Paddle, Run, Jump!

The Summer was a blur, but earned itself an unforgettable rating...

I was called to be the Ward Girl's Camp director. It was a busy year of preparation, followed by 3 weeks of cramming to get everything organized, and then I was called to be the Primary Secretary. I had the hardest time trying to figure out who my assistance could be! We have so many people from our ward who participate in camp, from crafts, to certification, to cooking, we are well represented! Weeks before we were to leave I was blessed to be able to find two sweet sisters who were willing to split the week, the only thing was, they were so willing to go, I ended up with 2 assistants!

The Sunday before camp my Mazda wouldn't start! Neighbor Bob, gave it a jump start, and I drove it to the parts store, where it got another jump start. I bought an alternator, that Amanda's sweet Dad-in-Law installed for me, and we were back in business. I was beginning to wonder if I was going to make it! The mazda made the journey... without overheating, and started every time! Despite the mosquitos the size of hummingbirds, and squirrels that would carry your tent away, and a broken sewer line that got dug up in front of our tent, we had a memorable and uplifting week.

My favorite memory was on bishops' night. It was Thursday night, we had been with our age group (3rd years) all week, and this was our chance to get back with our girls and leaders and have a meeting to ourselves. We got to pick our own location, and we reserved the canoes to go out to the island on the lake. At about 7pm we gathered at the dock and loaded about 8 canoes with our girls and leaders. We had a great time rowing out, in our group and landing on the island after about 20 minutes. What we didn't realize is that the other camp on the lake was having a dance! We had one of the amazing 6th year girls Mickenzie Johnston, give a message, then I gave a message about what I learned about rowing the canoe over the week, and how it relates to the gospel. Over the week, my friend Teresa and I had taken several canoe outings. I usually was in back, and always thought that I was so strong because I had to keep switching sides more than Teresa to straighten us out. It wasn't until I took a turn in the front, that I realized how weak I felt, and powerless without Teresa behind me to do course correction. I likened our life to trying to row by ourselves and thinking that we have all of the power, when in reality, our life is a team effort with our Heavenly Father. We are both in the canoe together, and without steering and course correction of the Savior, we may be paddling in vain! When we communicate and work together, the work is easier, and the path is straighter.

We had the best testimony meeting I can remember after the leaders spoke of their experiences of the week, and reminded us that this night was typical of how we try to feel the spirit and stay focused on what's important, while the “world” goes on around us. I didn't think it would have been possible to keep 12 girls involved in a meeting with Micheal Jackson, and Lady Gaga blaring in the background. But, as we sat on the picnic blanket on the sandy beach with the sun setting over the lake, these girls shared sweet testimony of the gospel working in their lives. I saw the trees blowing and the water rippling; a bald eagle flew over us and you could see it's white against the jagged rock in the mountain behind us, the night was a perfect gift.. I thought that if everyone could have an experience like this, they would never again question how the spirit can work in their lives and give them comforting peace. My cup runneth over, even while tapping my foot to “Thriller” We had a closing prayer, some snacks, and made our way back across the lake. It was dark, so the girls had the glow stick bracelets and lanterns in the canoes. It was better than a fourth of July light show!

I know that Heavenly Father has always prepared me for the experiences that come, even when I don't know it. The change of pace and spirit at girls camp, stayed with me for the week to come, as I lost my Maggie Sue.

Maggie was with me since I was 18! I got her when one of my students found her on the side of the road, on the way to a riding lesson. I held the little black puppy while I taught the lesson, and just couldn't give her up. That was September, and my college life was just beginning. Maggie lived in truck with me, and stayed hidden for a little while, until we fell asleep over a Chemistry book on the kitchen floor one afternoon. We got found out, and Maggie was part of the family. She traveled to work with me, went to college, and to all of the farms I worked at. She lived with me at Home, at my Waystation Ranch years, and to the end here at Uponarockranch. I knew the day would come someday, but it's never enough time! I miss those sweet brown eyes, and a constant companion who was there every day for 14 years. I'm so glad I have friends at Yelm Vet who were there through the last few days and minutes. I had a disturbing realization as I wrapped maggie in a sheet and started to dig her grave. I realize I can't know how mother's feel, but I wondered if the pioneer women saw the same scene I did, as they put their small bundles into the ground. I have a new reverence for the Pioneers, and am so glad that I didn't live during that time.

Well grief has a way of putting us into action sometimes. So ironically, now 14 years later, I find myself ready to begin another college life. First a house-refinance, then community college to pick up some additional credits, then to University for a degree in Elementary Education. Well, that's the plan anyway. Sometimes, I feel like a dog in agility class. Have you seen that before? You teach the dog to jump through all kinds of hoops, and go over obstacles and through tunnels. There's a spot where you have to make them sit and wait, then continue over ramps, weave the poles... and on and on. At the end you get a reward, or a toy or whatever. It's all timed, so you have to run! And then if you're really good at the first set of obstacles, you get to go again! With lots of practice you get faster at manuevering the course, and quicker at getting over the obstacles... then the courses get harder, and it begins again. Yes, that does sound familiar...

Thank you my family for cheering me through the course!!! I've had so much fun spending time with family. I love our family dinners, and miss those of you who aren't here! I hear people complain about their families and feel so very blessed to love mine so much. I have the sweetest siblings, the best parents, and the cutest nephews and nieces. Thank you sharing your lives with me. I don't have great pictures of you, because I'm never holding the camera when I'm with you, Thanks for reading the "farm news" I love reading your blogs, Please know that I love you too!