GRACE Camping Trip 2009!

This year was my second time attending the annual GRACE camping trip, in Jemez. It was alot of fun! The first night, Mykaela, a friend and I all slept in a tent. Our rain cover was not put on completely because we didn't expect a whole lot of rain. Well, it rained quite a bit that night. We were sleeping in an eight person tent, but we had our little "areas" near the sides of the tent. The rain-water came in through the corner of our "areas" Who got wet? Actually, everybody in that tent did, but I had placed some clothes from the night before in the corner of the tent. The clothing soaked up most of the water that seeped in the tent. I woke up with a dry sleeping bag. It was only wet on the outside of mine. Mykaela and my friend on the other hand, were soaking wet, right through their sleeping bag and pillow! That wasn't a very fun awakening no doubt. Dad and the boys were able to get it dried out and "rainproofed" before that night, but Everyone made room in the camper for us, and Jeremiah and Jonathan (who also woke up in a wet tent) slept in ours, and Josh, and Micah slept in the car.
Other than that, the camping trip went smoothly and we all had a wonderful time as a family and with other friends.
Though it's not quite the same as being there, here is a glimpse of our Thursday-Saturday vacation. :)

The view in Jemez On the road!

Mom Keturah and Josiah feeding the birds.

Keturah in a field by our campsite.

These little chipmunks were

brave! They came onto our picnic

table and stole Keturah's chips!

The birds here were brave as well. I loved watching them. They were beautiful!

Watch out for warrior Josiah! He loved throwing pincecones at Jonathan

when he passed by on his bicycle. :)

Jeremiah and Josiah

Some bikes waiting to be ridden.

Sweet little Turah! (Keturah)

These flowers where what we gathered together on a little walk down the pathway by our campsite.

Jonathan ready to ride his bike!

Dad and Jeremiah setting up camp.

(our leaky tent) :)

Josiah

One happy camper!

On the way home, our leftover

chocolate bars were melting,

so Mykaela and I enjoyed!

The scenery.

Dad and Jeremiah in our campsite. This was when we were getting ready to leave

More scenery. (it was beautiful!).

Good Bye Jemez! We look foward to next year!

Lamentations 3.22-26

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.

The Solder's Mother

Oh my son I've raised you strong in God's laws not of mans.

I've taught you to listen for His call and not our own small plans.

God's chosen you to be a solder-my son it's what you'll be;
But as you go to fight on hard, come to be at last with me.

The hardships that you are facing, and the terror that wars hold
Tough as they are, remember love, in Christ you can be bold.

I have prayed for you today-the burden that I share
I shall thank God for you my son, that for your country trials you bear.

I have struggled as you've gone so far towards the battle lines.
Please continue to trust that God knows best when there's hard times.

Down on bended knees I've called for His will above the lies,
And I know that God does hear his desperate daughter's cries.

If you are in his will dear one, than no matter what conspires
His hand will be upon your own, guiding you throughout trial, and fires.

As you've fought hard through smoke and fear, across a foreign land
Someones bullet took you down, and now Christ shall take your hand.

The price of freedom has been paid from sea to shining sea,
Someday across the gates I'll come- and you, at last, to me.

By Kelsey A. Hoppman

2009