Marin goes to camp

Firsts... She is my first born, and the first one to go to overnight camp. I mean, this girl hasn't even done a sleepover outside the family yet. But she begged to go to 4th/5th church camp, and Beaverton Foursquare is well known for its amazing camps. This is not their first rodeo (even if it's ours). Kyle and his siblings even went to their camps growing up! We got our supplies, labeled all the tags, packed her bags, prepped her for fun, sun and new experiences at Camp Crestview. We prayed our hearts out, that she would be touched by God during this week. She did not skip a beat, just ready to go for it.

What an amazing week it was. She had so many stories from climbing rock walls, swimming (passing the deep water test too! passed that swim class just in time), the "black hole" waterslide, field games, worship concerts, learning about the life of Joseph in the Bible. Also so many glimpses of incredible relationships, from her two college aged counselors who left a huge impact, to the many other friends and mentors there at camp who spoke life into my little girl. She came home, really, a different person. I noticed this especially as we drove home from the Camp BBQ... Tears streaming down her face in the back seat of the car, as she came to the realization that she was saying goodbye to people and places that had touched her heart. Part of her re-entry into "real life" again, was us making a scrapbook together of all her pictures, journal entries, letters, momentos. It is something she can look at anytime she wants to remember her special week.

One theme of the camp was exploring "how do I know that I belong to God?"... The few weeks following camp were filled with lots of good conversation, and even a realization for Marin that she had still had yet to take that final step in relationship with Jesus. The step where you say "YES, I will follow You." Not because someone tells you to, but because you understand you need Him. To make up for your sin and shortcoming, to be your Rescuer, to be your solid foundation. I am so proud of her, and just praising God for ushering in such an amazing start to Marin's summer. Thank you God for Your kindness that leads us to You.

One last game of UNO before we drive to camp