Kadesh 3: Revolution!

We made it home safely very, very early in the morning on Saturday (3AM) after a wonderful week in Abilene. Matt and I volunteered a week at Kadesh Life Camp. It is one of the 4 camps that ACU offers each summer. Fortunately we have been blessed to make it back each summer since we were employed there as counselors back in 2002. This was our 7th summer to make it back and it was FANTASTIC! People often ask us why we would 'waste' a week of Matt's PTO days to go spend a week with high school kids. Our answer is that we cannot imagine a summer without it. We love these camps and we love serving as leaders for a week every summer.

This year Matt and I were paired up with college freshman. They were AWESOME! We love those kids so stinkin much. I always just want to pack them up and bring them back home with us. It was amazing to see the transformation that took place in just a weeks time. They were all so open and honest and just real with themselves and us. The theme of the week was REVOLUTION! And WOW was it convicting. It called us to be BOLDER in our walk with God, to quit talking about things and put our faith into ACTION, it challenged us to not be ok living a life of mediocrity but to live our life with PASSION for JESUS! I truly believe that so many left without a 'camp high', but with a true 'life change.' My prayer is that God continues to open a door for us to return each summer.

Hudson turned 4 on Monday while we were there. He had a good day. He especially loved the entire camp singing to him at the end of the day. He was completely embarrassed and shy, but then he could not stop talking about it afterwards. He's my big 4 year old now...I can't believe it! The camp literally goes from 8 until 1am. That is including breakfast in the morning and then the leaders meeting at the end of the day. It is a non-stop, action packed day. The kids get to hang out with the camp staff counselors. They are all awesome and take such good care of the kids. Hudson and Harper were such troopers for the week and had a blast. They played hard and were so worn out by their nap times and bed time. We took Hudson on a service project one day and allowed him to attend the final devotional at the amphitheater. Hudson and Harper both have been to camp with us since they were in my tummy. I love that this is something that will be in their life each summer. We saw them at each meal time, and also during the afternoon free time. It was not so hard leaving them when I knew that they were having fun and were in good hands. Matt's sister Lauren is a counselor, so it helped knowing that there Lala was there too!! We loved so much spending the week with her and Tyson. She was our little prayer warrior for the week...and we could not have done it without those prayers!!

Here is our week in pictures. It truly was a week we'll never forget!!


Lauren and her roomies are bunny-sitting. Hudson and Harper LOOVED the 'nunnies'.

At Chuck-E-Cheese on Sat. night for Hudson's 800th birthday party! (And this was the only picture of the entire week that I am in...the joys of being the photographer).

Riding the carousel @ Chuck E Cheese.

Huddy, Tyson, and Matty.

Cake number 3 out of 4.

Lala and Harp....these 2 girls made one tight bond this week.

The ever-so-famous Willy the WILDCAT!!!!

Picture day @ camp. Nick, Tyler, Jordan, and Emily.....

Our GROUP 16..The BGE (quickly nicknamed the BEST GROUP EVER). We were participating in a shoe tower activity on Wed.

My sweet Harper's shadow. Love this pic!

Jacob's Ladder....a favorite ACU spot of mine.

Huddy putting up his mask....but we are tearing down the masks and being REAL now! (camp activity).

"I love Bean food!!"

Hudman and Lala.

Lauren's roomie Michelle too!! It was fun spending the week with her too!!

Tyson with the kids @ dinner in the Bean.

Last day @ Kadesh.

It was good to have a full weekend at home. The kids were happy to be reunited with their toys and we were all happy to sleep in our own beds again. Hud's bday present from Grammy and Daddy Pops was a Pirate accessory kit for our fort outside. The child LOOOVES this and has had so much fun playing outside with it. He has been so sweet in sharing with Harper too. It's good to be home!