Camp: Day One

Well. After a crazy two weeks of replanning and replanning and trying to get things to "work out" we are finally here at camp and well into our first day of High School Music Week. Here is a brief recap of the last 24 hours:

Just an hour after camp started last night, we had our very first choir rehearsal. It is always amazing to me to hear 75 kids who may or may not have any musical training/experience and who have never had the opportunity to sing together actually sing together for the first time. This group is incredible. They have such energy and they are already finding a wonderful blend. Everyone seems to be making an effort and even the kids who are not "into" singing are giving it their all. You can't ask for much more than that!

We had a wonderful service last night which touched on being TRANSFORMED into the image of God. Being changed isn't good enough. I think these kids really listened to what was being said and actually started thinking about what was necessary for such a transformation to take place.

Variety Time on the first night is always a little iffy. No one has had the opportunity to get comfortable yet and we aren't quite ready to show off, but we still had a great time. We introduced a few videos to the kids (Check out youtube for Miranda Sings and the comedy stylings of Tim Hawkins), got to listen to Karl sing an original piece which was very special, and enjoyed a skit by Bryson City's own John Thomas White and Rachel Kolodski - with cameo appearance by Amy Leatherwood. Finally, we heard a moving testimony from a very brave young girl that was the perfect way to end the evening.

The most amazing part of the day came at 10:45 - Lights Out cabin check. Marty checked the boys' cabins while Sarai and I headed to the girls'. At 10:45 on the very first night, every light was out, every body was in bed, and there were very few noises to speak of. Now, I'm not sure I want to know what happened after cabin check was over, but it at least started in the right way!

This group of kids has taken no time at all to really gel as a family. They have an amazing sense of humor, a desire to learn, and are all here to have the best camp experience possible. I'm excited to spend the rest of the week with them!

This is not to say that the last 24 hours have been without problems. We have had a few, but nothing major and I am most thankful for that! Keep us in your prayers and I'll keep updating as I can!!