Aldersgate Camp
It all started July 13 as Sam Mokoli, Deanna Rittgers, and I left for Aldersgate Youth Camp in West Virginia. (Now, as any of you who have traveled know, it all really started way before that, but I'll spare you the details of recounting the preparation time.) I was to be song evangelist for the week of camp, as well assisting Sam with his class, tribe leader, and helping in any other place needed. Sam was going as a camp counselor, sports assistant, tribe leader, and teacher of a class on Evaluating Music. Deanna joined us as piano player, and was graciously willing to be a tribe leader as well. Alongside this party, Rev. Street was the camp evangelist, Anthony and Candice Silecchia were there a few days representing Mt. Carmel, and New Hope came and sang for the Wednesday evening service.
From the first chilly night (that got down to 37 degrees in the West Virginia highlands) to the raining final day, it was a great week. Rev. Street's messages were powerful and challenging. My one regret was that more people did not respond. I feel that God wanted to do more work than He was allowed to do.
We had classes in the morning and early afternoon, along with tribe meetings and devotions. Later afternoon was recreation and rest time (often dominated by a green glass door or a camping trip). After supper comes Vespers (a mini-service put on by a tribe) and the evening service. After service is an afterglow for the youth around the campfire (remember the chilly nights?), where the deepest connecting and sharing happen. It rained Friday afternoon, so along with some inside games (where no one got "little black box"), Mr. Street also did some gospel magic. We were also happy to have the appearance of Eustace, Mr. Street ventriloquist dummy, in two of the evening services.
Time with Friends
Sam and Deanna traveled back with Mr. Street after the Friday evening service. I went to Kisners for the night and part of Saturday morning. It was great to visit with them and catch up. I greatly appreciate the friends I have made through Aldersgate Camp. I got to reconnect with each of the Kisners (a rare and highly appreciated event), Berlin Wilhelm, Paige Dopson, John Sisler, his family, and all the other wonderful people that attended camp. Saturday, I got to spend a couple hours with John and Ashley Grose, who have become good friends of mine over the years. I enjoyed reconnecting and sharing stories, beliefs, hopes, and visions.
Covering Miles
Saturday afternoon I traveled to Apollo, PA. Here I met New Hope trio. They were traveling with Mr. Nelson, and our schedules happened to cross here. Rev. West and Don Swinehart took us out for a superb dinner, and Mr. Nelson and I spent the night at Don's house. At his house, I got in a short jog, as well as a brief investigation of gardening.
Sunday, I taught Sunday School at Apollo Faith Chapel, and spoke briefly before New Hope brought a worship concert. It was great to spend some time with them, and hear them in a full service! After an excellent dinner at Rev West's home, I took my leave, and traveled 4 hours to Millersburg, PA. (Here, I interrupt to recommend G.K. Chesterton's mystery books to all readers.-- I had them on audio book.) I joined the youth group at Tiffany Worrell's church for their lesson, and I spoke briefly about KMBC. From there, I traveled to Lebanon, PA to spend the night with my Aunt and Uncle, Bob and Jeanette Reynhout. I got to spend a short while discussing and catching up with my Uncle Bob.
AYC
Monday, after an attempt at sleeping in, and finishing laundry, I headed to Appalachian Youth Camp, in Roxbury, PA. Here, I joined Redeemed, who would be here the whole week as well. Monday is orientation, meet-all-the-people-you-know day, evening service, team assignments, and the first team event: tug of war. The camp went great. My team was killer in volleyball, and we got progressively better at softball (though we never won a softball game). We were the low side of average in Bible Bowl. We had a great time though. Redeemed did an excellent job leading singing, presenting KMBC, and connecting with youth. A few random events, like the fire alarm going off in the middle of the night. Again, the opportunity to reconnect with old friends was much appreciated and greatly enjoyable. (Sorry guys, I can't tag everybody, but it was great to see you!)
Sight and Sound and all Around
We had some free time after the camp ended on Friday, and finding that we were close to Sight and Sound Theaters (http://www.sight-sound.com), we went. It was the first time I had ever been to one. We saw Abraham and Sarah, a live drama of the Biblical story. It was really good, well-worth seeing, and I recommend it. We only went to the small theater, so I can only imagine what the large theater shows are like!
Following the drama, we stopped at WalMart to get a headlight for the Sprinter. How many guys does it take to change a headlight in the dark? After that, my college roommate Joel Bell met us for ice cream. Had a great visit with him. We've always connected well and been able to discuss, and that night was no different. It was great to see him again!
Miles
Saturday, we slept in some, then headed for Leavittsburg, OH. David Speas' laundry had been "cleaned up" (they thought it was left behind by a camper) while we were gone, so we drove the long way around to pick it up again. We got a nice tour of PA countryside. Arriving in Leavittsburg, we enjoyed a nice evening and a wonderful meal at the pastor's home (Ask the guys about dessert that night. It was absolutely delicious ... and, there was none left over). We were hosted that night by Pat, a lady in the church.
Morning service went well, and I absolutely love to hear Redeemed in concert. I had never heard them before traveling with them this week and a half. The church graciously provided sack lunches for us to take on the road, and we headed off on a 4 or 5-hour trip to Wilson, NY. Supper was immediately when we arrived, topped off by a delicious array of fruit pies. Here, we got to see many of our work team friends again, and Redeemed gave a worship concert.
Vacation - Water, Water, Everywhere
Redeemed (and I as well) had Monday and Tuesday off while in NY. I was staying with Potters, and thoroughly enjoyed my time. Did I mention they live right on Lake Ontario? Absolutely wonderful. :) I attempted sleeping in, which didn't go well after 2 weeks of youth camp. Both Monday and Tuesday mornings, I got a nice jog in, enjoying the flat ground and cool weather. Did some work from the road while I was there, so we wouldn't slip behind, and so I would be well-prepared when I landed in the saddle Thursday. Monday afternoon, we went to Niagara Falls! I had been there 10-12 years ago, and it was great to see it again. Though sometimes given the title "a lot of water over a rock," it is truly a spectacular sight. We rode the Maid-of-the-Mist, which gives a much better perspective, immersing you in the full sight, sound, and saturation of the falls. We spend Monday evening with George Waters and his wife. We had a great time. She's a wonderful cook. We played games, talked, and got a horticulture lesson.
Tuesday, I again worked part of the morning. Mr. Potter took us sailing on Niagara River and Lake Ontario in his 25-foot Shark sailboat. I suppose we technically entered Canada at this point, as we entered Canadian waters. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've decided I like sailing! I learned a lot about sailing, and more new vocabulary words than I can count! We also got to see a million dollar sailboat on its maiden voyage.
(David, here's the answer to our question about how sailing works:
After we completed our voyage, we swung by Fort Niagara and a lighthouse there for a brief visit. Then we went back to Potters'. While waiting for supper, Mr. Potter took us out on his small sailboat, a Sunfish. It was nice, but I definitely prefer the large one!
Supper was great, and we had a nice visit. I finalized some details for the next day, and had a good long talk with mom.
A Lot of Highway in the Rain
We left Wednesday morning, traveled down to PA, where we met Dr. John. He was to continue traveling with Redeemed, and I headed home. All together, it was about a 10 hour trip. Sadly, it rained almost the entire way. I was stuck in a traffic jam for an hour on account of a flipped semi tuck. (8 miles of parked cars) But, enjoying more Chesterton mysteries, I traveled on, and got back about 10:30pm. Talked with Mom and Dad, unloaded, and headed to bed.
(I apologize that I am entirely photo-less. My camera has never returned from missing.)
Back in the saddle in KY now. It was great to see everyone while I was out. God bless, and I hope you have a great end of summer!
