I can't believe it has been three months - almost to the day - since I wrote a blog entry!  Where did the time go and what was I doing?

First of all, Walter and I spent six weeks serving at Big River Bible Camp. Walter repaired several of the camp's boats and got them running.  He also worked on side by sides and Gators for the camp staff.  His highlight was to speak at the Teen Camp chapels - teaching and preaching on the Book of Ephesians to 50+ teenagers!  And for three weeks, Walter led the craft skill where they made bears, owls, cats or dogs from wood.  The kids loved being able to use the air nailer to create fun wooden creatures to take home!

I spent the summer as kitchen manager, helping plan the menu, order the groceries and do some cooking, as well.  It was great to be familiar with the kitchen and the menu from helping last year - but there was still a lot to learn!  Being short-handed some weeks meant I was hands-on in the kitchen.  Other weeks, I was able to participate as worship leader for chapel or assist with other tasks around camp.  Walter and I had to make a couple Saturday runs to Prince Albert (1 1/2 hour trip one way!) for forgotten or missed grocery items and other errands for maintenance. But generally, the local Co-op Store in Big River could supplement any items needed.

Walter and I were blessed to stay in the main house, a quiet space after long days in the kitchen or the maintenance shop.  The days were generally hot but the house would cool off in the evenings with the windows open and fans blowing at top speed.  We could hear the kids singing around the campfire or squealing during the night game!  Generally my alarm went off at 6:30 am so we didn't stay up too late.

What a privilege to work together with our daughter, Caylea and her fiance, Eric! We'd chat in Caylea's office or debrief the week over a quiet meal together at the town's primary restaurant "Third & Main." The load of running the camp, managing the facilities and staff, problem-solving on the fly is a heavy burden for these two, and we saw them both grow and handle themselves very well.  

Also seeing the local church and community folks step up and assist as volunteers was a tremendous blessing to us.  We made some good friends and worked together with phenomenal people this summer!  The impact of the camp on so many families over the 75+ years has drawn many to return and give back.  From seniors helping in the kitchen to junior staff known as LIT's (leaders in training), we saw how the camp could continue to provide solid Bible teaching, fun activities and delicious meals and snacks through the generosity and sacrifice of tremendous folks.

Not only did we contribute to the camp's programs but Walter preached 3 times at the Big River Evangelical Free Church over July and August.  They are currently without a pastor and invited Walter to preach - which he gladly did!  I joined Caylea to help lead worship one Sunday in June and that is always a joy for me.  And one weekend in July, we had to run back to Regina for my Uncle Harold's Celebration of Life - where my sister, Paula, cousin, Wendy and myself were honoured to sing some special songs.  This gave us a couple nights in our own bed and the chance to refresh for the final weeks at Big River.

It was bittersweet to pack up and load the truck for our final drive home.  Although we were physically exhausted and spiritually spent, we had no regrets. Knowing our time and energies had been invested in something of eternal value - the kids from P.A., Saskatoon and several surrounding First Nations and small towns in the area - was the best way we could spend the summer of 2026!