Rock Crossing Visit

I had to awesome blessing to go out to Rock Crossing two weeks ago. It was the Ojala's first time out this summer, so we didn't know what we would find. There were a few large trees that had blown over this winter, but thankfully all fell next to buildings not on them! It was so early in the summer (really, still spring) that there was not much green on the trees and you could see the roofs the buildings from the river. 

This is the first summer that I won't be attending camp in forever, which translates to about fifteen years. It is a little strange knowing I won't be there (or any other camp, for that matter), but God is good! Looking back on our lives, I'm sure we would not want to always be the same as we were twenty years ago. Change is hard to accept when it first makes its appearance, but God is faithful in growing us and making us ready for change. Ten years ago, Rock Crossing was so important to me, that I planned my entire year around those two weeks of camp. Fast forward to today - I am not going and I have complete peace about that. 

But I am still thankful I had the chance to go out for the weekend this month. Rock Crossing holds a special place in my heart; I have many, many memories from my time out there. Young people I was able to point to Christ and watch as they accepted Him as their Saviour. Lives I got to see changed. Conversations and opportunities I will treasure forever. Times of prayer with fellow believers I hold precious. Lessons God taught me that have molded me into who I am today. Friendships that were strengthened. And all the crazy, funny stories of randomness that happened.... at all hours of the day. Oh, and nicknames that I received. 

late night on the sandbar

our neighbors driving by

sunset at 10:something 

Goodnight Rock Crossing!

Wifi!!! and Summer

Yay I have internet again at my house!!! Since I arrived home from Asia over 2 months ago, our wifi has been horrible. It says it is connected with full signal, but it hardly ever allows me to access any websites. I've had to check email  and such at other locations. It's been frustrating, since I do so much on my laptop and have several projects pending, just waiting for wifi to work again. Don't know what happened but tonight it is working! 

Summer is in full swing. Our church just finished all our camps for the summer season. Three weeks of camps (I only went to one week). Pretty sure most of our teens and adult workers are still recovering from the lack of sleep. But they were good weeks. I attended the village week of Rock Crossing as a counselor again this summer. We had a large group - last year one girl came from Manley; this year she came back and brought 7 others! Several of which got saved. Praise the Lord!! 

Having a hotter, drier than normal summer so far this year means we have a lot of wild fires in the states. Last I heard, over 100. A couple are fairly close to here, so the last few days we've been inhaling tons of second hand smoke. It looks like the sky is overcast and cloudy, but really it's just smoke. Today it has cleared up quite a bit. Actually just a little while ago, it rained pretty heavy. Also had thunder and lightening! I love those storms!! (except lightening isn't a good thing when it's been dry; can cause more fires)

Other than that, don't have much to say.... just wanted to post, since I've missed blogging. Hopefully the internet stays on from now on out. 

Alaskan Wild Roses - one of my favs 

enjoying camp

beautiful Tanana River

Rock Crossing

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul. 
For He alone is worthy!

I am SO grateful that I have a relationship with the Creator of the Universe! 

His love for me overflows my heart. His peace encompasses my soul. His strength enables my body. His grace renews me!

The past two weeks I spent out at Rock Crossing Bible Camp, out on the Tanana River. It is one of my favorite places in the world. The first week of camp was for kids in villages. We had campers from Selawik, Pt. Hope, Ft. Yukon and Fairbanks. We had an awesome group - had some sweet times of prayer, made lots of memories, took tons of pictures, heard powerful preaching and the sweetest part of all - saw souls trust in Christ alone for their salvation! God gave me the opportunity to witness to several girls. One prayed to receive Christ and two others prayed the next day to accept Him. 

There is NO greater thrill than to see someone release their trust in themselves and place in Christ's hands. For Only thru Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross can one truly know they are born again and on their way to heaven. 

on the Tanana River

The second week of camp was for kids from Fairbanks, particularly those from my church. Another good week. Actually had less campers the second week than the first which normally doesn't happen.

I want to praise God for His constant working in my life. No matter how much one learns and grows, there is always so much more to learn. The past two weeks God worked on my heart countless times.