The Government Can

Two Firsts

So today is a day of firsts. The first first (it's fun to say first) is jogging. Yes, Erin went jogging. I had talked to Anna about going jogging with me earlier and today was the day. We jogged in intervals and I did a lot more than I thought I could do. We didn't go far, but it's a start. We're going to try to go two more times this week. I'm glad she went with me. It's good to have a friend push you along. I need to work on pacing myself and keeping up my walking pace between the jogging intervals.

The second first today was going out on the jet ski for the first time. At first, Aaron and Anna had me on my own jet ski, but I was just too afraid. I didn't even get out past the buoy or go faster than idling and came right back in. I was just shaking. For those that don't know...I'm afraid of water. So I rode with Anna instead. I was still scared at first, but then really enjoyed the ride. The lake was very calm so it was the perfect day to try it out. She got up to 30 mph with me. So we weren't breaking any records, but at least I tried it. Maybe someday I'll work up to driving one myself.

I hope you all have a fabulous day. We have today off and then we have three retreats this week that will run from Tuesday to Sunday. It will be busy, but we are excited to see God continue to use IRBC throughout the entire year.

Ahhh

I'm sorry that I didn't take any pictures of the last few days for you. Phil and Dave were wonderful and gave us Monday and Tuesday off. It was so nice to have that time off. Here is how I used it.

On Monday, I walked 4.5 miles in the morning. Then I went in to Mason City and met Stacey and the kids. We spent part of the afternoon hiking at Lime Creek. It was the perfect day for that. We saw a mama deer and her twin fawns cross the river and then the crossed the path right in front of us. It was beautiful. I truly enjoyed being out in God's creation. After walking to much that day, I was exhausted and went to bed early.

On Tuesday, I worked out again, but inside this time. It was really nice to have the time to work out both mornings. Then I cleaned my apartment...laundry, floors, bathroom, etc. I love it when I get it all clean and fresh. I then baked some brownies for a friend and her kids that were coming over. I also cleaned lots of veggies and cut them up to have ready for snacks. Laura and her three kids came over a little after 3:30 and stayed till after 7:00. It was so much fun to have them here and let the kids play. We had a great time catching up.

Now it's Wednesday...back to work. I supposed I should get going and get up there. We have Men's Retreat this weekend and Grandview High School is coming in before that. So a busy week is ahead. Please be praying for us as we head into our busy retreat time. It is exciting that IRBC is used year-round.

My Dot in France

You may remember this post from back awhile. I love to check out the dots on my map. Just in case you don't know what I'm referencing, scroll down just a bit and look at my sidebar. You'll notice a world map. If you click on that map you will see dots from around the world that represent people that have dropped by my blog. Go ahead and do it...I'll wait.

Did you see all those dots? Aren't they cool? I have no idea how all of those people have stumbled on my little corner of the world.

Now, I'm going to tell you a little story. Bear with me; it does have a point. During Family Camp 4, I was on my way back to the office from eating lunch when this man stops me and says, "You don't know who I am do you?" I tell him that I'm sorry I don't. He introduces himself as Mark Nelsen, and I realize that he is the morning missionary speaker. I shake hands with him and he proceeds to tell me that he is a faithful reader of my blog. Mark and his family are missionaries in France. So I met my dot from France in the flesh!

So this little post is just to say hi to my dot in France. I've been listening to messages from this summer when I walk. Mark, your messages have been such a blessing and challenge. Thank you.

Gittin' Hitched

I just wanted to announce the Keri Herner and Greg Gosnell will be getting married!!!!! Greg has been emailing me all summer working on surprising Keri. She was very surprised!

So here is how it happened. Greg rode up to camp with a friend and hid out at Aaron and Anna's apartment from 2:00 until 8:00. When we wrapped up with the staff, I told Keri and Lacy I had one more surprise for them and blindfolded both of them and took them on a ride on the golf cart. (I didn't want Keri to suspect something by my only taking her.) I took Keri off and led her down the dock to where Greg was waiting. I had gotten Greg's camera from him that afternoon and was going to take a picture of her reaction when he took off her blindfold. Then I was going to leave them alone. Well, somehow I gut stuck on the lake end of the dock and there was no where for me to go. Plus he dropped down on one knee immediately, so I just kept snapping pictures for them. It was just so neat!

Congratulations Greg and Keri! I love you both very much!

The End of an Era

Okay, maybe it's not the end of the era, but it is the end of the summer. Tonight is the last night of Family Camp 5 and Monday is the official start of the retreat season. It has been a great summer! We have had over 100 campers trust Christ as their Savior this summer as well as hundreds of other decisions! Lives have been changed at IRBC - including mine. Every summer, we have a send-off for our full-time summer staff. During the evening we will show video testimonies from all of the staff. We each share a fun memory from camp and a blessing from the summer.

Well, it's hard to even start sharing all I have learned. I have learned to rely more on God. There have been so many days this summer that I haven't had the strength to get through on my own, but God was so faithful. At the end of those days, my head would hit the pillow and I'd praise God for getting me through the day and using me.

I also have had to learn to wait. I don't know what my future holds health-wise. It looks like this is something that I'm going to live with. As hard as that seems sometimes, I have to remember that none of this is a surprise to God. He had this planned for my life even before I was born. I will continue to trust Him, lean on Him and learn.

Another highlight has been the opportunities God has given me to interact with the part-time staff this summer. During Water & Work Week, I was able to walk through some decisions with a couple girls and it's been neat to follow through with them and check in with them throughout the summer.

The fun story from the summer is when I had to call Shane about a maintenance issue. Shane is on our year-round staff and is married to Lynnae. At the end of the conversation he said, "Love you, bye." I just died laughing. He didn't even realize he had done it. When he came in the office later that afternoon I said, "Shane, I'm glad that we love each other as a brother and sister in Christ, but let's not tell each other quite so often." It was great!

Come back on Saturday for some fun news!

Health Update

Just wanted to give a quick update and thank everyone for their prayers and emails. I heard back from Mayo Clinic yesterday and all my tests have come back fine. My numbers are a bit low, but the test have not shown why and it's not significant enough for them to treat. On one hand, that is good news. On the other hand it's a bit discouraging to still not have any answers.

I'm praying that God will direct my steps from here. I don't know what those next steps are, but I have a mighty God that knows all. Thanks for your continued prayers. God has helped me stay relatively healthy this summer. I haven't been hit with the big guns until just this week, so I'm thankful. Well, it's off to bed for me to try to kill off these germs.