All the goodness of summer joys have been ours this past month. Long, warm days. Beautiful sunsets. Endless hours in the pool with family and friends. Savory bbq’s on the grill. Watermelon, corn, tomatoes, and berries. Houseguests. A relaxed schedule.

We have fully “summered” the past five weeks and our souls and bodies have been refreshed and renewed.

How grateful we are!

Backing up in to waning days of June, we returned from Forest Home’s family camp just in time to celebrate Fathers’ Day with Derek and Julie and family. That made our re-entry oh so sweet!

*Father’s Day brunch out with the Johnsons*

Just days later, my dear friend Becky came for a too-short but delightful visit. She’s a low-impact, good-for-the-soul friend and our time together passed far too quickly.

*Becky is a dear friend of my heart and her visit was lovely.*

Not many days passed before Uganda came to us. We met Collins and Edith Kabachelor in Mbale well over a decade ago when they both worked at the Cure Hospital for which our son-in-law Derek was the executive director. They eventually married and now, with five beautiful children, live in CT while Edith, who is already an MD, pursues a PhD at Yale. They are also very involved with Neurokids, the non-profit Derek directs which is committed to training pediatric neurosurgeons in the “Warf Method” of treating hydrocephalus (which continues to be epidemic in developing countries). We were so happy to join in on their visit with the Johnsons, fellowshipping and catching up with them over “Beef Olé” and Papa’s cookies. Our visit with them renewed our longing to return to Mbale as it resurfaced many sweet memories of our years of ministry there.

*Collins and Edith and their crew of 5 spent a lovely day with the Johnsons and we were fortunate to join the party for dinner.*

We love living in a geographical area which connects the north and the south along the east coast, which makes us an easy stopping place for friends traveling in either direction. Such was the case just days after our visit with Collins and Edith when our dear, very longtime friends, Bill and Christy Keating, “layed over” at our “B & B” as they drove from Boston to Kentucky. We had a delightful visit with them and happily were also joined for dinner by their daughter, Julia, who lives in D.C. Great conversations and fellowship marked their visit.

*Bill and Christy Keating and their daughter Julia pose with us for an after dinner sunset shot.*

And then it was the 4th of July!! On this remarkable 250th anniversary of our nation’s history, we have celebrated with grateful hearts the legacy of freedom we’ve been blessed with in America. In spite of her flaws, we are so thankful for the realities of living in a country in which we can freely worship, pursue dreams, and attain goals.

Since we were married in 1976, the bicentennial birthday of our nation, numerous nostalgic memories were remembered by some similar celebrations in 2026. That added a sweetness for us to this momentous occasion.

BBQ’s, pool parties, fireworks, and trips in to D.C. were all part of how we celebrated this 250th.

*The Johnsons joined us for a festive 4th of July bbq and swim.*

. . . where we were mesmerized by the “Illumination of the Washington Monument.” This beautifully done multimedia show was projected on all four sides of this iconic statue, depicting a brief history of America in 20 minutes. The Museum of the Bible sponsored this unique presentation and we were so happy to get to see it.

The 4th of July week just kept getting better as my dear friend Dawn came in for a few days. Time with “chosen family” friends is never long enough, but we were thankful for 4 full days with her.

After her flight was canceled Tuesday night, the 7th, she arrived at 8 am on the 8th and we went straight from National Airport to breakfast, and then to the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. We thoroughly enjoyed riding the ferris wheel, which gave great views of our nation’s capitol, and visiting many of the state’s “hospitality houses.” It was so well done! Because we got an early start, we didn’t have to wait in long lines or deal with huge crowds which definitely grew as the day progressed. It was a great start to our time with Dawn.

*The 250th birthday’s Great American State Fair was full of delight!*

*Can you tell what isn’t real in this photo?*

Besides doing a bit of antiquing and thrifting, swimming and walking, drinking coffee and eating yummy meals, Dawn “gifted” us with her immense decorating talent and helped us hang paintings and photos on our almost 3-year-old bare-walled home. It has transformed our living space, making it feel much more like home, and we are both so grateful.

After her Saturday night (July 11) flight was also canceled, we reluctantly sent her home early Sunday morning, but the essence of her as seen on our no-longer-bare walls is everywhere. #blessed

We didn’t have long to lament her leaving as Papa-Gigi Camp would start two days later, so we went in to high gear to finish preparations for the highlight week of our summer.

*Papa puts some final touches on “Papa-Gigi Camp” prep, and off to the airport we went on Tuesday, July 14.*

*These cousins love each other so much! Such a happy reunion!!!*

*Brandon, Ana, and Micah flew in from Oakland, CA, along with Auntie Lili, and were enthusiastically greeted by their east coast cousins, Nathan and Rachel.*

*And so it begins: the third annual “Papa-Gigi Camp.”*

The week was full of activity (mostly outdoors), meals, talking, laughing, playing games, controlled competitions, and special treats. Each of the five children plus Lisa took turns being in charge of prayer for the day and for devotions at night, using the “curriculum” Paul had developed and which Barbara Steele produced. Using Joseph’s life, topics of integrity, character, honesty, trusting God, etc, were discussed and the memory verse, Romans 8:31–32 was (mostly) mastered by all over the course of the week.

Having "Auntie Lili” serve as Camp Counselor again was clutch. She loves her nieces and nephews so well and has all of their love and respect. The essence of her Christlike life has such a deep impact on each of them and we are beyond thankful that to date, she is one of their most treasured “influencers.” May it always be!

The exclamation point on the last day of camp was spending Monday, the 20th, with Rob and Gabby Warren, who graciously and sacrificially treated us to a day on the water in their boat. This second annual tradition was the one most asked for by all 5 and all would agree it was “the best day ever.” What a gift from these very special friends/ministry partners.

Fun was had by all, and we trust that life lessons driven by Biblical truths will contribute to the shaping of each of their hearts for Jesus.

Micah’s parting words were, “Can Papa-Gigi Camp be 2 weeks next year?”

I guess that’s a pretty strong endorsement.

*Donning our camp shirts, designed by Brandon.*

*The pool was the #1 venue for activity. Notice the sunset, enhanced by the smoke which drifted into our atmosphere from Ontario, Canada’s wildfires.*

*Several days were spent at Rutherford Park for basketball and tennis competitions.*

*There were some indoor activities, like putting together this puzzle of vintage cereal box covers.*

*One afternoon was spent rock climbing which has become a passion for Brandon (and a lesser passion for Lisa) in recent months.*

*One evening we had an early cousins' celebration of Nathan’s upcoming 13th birthday at Top Golf.*

*We continued the tradition of spending a morning at Sky Zone Trampoline Park.*

*Everyone enjoyed outdoor movie night featuring “Breadwinner” starring Nate Bargatze. Though viewing started from the pool, it quickly shifted to the hot tub.*

*We played a round of mini-golf at a local course.*

*Each day ended with devotions, led each night by a different child.*

*Boys vs. Girls competitions took place in the pool, on the courts, and in the green behind out house. Here Nate is playing “Kan Jam."*

*Make-your-own pizza night was again a big hit.*

*Nate and Brandon put the finishing touches on their pizzas.*

*Ta-da! Each child’s personality shows up in their individual pizza creation.*

*Our last day: boating with the Warrens.*

*The girls modeling the camp shirts which boldly proclaim the theme of the week.*

*Rob masterfully captains the boat while his 1st mate Gabby tends the ropes. They are the best!!*

After a wonderfully exhausting day on the water, we headed straight to Nate’s play-off basketball game. Though his Burke team had suffered through a very losing season, we were all surprised and delighted to cheer his team on to victory that night! Cousin power??

*Happiness when Nate’s team won their first play-off game!!*

Tuesday morning, July 21, one week later . . . our final breakfast together. Their chosen menu of cinnamon rolls and bacon was fulfilled and the sweetness of the meal held off the sadness of departure which would come hours later.

*But first, our final devotions (postponed from the previous night due to Nate’s game).*

*A few last hours in the pool for the volleyball competition.*

*And off to the airport, where sadness abounded.*

The slightly weathered sign came down soon after sending the CA crew home and the book was closed on the 2026 edition of “Papa-Gigi Camp.” But we pray that the impact of the week will bear fruit for years to come as it weaves its way into the story of each of our lives, which by God’s grace and power, will draw us more deeply in to His heart.

A mere 36 hours after camp ended, we were on a flight to Ohio for a July 24th wedding! Caleb and Lilly attended Engagement Matters in Dec, 2025, and asked us to do their premarital counseling, which we agreed to. After they discovered that Caleb’s home pastor was unable to perform their wedding ceremony due to a prior commitment, they invited Paul to be their officiant and he accepted with joy. It was so refreshing to walk with these two as they prepared to enter this sacred covenant, as their commitment to honoring the Lord and serving Him together was evident.

Their wedding was a beautiful affirmation of all that is good, and the officiant “knocked it out of the park,” I humbly and unbiasedly say. He was affirmed throughout the reception for his deeply meaningful message on marriage. All praise is His!!

*Mr. and Mrs. Caleb (and Lilly) Kuechly!*

Meanwhile, back at the farm, Paul’s caged garden is producing, much to our delight! The tomatoes are the stars of the show so far, with peppers coming in a distant second. The zukes have a challenge to catch up, which we’re hoping they’ll spend August doing. We’re loving having fresh, farm-to-table caprese and bruschetta, as well as juicy slices of real red tomatoes on burgers. We’re so thankful that all of his hard work is paying off!

Since we returned from the wedding, we’ve celebrated with grandson Nathan as he turned 13, continued having pool time as well as tennis and basketball outings, sent Lisa back to CA (she stayed out for the big birthday), had a lovely visit with Nathan Bachman who dropped in for dinner on his road trip from his summer internship in CT to his home in TX, finished another puzzle, and gotten the house (mostly) back in order. We’ve also had “ad hoc” counseling appointments when we can squeeze them in, and we’re trying to catch up on neglected emails and ministry business.

*We finished this great puzzle of American landmarks in less than 3 days!*

*We thoroughly enjoyed a quick dinner with Nathan Bachman.*

And now, the calendar page has just turned from July, revealing the days of August, and the sidewalks of summer are being rolled up as though its days are over. With the whole month of August ahead, how is “summer” over?

When did fully one third of the summer days which nurtured my childhood heart and soul with carefree, school-less days, get hijacked and replaced with an early return to school, causing iconic seaside playgrounds to close during the best days of true summer?

I guess the saying "The only thing certain in life is change” is true.

We will, however, continue to squeeze all we can out of these still hot, swimmable, garden-producing days of traditional summer.

We’ll take a brief break in summer time pleasures to speak at a conference in Valdosta, GA, next weekend (Aug. 7-8), but return to the glory of summer in Ogunquit, ME, later in the month. That will refresh and recharge us for a very full fall ahead . . . and as much as we love summer, we will be delighted to resume what we love even more: talking about Jesus and marriage.