Serving

We took the kids to do some volunteer work this afternoon at the Chattanooga Room in the Inn. We have so many opportunities to do fun stuff but we also want to take advantage of showing our boys how they can give back to our community. They grumbled initially but enjoyed rolling up their sleeves and contributing. They had a little fun learning how to use a mop.

 

 

Praying for Miracles

Two ladies I love dearly have advanced stages of cancer. After reading through a book about prayer together called "Draw the Circle" a group of us joined our friend Ashlea on a prayer walk to pray on behalf of her and an upcoming scan. I carry both of these women in my heart and prayers daily.

For the  prayer walk we walked a total of four miles, circling Ashlea’s oncology building seven times. We began and ended in prayer together. We wrote messages of encouragement for her along the path. We circled the building in a literal circle of chalk. I don’t even know how to describe the experience. I don’t know how God will work but I know he is in control and whatever happens, he will be glorified.

  

After our walk, we went for dessert, because even when showing up for the hard things, we can live and laugh and love each other and enjoy the pleasures of life together!

 

 

Two days after the prayer walk, a group of us decided to rise early at our individual homes across the Chattanooga area and pray on behalf of Ashlea and her oncologist visit that would happen that morning. We all texted her pictures of sunrises as we saw them across the valley. I am normally a late sleeper and only get up early for really important things, but this morning I rose with purpose to pray for my friend. I kind of think I should do this more often.

 

 

 

Update: Ashlea's brain scan came back showing her growths had shrunk and they felt like they could no longer call it brain cancer. Praise God.

Update 2: Brain cancer will always be a thing with Ashlea. Right before Christmas 2021, she learned she had some new growths. I continue to pray for her and love on her. None of us know how long we have on earth. God is still working in her life though. My other friend also continues to fight her cancer.

YES Day (week)

While Jack and Daniel were enjoying themselves at camp, Isaac and I had a little fun of our own. After we dropped Jack at the church building Isaac asked if we could have a YES Day. I thought that was a great idea! 

 

 

We kicked the Yeses off with a stop at Hardees for a late lunch, just the two of us. For dinner we went out to El Metate – Isaac dressed as a Ninja.

To continue with the Yeses (more of a Yes Week), Isaac spent two mornings with friends down the street while I attended training for our homeschool co-op. Our friend's graciously took Isaac to the zoo with them and also to one of his favorite parks.

 

He may be too young for camp, but he still had an enjoyable day.

 

 

The day Jack and Daniel came home, Isaac asked if we could go eat at Sasquatch – this had me scratching my head, but I eventually figured out he meant brunch at First Watch!

 

 

An extra bonus for Isaac was that I let him play all the Nintendo he wanted and let him sleep in my bed with me. He had a pretty good week!

 

 

Church Camp - More Than

Daniel and I both had wonderful experiences going to church camp as kids. I have such fond memories of the summers that I was 10-12 going to Camp Omagh in Canada. As a teenager I went to Wilderness Trek in Colorado almost every summer. Those experiences had significant impacts on me.

Daniel attended Hy Lake Christian Camp close to Rock Island State Park here in Tennessee. I know those are some of his best memories as well.

The church we attend does a three-day camp every summer starting at the completion of third grade. Jack was so excited when he realized he was old enough to go.

Since this is new territory for us as parents, Daniel and I felt better knowing that Daniel could attend as a chaperone. He and another dad got to be the counselors for the third grade boys. Honestly it was a great opportunity for Daniel to go and spend some time with other adults from church – I get to do that type of thing quite often while he is stuck at home working. Thankfully camp was flexible enough that he could do some work from there.

I think Jack was a bit anxious when we finally arrived at the drop off at church. It was pretty chaotic as they tried to check everyone in and get them loaded on church vans. The theme of the week was "More Than" (I actually designed the t-shirts) and the location of camp was Camp to Know Him in Alabama. 

Jack had a blast! 

The water sports were amazing – there was kayaking and a water trampoline and a huge inflatable tower to climb and jump off, and also a rope swing. The camp had its traditional shaving cream fight – a first for Jack. He even took it in stride when he got asked to skip around the dining room with a girl (one of his friends). We are so thankful that it was such a good experience for both Jack and Daniel.