““I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket.””
We’ve enjoyed a somewhat slower pace since returning from our two-month ministry tour, which ended May 20 when we re-settled in Fairfax. In fact we’ve racked up 21 days out of the past 42 sleeping in our own bed! That’s some kind of a record!!
During the first few days we were home, we had a day of counseling and we did a podcast with Jim Ramos of “Men in the Arena.” It can be found here. We also walked the kids to or from school as often as possible and kept them overnight while their parents snuck away. These are the joys of living only 2 miles apart. We’re loving it!
While Derek and Julie got away to celebrate Derek’s birthday, we had the joy of having these two for an overnight.
Off to school we walked just days before the school year ended.
After only five days at home in May, we headed to Orlando, FL, for a week with our two 10-year-old grandchildren, Nathan and Ana. Continuing the tradition we started with eldest grandchild Brandon, we celebrate the entry into “double digit” years with a week of “doing whatever they want” with Papa and Gigi. Nathan and Ana reached that milestone birthday only 2 months apart, and decided they wanted to do their trip together. After many conversations and idea sharing, the two landed on Disney World as the destination.
And so we did!! The trip was tons of fun and maximally enjoyed largely due to the extravagance and generosity of my high school friend, Jackie Luzier, who lives just miles from the Disney properties and is a Disney aficionado, season ticket holder, daily walker through the properties, etc. We had our own personal “genie” with her on the three days (MWF) we spent at the parks, making each day “as good as it gets.”
Our week together was not only super fun, but it gave us some great quality time with these precious ones. Besides all the adventure at the parks, we memorized Galatians 5:22 together (a great use of time while waiting in line for a ride) and focused on a different “fruit of the spirit” each day. We swam in great pools, spent some time with Kari and Lisa who were hanging out in Orlando for a few days, and walked at least 20K steps every day. We’re so thankful for time together and memories made. So blessed.
Our time at the Magic Kingdom lived up to childhood memories and it was so fun to rekindle them with Ana and Nathan.
My high school friend Jackie, who came to Christ through our youth group and became a part of our family over 50 years ago, hosted us for several nights and bar none, her B & B was a “10” . . . this day started with Mickey Mouse waffles and bacon.
The end of a perfect pool day . . . leisurely wandering through Disney Springs.
Epcot did not disappoint with its multi-cultural exhibits and beautiful gardens.
We managed to close up the parks each of the three days.
Separating the park days with hotel pool days was clutch.
All too quickly, the sun set on our week with the “10’s” and we were all sorry to see it come to an end.
We returned to Virginia on Saturday, June 1, just in time to host our dear friends Doug and Julie Macrae for the night of June 2. The party moved to Derek and Julie’s for a fabulous surf and turf dinner and lots of great conversation. After an early summer breakfast at our home, the Macraes continued on their way, leaving us with glad hearts for our sweet time together.
Derek and Julie hosted the Macraes and us for a delicious surf and turf dinner when the Macraes came to town.
We had breakfast on the porch before sending the Macraes on their way. So thankful for the visit!
We were honored to again partner with the Bible Institute of Hawaii on Sat., June 8, by doing a three-hour zoom seminar. We are so thankful for Randy and Miki Wong, who continue to give godly leadership to that important ministry.
Multiple days of counseling, several pool parties, walking the grandkids to or from school, having a dear friend from New England join us for dinner one night, hosting another overnight guest as he made his way from NC to New England, and continuing to get “settled” filled the time before we boarded a plane to California to spend a week at Forest Home Christian Conference Center speaking at one of their nine weeks of family camp.
We were thrilled to have Jenn Robbins join us for dinner when she was in town to play in a concert, which we enjoyed that weekend.
Long time friend Dan Yardley overnighted with us on his drive from Charlotte, NC, to Cape Cod . . . much to our pleasure.
We went a couple of days before family camp started to hang out with daughter Lisa and were so glad we did! I was invited to co-teach with her a session on temperaments during the orientation for their master’s level students and we had a blast. What an honor!!
Teaching on temperaments to Lisa’s master level students at Cal Baptist during their orientation.
We also hiked Mt. Rubideau with dear friends, Jim and Jodi Dickert, floated in Lisa's pool, got some projects done around her house, and duly celebrated Father’s Day, which Lisa very thoughtfully organized.
Sunset on top of Mt Rubideau with Jim and Jodi Dickert . . . hard to improve on this.
Lisa made a “proper fuss” for Paul on Father’s Day.
Summertime offers space to reconnect, refresh, recreate, and relax. Family camp is a place in which all of these elements converge in “shot in the arm” ways. It’s the very best summer vacation with a purpose.
That’s part of why we love it so much.
Sunday afternoon, June 16, we made our way to Forest Home for the 8th year in a row, and had one of the best weeks of family camp we’ve ever had. We are so grateful to be even a small part of the ongoing 86- year history of Forest Home, a consecrated place which has remained faithful to the unchanging Word of God in the midst of an ever-changing and very lost and confused world.
The program team for the week included Thomas Slager, the camp host, (who did a great job facilitating each of the large group sessions), Dave Guzik, the evening Bible teacher (enduringword.com), who inspired us nightly with his brilliant teaching, and Justin and Falon Unger (justinunger.com), who along with their children did a phenomenal job leading us in worship with humility, sensitivity, and authenticity. We completed the team, teaching each morning on marriage and family. Our team bonded very early in the week and we thoroughly enjoyed working with this very humble and talented group. We strongly encourage you to check out the work of both David Guzik and Justin Unger.
The iconic bear welcomes everyone to family camp.
The leadership team: left to right: Justin and Falon Unger, Thomas and Mary Slager, David and Inga-Lill Guzik, and us.
Justin Unger on the keys leads with his sons Nolan, Carson, and Eli.
The camp was full of very eager campers.
Baptisms at the lake on Wednesday were very moving.
The traditional hike to Inspiration Point for the pancake breakfast was even more special as we shared it with our new friends, Johannes and Xin.
We loved interacting with this group from Chino Hills Community Church, led by family pastor Ken Elben and his wife, Joy.
Closing morning was highlighted by the children singing with “Music Mama.”
Standing with more new friends from the week . . .
. . . and more. These siblings were at camp with their spouses and their parents and were so delightful.
The sun set on family camp on Saturday, June 22, and we made our way back to Virginia that night, with full hearts and tired bodies.
We ate every meal with a different family/couple and most of our afternoons were filled with appointments. We felt God orchestrated every meeting, every interaction, and we witnessed Him bringing hope and healing to numerous people throughout the week. What a privilege to a part of His kingdom work!!
Back home in Virginia, it was all about the pool, Nathan’s basketball games, and further getting settled . . . Quintessential summertime. That lasted for four days, before driving down to Virginia Beach for a day on the 28th to celebrate the 70th birthday of our lifelong friend, Doug Hart. Our schedule doesn’t always permit us “showing up” for such important events and we’re always happy when it does. We had a great time reconnecting with this family we love dearly.
The Johnsons are regulars at the pool.
How fun to be in town to watch Nathan play summer league basketball.
Doug’s son David and his wife Krista (both of whom served together on CBS program staff about 20 years ago), stand with their three children, Doug and Kelly Hart, their daughter Keren, and us.
We’re now back in California at Alliance Redwood Christian Camp running their first-ever family camp. It’s a short camp (Tuesday–Friday) and small, but it’s a start. We’re so thankful to have several veterans working with us on staff (Lisa Friesen and Robert Kovacs) and are very excited to welcome the family campers tonight at dinner time. Our hearts will always beat so deeply for family camps and we’re very thankful to have these opportunities to continue to impact families through this beloved medium.
There is plenty of space during these summer months to be renewed by a less busy schedule and a variety of vacation-esque plans. We are so thankful for good health and great opportunities to be “all in” for His purposes for our lives.
Ah . . . the joys of summertime!
