Technically it was WOF #4, but this was the first year I attended. Ahmed and I spent a weekend camping in Yankton, SD with a group of wonderful friends.
We kicked off the weekend by arriving at the campground Friday night at dusk. Hurrying to set up our tent before dark, we realized we were missing a very important piece of tent hardware. After a few minutes ofbrainstormingme freaking out, Ahmed decided we could fashion something with duct tape to hold our tent up. By this time it was dark, but thanks to a group effort, we made it work. This was one of those not-funny-at-the-time-but-hilarious-later situations. We know how to make memories :)
It was a little sad looking, but it worked!
The duct tape was a success, considering our tent was still standing in the morning. We only got a little wet during an early morning thunderstorm, but luckily most of our belongings remained dry in the car.
Enjoying breakfast
Saturday made for a cold and damp morning, but breakfast was delicious! (As was all of the food the entire weekend- thanks for planning the menu Del!) After contemplating what to do with a chilly day, we decided to ignore the weather and go out on the boat/hang out on the beach. The water and beach were pretty deserted, with good reason- it was freezing! The sun did make a few appearances, and of course we still managed to have plenty of fun!
Delicia and Kendall on the boat
Becky and Kendall braving the tubes
While dinner was cooking, Alli organized a little WOF Beersbee tournament. The tournament got a little tricky after dark, but everyone really enjoyed playing the game!
Derek and Dori vs. Alli and Ryan
In my opinion, Sarah wins the award for best Beersbee facial expressions!
Becky is ready, but what are you doing Dan?
Other highlights of the weekend included fun and fellowship around the fire and tons of good food. Oh yeah, and that time I almost fell in the fire. No joke…it was dark and smoky and I tripped. It could have been so much worse, but I came out pretty much unscathed. If it hadn’t happened right next to the fire, I’m sure it would have been REALLY embarrassing, but my caring friends were mostly just concerned for my safety (and my camera- thanks Sarah :).
Making broomstick pies- YUM!
Ahmed and me
The girls
The whole group
I am so glad Ahmed and I were able to attend Weekend o' Fun round 4- the weekend definitely lived up to its name! We had so much fun, and it all went by way too fast. I am so thankful to call all of these awesome people friends!
After leaving Yankton, we made a pit stop in NW Iowa and spent Sunday afternoon with my family. The weekend was definitely a success!
One last thing: a little James and Elvin entertainment. Happy Wednesday!
About a year ago, I wrote my first blog post. Today, I am in the exact same place as I was last year...in the midst of a job search. The wonderful family I was nannying for has moved up to the twin cities area, and after working up there for the summer, I have returned to Rochester. I gave up my apartment about a month ago, so I am back in Rochester with no job and no apartment.
Jobless and homeless are scary sounding descriptions for my current situation, but I have no complaints. Even if it’s not ideal, I have somewhere to stay and a lot of people who love and support me. I know that God is in control and has a great plan.
Aside from my working and living situation, I have lots of other things going on in my life and relationships. These areas are a little harder for me to be content with, but I’m working on it. Last night, God knew EXACTLY what I needed to hear while I was doing my devotions, so I thought I would share them:Come to me when you are weak and weary. Rest snugly in My everlasting arms. I do not despise your weakness, My child. Actually, it draws Me closer to you, because weakness stirs up My compassion—My yearning to help. Accept yourself in your weariness, knowing that I understand how difficult your journey has been. Do not compare yourself with others, who seem to skip along their life-paths with ease. Their journeys have been different from yours, and I have gifted them with abundant energy. I have gifted you with fragility, providing opportunities for your spirit to blossom in My Presence. Accept this gift as a sacred treasure: delicate, yet glowing with brilliant Light. Rather than struggling to disguise or deny your weakness, allow Me to bless you richly through it.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice. ISAIAH 42:3“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. ISAIAH 54:10In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. ROMANS 8 : 26While God is carrying me through this week, I am very excited looking ahead to the weekend. I can't wait to be reunited with some great friends for a camping trip :)
