We got back today from an overnight caving trip with a group of our graduated 5th graders. We took them up to Sweetwater, TN to the Lost Sea Caverns. We arrived for supper and then the standard "tourist" tour- a view of the special formations, the walking tour, and the glass-bottom boat ride on the underground lake. Then we got "The Wild Tour"- with guides, we climbed, crawled, and squeezed our way through undeveloped parts of the caverns over about 2 hours. It was a blast! We got dirty, tired, and were definitely cured of any claustrophobia we may have had! We then camped out in the caverns, and left after breakfast this morning. The whole trip was a great time to spend with our 5th graders before they move up to middle school in a couple of weeks. We also spent some time talking about things they will face in their teen years, and how to keep anchored to Christ. I pray that the kids coming up and through our kid's ministry will "live what they learned", and always remember the times we have shared together.
Rob

I'm writing this from Kid's Camp, up in Anderson, SC. We finished our final night here, and its been an amazing week! We carried 378 kids & leaders here, and have enjoyed awesome, fun worship with Brent Weber, crazy daily comedy skits with our teen intern team, great water games with our Rec. staff, lots of swimming at the city water park, and good Bible studies on the "Armor of God". Tonight, we shared the Gospel of salvation with the camp, and had 27 kids want to trust Jesus Christ! Then we had a celebration talent show, and it was so much fun watching our kids cheer each other on. Truly, its been one of those times that, even as an adult you find yourself thinking, "I would love to just stay in this moment, feel this love & joy, enjoy this family-feel, forever." And we will, one day in Heaven. This has definitely been a little taste of what's to come. I'm drinking this up, looking forward to the day we'll never "put the cup down".
Rob

4th of July weekend was a great time for me and my family. My brother, Rick, came from Texas with his family, and my youngest brother, Mark, was there all weekend, as well. It had been several years since our whole family was together at one time- we had not even been able to get together on major holidays in at least 3 years, maybe longer! We all spent Sunday through Tuesday together- my family, Rick's family, Mark, and my Mom & Dad. It was refreshing to be all together again. As kids, my brothers and I fought constantly; now, we look forward to times we can be together. Its funny- I'm the oldest, but I'm often mistaken as the youngest! I'm the shortest, have the most hair, and the least gray. I certainly enjoy that, and rub it in with them when I can!
Its always good to get together with those who mean alot to you, yet always sad to say goodbye. I look forward to the day, in Heaven, when ALL those we have loved, those who have followed Christ, will celebrate together, and never say goodbye. What a reunion that will be....
Rob