To say my time didn’t go as expected would be an incredible understatement. It has become a tradition for me and my family to go to our church’s kids camp every summer. So naturally I scheduled my time to coincide with the camp. We found out the weekend before some terrible fires had consumed at least half of the campground in New Mexico. With great sadness kids camp was cancelled and many kids (and adults) were greatly disappointed. Much more devastating were the homes that were destroyed where many full-time camp volunteers lived. As an alternative to kids camp I had to find a new volunteer activity for the week. I decided to help out at church where during the summer a couple hundred kids gather for summer club every week day. I got to hang out with some fun elementary aged kids and meet some great workers. I led kickball games, played soccer for hours, helped with other physical activities where a spiritual lesson was involved. Most of all it was great to interact with kids throughout the week and show them how to have fun and a good attitude in all things, even if they weren’t winning.
Early in the week Keri’s grandmother passed away so we made an unexpected trip to Lubbock. It was nice to see family but not under such circumstances. Although it turned out to be a great week of service, I would have much rather spent the week at Camp Bonita. I pray the camp can rebuild and continue reaching kids and showing the love of Christ.
So far this week (my vacation week) we’ve had some family fun and spent a lot of time outdoors. We went to a water park in DFW and have a trip to the river planned for later this week. Although my time off wasn’t exactly as I expected, I pray the Lord used me to touch the lives of the kids I was with. I’m also thankful for time with my family, where I’ve been able to spend one-on-one time with each of my boys and have date opportunities with my lovely bride. While I haven’t thought too much about work, as my time draws to a close, I begin to wonder what’s gone on around the office and what all will be waiting for me when I return.