dakota house camping trip

In a few hours we load up six vehicles with food, sleeping bags, pots and pans, and Dakota House kids. Then we drive a very windy road for a couple of hours, pray no one throws up, and arrive at the sweet little camping spot we have been taking kids to for about 15 years.

Brad and I drove up last night and saved the area--which is large and hidden away and not a regular camping site--by setting up the kitchen, and tents (one for boys to change in--one for girls; we all sleep outside), and cleaning up the disgusting mess left by prior 'campers.'

I think the people who were just there were Toilet Paper Terrorists, or Nazi Forest Criminals. It was bad. But it is cleaned up now and ready to host 21 kids from the ghetto and 9 very fortunate adults.

This is one of my favorite things we do all year. There is nothing like taking kids who rarely leave their neighborhood up to the mountains, where most of them have never been. Everything is new to them: from the cows on the way up to the creek to the campfire. They are astounded by everything and are free to just play. And be kids.

Please pray for us to keep them safe, love them well, and bring Jesus a little closer to their hearts. And for Emily to drive safely to us from Calvin Crest. I haven't seen her in weeks... I can't wait to see my girl.

God gives wondrous gifts of love. No wonder we love Him so much.