Camp!

I had the pleasure of returning to Camp Ridgecrest last week to work starter camp. I had worked the previous two summers there and wish I could have returned for a third time. Unfortunately, the real world has to hit eventually, as interviewing for a job took priority. I think it is great that Ridgecrest allows former staffers to come work the last week of camp. Starter camp is unique in the fact that every child who enters through the front gate is doing so for the first time. I love the fact that they all start on the same foot, exploring camp's grounds together while forming friendships that may last a lifetime! This also makes for a great cabin atmosphere, as no camper tries to be a bully and pull rank.

I was also excited to hear that I would be working with a good friend from the previous summer, Steven Fuller. We also had a third staffer in our cabin, Carl Gidley, who I ended up getting along with really well. The day before the kids came, I enjoyed listening to Steven, Carl, and the other staff tell stories from the summer. We all went down to Asheville for dinner that night which was a highly enjoyable experience. It seems like they really had a great staff this summer who were committed to bringing the message of Christ to their kids! Once the campers arrived on Sunday morning, things sure picked up!

My favorite part of the week was the camp out. I had not been camping since the previous summer and enjoyed relaxing in my hammock while the kids played by the stream. Starting a campfire is also a favorite, as we roasted hot dogs and told stories by its side. The rest of the week was full of fun including sock war, counsel ring, and lots of free swim time! I really bonded with my campers and had some great discussions with them about Christ. Two of my campers told me that they accepted Christ for the first time. It is my prayer that they will continue to grow in their faith and come back to camp next summer with a strong desire to learn more.

Another great part of starter camp is getting to hang out with the staff. One of my friends from Virginia Tech, Scott Suggs, also returned to work for the week. It I never had the privilege of working with him for a full summer, but it is always nice to see him in his element at camp. Many other staffers from the last two years were also there. After the kids left on Friday, a group of us played a round of Frisbee golf before departing. I played on a team with Scott, and up until the final hole, was not faring too well. On the tie breaking hole, I had the shot of my life as I hit the pole from about 35 yards away! It was a fitting ending to a fantastic week. Camp Ridgecrest is truly a special place and one that will always hold a place in my heart. God continues to work in a mighty way there and I look forward to seeing him continue to do so in the future.

Carl and I along with our campers

Preparing for Council Ring!

Goofy shot

With one of the campers from Cabin 1

Cabin 8 together for one last time before parents arrived

On my way back to Blacksburg, I was able to stop in Charlotte and catch up with some close friends. Three years ago I worked an engineering internship there and formed some strong relationships with people from Southbrook Church. I had dinner on Friday night with my friends Sara and Amanda. It was great to hear what God has been doing in their lives. Then on Saturday I stopped by my friend Justin's new house. He is getting married in six weeks! I am so excited for him and his fiance Tiffany. Finally, I spent a day with the Appletons. Mark and Leah were the associate directors of the BCM during my time at Virginia Tech. I don't think there were many other people who had as large an impact on my college life than them. They are now in Charlotte as Mark works towards his seminary degree and Leah stays at home with their 2-year old daughter Abigail. We had a great time in fellowship together and I was sad to leave on Sunday afternoon. I hope to see them again soon!

Now I am back in Blacksburg and ready to start new teacher orientation on Monday! It is hard to believe that I am finally beginning my career. I am both excited and nervous at the same time, and will be praying that God provides me with a good support system and kids who are willing to learn! I know that He is in control and will give me the strength to overcome any obstacles that may come my way. I will keep y'all updated once the students arrive!

Emily's Wedding

About ten days ago I traveled up to Virginia Beach with Tim for our good friend Emily's wedding. Other than the traffic on the way there (we were ten minutes late to the ceremony), it was a great time. Emily was one of the first people we both met our freshman year at Virginia Tech. Though we don't get to see her and the rest of the VA beach crew very often anymore, the friendships we formed almost six years ago remain strong. It was so great to be reunited with everyone and it reminded me of freshman year when we all used to hang out at Matt and Steve's apartment to watch football and play Mario Kart. Hard to believe six years have passed since then. I wish nothing but the best to Emily and Brock as they start a journey together with Christ right in the middle. Weddings are such an awesome reminder of God's greatness and love.

Cappy, Myself, Matt, and Joe

Best pic of the night!

The lovely couple

Tim, Karen, Cappy, and myself

The triumvirate!

Virginia Tech Reunion. Go Hokies!

My Dad

I just wanted to post a few thoughts about my dad after celebrating Father's Day yesterday. I was blessed to be able to spend Father's Day with him for the first time in four years. I have always looked up to my father. He has always been there for me and modeled what it means to be a man. He works so hard to support all of us and never complains. I am especially thankful for his support as I have taken a few extra years to complete my Masters degree to teach math. I know he was proud of me when I accepted my first full time job offer. I am so appreciative of him for being by my side every step of the way. God has blessed us with dad. It is only by His grace that dad is alive and healthy today. Dad had a liver condition for many years and two liver transplants later, he is doing great. Thanks to everyone who has prayed for him over the years. God has truly answered those prayers! Dad has always been our strength and he has received that strength from God. So dad, if you get around to reading this, thanks. Thanks for being a role model, a teacher, a provider, and most importantly, a friend! May God bless you with many more years on this Earth so that you may bless others with your life. I love you dad!

Employed!

Today I accepted an offer to teach at Pulaski County High School this upcoming school year. God is so faithful! Life is funny sometimes. Last week I was eager for any opportunity I could come across. By this morning, I had two offers, one at Pulaski and one at a middle school in Roanoke. There were times today when I wished I only had the one offer! It was a tough decision to make, as both schools offered a lot of positives. In the end, I went with my gut. I got a really good impression of the administration at Pulaski when I visited and trust that they will help my transition to teaching be as smooth as possible. It has been a long journey to this point, but here I am with my first real job. I am so thankful for the support my family has given me throughout my life leading up to this point. I look forward to seeing how God will use me at Pulaski. Exciting times are ahead! Thanks to everyone for all your prayers and support!

Seeking God's Direction

I have not updated in a while! It is hard to believe that it has almost been a month since the semester ended. I have been substitute teaching in NY and enjoying time spent with family and friends. During this time I have been seeking leads for teaching jobs. Last week I got a call to interview at Pulaski High School and so yesterday I drove the 9 hours down to Blacksburg. I have an interview tomorrow at 9 am. Please pray for this opportunity and any others that may come. Getting a job for the fall would go a long way to helping me support myself fully as well as start paying off loans. I am just praying that I can have patience if a job is not in the Lord's plan. If I don't get a job, then I will most likely be student teaching. I know this would be a valuable experience if that is the case. God is good and His will be done! Thanks for your prayers!