carol, is a full-time job from beginning to end. The campers are involved with the drying process after every meal. Doreen, Lynette and Johnny were among the first! On the first evening the kids were divided into teams and they met for their first spirit rallies. Christian had come up with a song for the yellow team. Here Dustin is observing all the excitement. They were incorporated into the playing as often as it was possible, too. The teens were very kind about the little kids taking part. Here Markus pulled Donovan over to help him learn the new cheer.

Sundown in Germany-Breakfast in France

For the first hours we were traveling pretty much into the sundown. Hard for the driver, beautiful for us. The next morning, at 6:30 a.m. we stopped for breakfast at a rest area. We were traveling with the big tourist bus and Kevin's van and trailer. The little kids enjoyed the play ground, a number of older kids kicked a soccer ball.

Ready, Set, Go...... 16 hours in a Tourist Bus

The Lord allowed impact to rent a very nice bus to Spain this year: air conditioning, toilet, comfy seats, etc. Dalene had packed us a supper in Tübingen which we enjoyed along the way. The kids were able to sleep on the floor or across seats for a good number of hours.

Our next "Leg" was on the ICE (InterCityExpress)

Germany's fast train, the ICE, can go up to 150 miles an hour. We had two little compartments for the three and a half hour ride down to Stuttgart. Unfortunately, these trains also run late at times, so that we missed the last train and had to wait for the next opportunity, about an hour later.

Inside the first Regional Train

The first train was a regional one which stopped at each village along the way. It took an hour to get to the next big city. Danielle and Evan were given sun glasses by their big sisters Doreen and Lynette, and really enjoyed them!

The first Leg of the Journey

We said good-bye to the ones going down to Tübingen in the buses around 7 a.m. and two hours later we left on foot to walk the 5 minutes down to the train station here in our village. We met Carol and her three youngest to travel together.

The "Elijah" Performances

Two long days of final practicing. Bradley was very thankful to the Lord for the grace He gave during the two performances. These pictures were taken and sent to us by Angie Sell who teaches in the Heidelberg school. Thank you so much, Angie!

Dalene is Enjoying a Visit with her Best Friend

Annette lives in a small town and the girls have enjoyed walking between the fields and catching up on the last few months. The cows ran up to greet Dalene (who was "mooing a hello" :))from the bottom of the field! What fun! Tomorrow we meet up for camp. Annette cannot go this year as she is taking her nursing exams during these weeks. She will finish as a pediatric nurse in September.

Getting Ready for Camp

This morning we dropped Rookie off at our county's pet shelter. He was standing up against the fence probably wondering what was going on as we left! This is the first time in four years that we have been gone as a family at the same time as Matthias, so we had to figure out a new solution for Rookie's care. These are the signs Danae and I have been working on. Our theme for camp this summer is Australian Adventure, and in preparation I realized that the Australian map worked very well for the layout of our camp site. Donovan vacuumed out the bus for me this evening. Thank you, Buddy! Danae and Donia have done lots of painting the last two weeks. This is their last project...a refresher on a banner that is re-used every year. I finally thought of running for the camera. :)

The Wall

For the last two weeks Devon has been helping the man that Kay hired to build a new wall for six hours a day. Kay wanted a new wall built up across a new-to-him property on the edge of his own. One of Devon's responsibilities was to carry the water in these two milking cans up to the main farm house (about two blocks away) to get water for the cement mixer. He also did much of the lifting of the blocks and natural stones. Devon's co-worker is leaving for vacation on Monday, and Devon is headed to camp, so they will reconvene on this project in two weeks. :)

Preparations for Camp

I didn't do too great this year getting pictures of the projects as they developed. :( Danae and Donia finished up the last mascot last night.

Outside and Between Showers

We have been blessed with quite a bit of rain recently. Yesterday we went out and cut back the flowers and bushes along the street. Danika checked on the fruit--the cherries are almost all harvested, we are still enjoying the raspberries every day, there will be no plums this year, and the pears and apples are growing. :) Dustin stacked all the bricks back that they had built with recently.

Dear Derek........

I had not taken the time to blog for several weeks, but tonight I decided that I wanted to post some of the memories from our recent weeks for you to see. Maybe you will get to the library again in the next week or two. We love you and miss you so much! May the Lord continue to bless your life, and make you a blessing to many there. We look forward to your return, but praise the Lord for the opportunities He has given you there. Much love and prayers, Mommy for Daddy and all of us on this side of the big pond!