What Now?

Well, Finals are done. My Christmas shopping needs to continue, but the funds are short. I spent an extra three days at school to enjoy the freedom of no classes, and to help around my building. :) I have been home since Saturday (12/19) and am enjoying the extra lazy time. I helped keep children(high school children) quiet at the chior concert on Sunday, and found how much you can mature in three year. WOW! They did a great job though. My sister is in Show Choir, so we had to help tare down the place, which is more than a chore than one would have thought. Then we took a trip to Target, to get hair dye for my mother, aunt and later my sister. ( Why die your hair? Bets me!). I got up early on my first day of break, Monday ( 12/21), because my sister wanted to wear my boots. ( Who knew I had stuff others would want to wear?). After the family left, I became a homemaker. It started with putting xmas decoration up, and allowing the house to become clean again. ( Laundry, vaccuuming, and X-mas Decorating). I find my self spending to much time on Facebook already and break has just started. We leave for Rhinelander in just a few days ( Thursday) to see family and friends. It will the first time I have been up there in almost six month, I guess it is about time to visit. Christmas music, and adverising is taking over every technology possible. ( TV, Radio, Internet). Christmas Break Sucessful so far? I think so. :)

MID-TERMS

Well, life is getting pretty crazy around here with finals and all the "studying" that goes with it. I am lucky and only have one final that will be about two hours of my life, and all it is typing about seven questions, about the topics she has given us. Easy Right? Think again. After my midterms, I have two classes on Wednesday, doing some floor stuff, and then home on Thursday Morning.

I am loving being back at school, but things get a little crazy during the week. Mondays I have two meetings back to back, and Tuesday I have a Two meetings as well. Wednesday I have a night class that runs right into Euchie( Evening Worship service) SO when I am out of my room I am running around. Don't get me wrong, I love the business. I have also accepted a challenge from on of my residents to rearrange my room every month. So I have done pretty well, so far. ( there is still several months left, we will see how I do. My leadership role in Faith Alive(FA) is going pretty well, and keeping me busy. I have lots to do with that, and it keeps my weekends busy!

My final few weeks in New York were amazing, and I loved every minute of them. I enjoyed it so much I can't wait to get back.I will try and post most of the highlights from those weeks sometime soon.

Fall Break is just around the counter and I cant wait to have a break, and get some things done in the mean time.

Week Two- Mini Cross Trek

Well, again my week was pretty uneventful. We started our week as normal with church in the Chapel of Pines. Then I received all my campers at once, three of them were friends, and the fourth just happen to come at the same time. We played many games such as get to know you, and even bonded before we went back to our cabin on Sunday night. All my girls being from the ' Burgs of NYC were quite interesting to bring to the Privies.( outhouse here on camp). It was quite the entertainment to see them hold there breath, then run in and use the Privy. Then being out of breath, when coming out of the privy. As normal, we head down to the Lake to take swimming test, and one of my girls had a hair due that cost ruftly around the $200 range. Ouch. Needless to say she needed to wait about 48 hour until she could hop in the lake.

Monday was our beach party. Monday was also a great day for fires. We hiked the mile down to the lake, and waited for about 20 minutes until the other group arrived to help with the swim tests and other items. We ended up playing beach volleyball, and canoeing. While in the canoes, we made up a game called Kayla Tag. This is a game when Kayla sits in the middle of the canoe, and waits until the canoe I am sitting in to tap another one. In which case I switch canoes, in the middle of the lake, and it starts all over again. We played this for about two hours. This was a great game, this allowed the kids to practice paddling, and turning. I also had alot of fun while playing this. We cooked lunch over the fire, and we made Pizza pudgy pies. We got our fire started on the first try, and even had it big enough to cook our food,and our water for our dishes. Mitch came to help me with my fire, because in the past I have not had any luck in the past.

Tuesday was the day we were supposed to go across the lake to homestead. We started our morning with a baby bear cub at breakfast, and had to relocate for first word. Then after this we had bible study in our cabin, and then headed to St. Clairs in the rain. As we got to St. Clairs we heard thunder and had to wait 20 minutes to hike anywhere. We ended up not going across the lake, but going to the Trail building, to do more of a frontier days. We had the kids make rope, candles, and a few brain twisters with rope and a hula hoop.The kids had fun over all, even with the bad thunder storm that hit us that day. We ended our day on a high note, with the snack wagon, which was always fun and gives the kids to much sugar.


Wednesday was a day of challenges. We started our morning with the challenge coarse. This set of kids really needed to have the challenge corse. After the challenge coarse, we went back to our cabin to make our fire, and oh what fun that was. After a few nights of rain the ground was wet, and it was a challenge to start a fire. My kids helped to pick up sticks to start a fire, and it was grand to bond more time with them. After lunch we went to the basketball court to play some b-ball, and not everyone wanted to particapate, so it was interesting trying to get everyone to particapte. After this the girls went and shot some bow and arrow, while I had my hour off. As soon as we were done with bow and arroow we had our shallom time, and practiced our skits for Jubalee.

Thursday was the Rafting trip, and it was quite the interesting experience. It was warm, but not warm enough for a splashing fight. We split up my girls into two rafts, and enjoy the company of two boys from another cabin. It was Mitch, Myself, two of Shahola girls, and two Cocecton. We had a great time, we even had a battle cry when going into a splash fight. The river was down, and I enjoyed watching the many items pass by when on the river. I saw many schools of fish, and even some large rocks. We were lucky this round not to get stuck on any big rocks, or anything, and manage to excape with out to many sunburns on the kicks. Jublee was tonight many great acts were done. Counslors did the hug machine, Many of the bear cubs acted out skits, a few did songs, My girls did favorite activities from through out the week, featureing a differant staff member in each skit. Mitch and his orange, Myself and being scared easy, Cory and his challenge to eat anything, and one of my campers and her spiter challenge. Then at Campfire that night we had a good time singing songs, and roasting marshmellows. I had forgotten my flash light, and took this oportunity to do a night hike with my kids. It went over well, but the kids favorite game was the deer in the headlights game. Which is where when in the dark we spin 10 times, then get a light shown in your eyes. This was quite the adventure, and all the kids wanted to do it over and over agian. When getting them into there cabin they quite the giggley bunch, and enjoyed many good memories on the last night of camp.

Friday was a busy day, we packed and had farm chores in the morning. We then went to breakfast, and had amazing food. After breakfast we went to the parking lot of the Confrenence Center, and played foot tag. ( kids favorite, then everyone is it tag). After a few games we got a hay wagon ride down to the lake, and enjoyed our closing worship at the Chapeal of the Pines. Many of the parents were there to greet the kids, and watch as we did our many differant activites for closing worship. We then headed up to Brunch and enjoyed some hamburgers, and other grilling out items. After this I got the oportunity to talk to some of the parents, and show them around down by the lake. ( I even got a tip from some of the parents, which I had to serrender to Koinonia). After all the kids had left we did our Friday cleaning, and I gained a water bottle from this experience. When going to bed, after moving all of my stuff to hankins, I found a mouse in my bed, so the whole evening was about how to scare the mouse so he would not get my stuff I had. So I dropped differant items on the floor, and took pictures of him. I even flashed my flashlight from him. Nothing seemed to work. So I turned my flashlight on, and my Ipod on as well, said a prayer and went to bed. ( hoping I would not have another problem with the mouse that night.)

This week was full of animails and rain storms. I was super tired, and glad to have some time to relax and enjoy some freedom. We are going out tonight, and going to have a good time. YEAH! More in two weeks, since I am going into a two week session.

Week One Campformation

Well, this week was pretty uneventful. My day off was spent just relaxing, and running in the PA for a guitar for the camp. After this we made an adventure to find a Wal-Mart. ( Which is harder than it seems). Once we had found the Wal-Mart, and gotten what we needed we headed back to camp in hope to return in a timely fashion. Once we got on the right road, we didn't think we would have a problem finding the next road. WE were wrong. We went not to far out of the way, only about 15 or 20 mintutes. But never the less it was a great adventure.

Once getting back to camp we ate dinner with the staff, and then had a few things to get ready for the rest of the week. Annastasha and I had to get our poster ready for our campers, and cleann our summer cabin too. So my evening was spent with phone calls to friends, and getting ready for the rest of the week.

The next morning was an early one, because breakfast was at 830am. I had be to showered and ready to go for the next set of campers. So at breakfast, we discussed our weekends, and had a breif meeting of what would be happening in the week to come. We got our scedules, of where to be when. Then headed down to worship where we were to be installed. When entering our Outside Worship place, it was supriseing to see how many people showed up for our big event. Althought the Chapeal was not full, it had more than our staff which was a first since I have arrived. Worship went well, and there was even a small child to ring the worship bell. ( Even if she did continue to ring it for twenty mintutes after the service). After this we returned to the confrence center to finish some more chores, before the bus came with our children. I was in charge of cleaning rooms in the Confrence Center. Which took about 20 mintutes. Then I was free for about 2 hours. Yeah!

Once my campers arrived we sorted there stuff out and put it in the truck to take it down to 5-sided. After being done with this we went to jubliee feild, and played some all get-to-know-you games. After all the groups had arrived it was time to brave to swamp and go to dinner. This is a part of the woods, that never dries. So the kids always come out of it with soaking wet shoes, and mud up to your elbows. It always gets better as the week goes on, but it is always ruff in the begginging. The evening was splashed with differant games and such. I even got my very own first aid kit. After my kids saw the nurse, we then headed to our cabin to see what they would be living in for the next week. We walked to 5sided to gather luggage then to Shahola to put our stuff away a settle in for our first night. And suprise it rained.

The next few days were pretty uneventful. We would walk throught the swam three times a day for meals, and then back again to play games in Jubliee field. WE also had an amazing group of pastors, and had amazing talks all week long. The lessons for the week was about Law and Justice and the Bible. AMAZING! Studies, and other activities. Most of the time the pastors had some sort of the yummy treat for me. Yeah Chocolate to get the consolers through.

One night I awoke to my campers talking about the many differant sides of Edward Cullen. And in the film who they would kill, or love first. Oh MY! WE also had fun during the week we had fun doing a service project making paper cranes while at the cabin. WE also showered in the dark. Yeah for no Elec. What can you do? We also got to gether with the other girls cabin, to make sopapelas.

The most exicting part was the river trip. We sepreated into our groups, I was with two of my campers, and two of Lackawazens group. WE also had Pastor Mac. Which is a huge splasher, with every one. When we lauched our boats into the river, we were paddling in a down pour. We had so many kids saying I just want to go back, I just want to go back. Please let me go back. We pushed forward, and found the sun down the river. We soon began to make pact with other boats, and then we would gang up on other boats. It was so much fun, by the time we were done, we had way to much water in our boats. This is not to mention the two times we got stuck on the rock stuck on in the middle of the rapids. Oh boy. What my ears heard from the young girls in my boat. Plus the Pastor Mac. Our boat had many laughs that day. While continueing on a journey we got splashed by many differant boats and even spun in a few circles. It began time to pull out of the river, and there site was just before the next set of rapids. All I remember was a Paddle Hard! We all the boats were in we had kids playing in a stream from the moutain. While we were starting to pull kids out of the stream one of the campers ( she happen to be mine) fell and broke on her knee. Her lower knee had about a three inch gash, I quickly snaped into first aid mode. I push all the campers on shore, and called for another counsler to help with first aid. WE soon had her sitting down, applying pressure, and ace bandaged up. Then we fire-man carried her out of the stream and unto the picnkic bench that was not to far away. When her pastor came we put her into the car, and soon she was off. This whole time she was smiling and giggleing. When she returned later that night, she was still with smiles, and giggles.


Next on the list was Jubliee. This is a talent show that the campers put on. Some made up some songs, others did skits, and my girls sang there favorite parts of the week. It was quite the adventure to say the least. After this we returned to our cabin to talk about our many differant loves such as Twilight, differant people at camp, and other odds and ends.

I had a great first week, and wouldnt change it for the world. Although I had trouble with starting fires, and staying dry it was all enjoyable.( Damn NY rain) Tonight we will be going to the fireworks, and hanging out as a staff. Last night we went out as a staff, and enjoyed a night away from camp. ( which is much much needed.)

Week Two of Staff Training

Well we had a day off as a staff and decieded to go in to town as a group, and enjoy the city. This is something we dont normally see. You know the normal, people buildings, cars, buses etc. So we left camp about 330pm, and headed in two cars. When getting into NJ we got stuck in a traffic jam, for 45 mintutes. As if this was not bad enough we also had the gas light go on as we were going thought the foot hills of NY. YIKES. Lucky we made it in to the gas station in NJ just in time. ( Gas is cheaper there, plus the pump your gas for free). Once leaving there we continued in to Middletown, to stop at Target, and the mall. After we did some shoping we had a staff dinner at Ruby Tuesdays. MMM. ( Plus some great converstation about random events of the week). After dinner we decied to stop by Wal-Mart to pick up a few things, other people needed. Brad and I ran in to get a few things, meaning like 5. It took us an hour to get though the store, and out the door. We ran from aisle to aisle. What took the longest was the mad amount of lines that Wal-Mart had. We then returned to camp to watch movies and enjoy some down time as a staff.

Next was one of our last days on camp for Staff Training. We went over some much needed necessities. Our seccions this day happen to be on the Bully Behavoir that children have, and how to handle it well. We also had some time to Discovery Plan, for our campers that would be coming in a few weeks. We then hiked to the Rafthers( a shelter by the lake) to do lunch. ( a hotdog roast. YEAH! After this we had a conversation about First Aid kits, what was in them, and were to get more supplies. After these two session my day was to my self. This was a very relaxing day, and of corse it was raining. What esle does it do in NY?

This next day we hiked down the the lake and did our boat orintation. This is were we learned how to rescue a camper who has fliped our canoe. We called it the T resue. We got an opportunity to canoe around the lake, and look at the mass amount of wildlife around the lake. Birds, fish, and mass amount of flowers.

The next day was the day I would get to experience NYC at its fullest. I would travel to Port Jervis, NJ to do day camp with my fellow staff mates then to NYC. At 230 we hopped on a train in Middletown and took a two hour train ride into Pen Station. Then from there we navigated our way to Brooklyn. This would be my new home for the next few days. That night we were free to do as we wished. I chose to stay in, and rest for a while. This was what most of the staff did, and we played games such as Crazy Uno, and Shit head. I even got to sit on a roof top porch.

The next day we traveled into Matthan to do the faith walk around where the ground zero site is. We learned many differant stories from that day, and I took so many pictures and had so many moving ideas. We started our trip in St. Pauls Chapel. This is where all the volenteers went to pray, rest and be recouporate. This was the place where many were found to be at peace in the koas that happen around ground Zero. After this we headed into China Town to catch lunch there. Yeah! After I went to walk the Brooklyn bridge, and enjoy company of three other international staff members. I took several pictures there, and got my first glimse of the Statue of Liberty. Then we took the subway to a church we would have our Behavoir Managment problems, and to reconize child abuse. WE also went over the Parsonage rules again. This was the night that part of the staff dieced to go out on the town, I so went with them. SO much fun we had hoping places.

The next day we packed up all our stuff and hopped on the subway for our last day in the City until our Day Camp Sessions. WE rode to a church that were we would have a session about Diversity, and other problems that arise when working with intercity kids. While waiting for the pastors, we played a game called Matthew, Mark, John. This is a memory game, which is always a hit with our staff. Then we met with our pastors from the churchs we would working with to get there expectations for the summer, and how we could help them. This should be a great first week of campformation. Yeah! After talking with them we got our assingments for the next week, which means I am in Shohola, with Anastashia. After this we quickly hoped on the train back to Port Jervis, and then returned back to camp in just enought time for it to rain some more! When back at camp we went to the Trail building to cover key points for our river trip that would happen the next day. We then were set free to pack, and sleep before the river trip.

Thursday was our first day on the river, we met at the Trailbuilding, and packed all of our stuff in dry bags, to make sure nothing got wet if we sunk our boats on the river. Then we headed to the Staff house, were the Canoe company picked us up. WE were then brought to there office to take car of a few things, before seting off on the river. We were assigned to groups, and for the first part of the trip we were in rafts. ( 7 miles). Then we set up camp and played more camp games to keep us intertained. We also played inthe river, and enjoyed our time together with lots of Jesus talk, and few crazy card games. ( staff favorites). We had campfire, and made smores to keep our tummies happy. Late night with lots of pictures, and fun pretending we were two years of age.

Friday morning was early we woke up cooked breakfast over the fire, then tore down camp, to continue on our trip. We then played a few more games to keep the time passing, until our canoes showed up. We then packed the canoes, and set on our way for the last part. ( 10 miles). WE canoed about 3miles then stoped and got back into the rafts for the last 7 miles. While in the Canoe, I steered, and what a trouble that was. We had alot of fun on the river, witha few pushing fights, and a few swims to cool off. My first trip down the Delaware River was amazing and fun. This summer is shaping up to be amazing and I cant wait.

When we got back we unloaded ours stuff , and what else would greet us but more rain. WE put all of our gear away, and then went back to our cabins to start our days off. Many of us had to move cabins, and areas. I cleaned our cabin and enjoyed the company of many of my fellow cabin mates.

Then I showed up for dinner, and fellow ship. After this we had affrmations for the Staff Training process,and then had Jubleee. Which is a way for the campers to show off there talents. Cory and I did an Mad Lib, but others did a song to Disney about Staff members ( Kayla wets her bed, and has wet shoes), and others sang 12 days of staff training. ( highlighting the many days of rain). So much fun, and so many days of laughter.

After this, we watched staff movies, and enjoyed the company. Treats were a must!.

When returning to my cabing, we found a mouse in the mouse trap. Being the normal girl, I screamed, and ran to find a guy folk to help me remove the creature from my cabin. After this, on my walk back to my cabin, I saw a raccon on the trail on my walk back. He did not want to move, So I ran the rocky, rooted train. Not a smart idea in the rain. I went to bed, and now am at a day off again. Looks like sunshie, lets hope it stays this way.

So I live in the rain for fun

When arriving on Thursday after waking up at 230am to catch the 5am flight to the twin cities. Once we arrived at the airport we were able to check my two bags, for free which was a relief for me, and hopped on a small plan to the Twin Cities. Once in the twin cities I we ran across the airport, to catch our next plan from the Twin Cites to Newark, NJ. Once on the jet, which we sat first class we then were able to land in Newark by 1130am. After this I sat in the Newark airport for about 3 hours waiting for Mitch to arrive, and Lisa to pick me up. Once Lisa picked me up, I began my "tri-state" adventure back to the place I would then call home for the next few months. We were lucky not to hit to much traffic, but were able to make the trip in 3 hours. ( this is supposed to be a 2 1/2 hour trip. ). Yeah!
Once at Koinonia, in a rather wet condition, I was droped off at the trail building where I would stay for the night. This would be my last taste of elec. for the next few weeks/months. Now dont get me wrong, in all the staff building there is alot of elec. but in all the areas that campers are there is no elec. Although I though this would bother me, or even be hard to get used to it is not. I am finding my self, rather close to my self. I am finding out many of the things out about my self I never have experienced before. It is also easier to get things done with all of the distractions of elec.
While here at Kiononia, I have attended alot of differant meetings. Some of which talk about safety of children, or how to bond as staff. Some talked about the mission of the Koinonia. Many are ways that the Summer Staff of 09 will bond to become closer to each other. One way we did this was learning how to control the conue, and learning how to flip it proporaly. This scares a person to death. Who wants to unwillingly go into the water? NOT ME! WE then walked across the lake to camp in 4 person tents, to learn how to cook, hang bear bags, and enjoy some one and one time with each other. WE didnt even have a toliet! Some things higlights fromt his trip were part of the staff finding a rattle snake, finding a puddle in my sleeping bag, after a hard rain, making a fire in the rain, and lots and lots of ticks were found. WE played many camp games. As well as some no-so-camp games. One of the favorites was called crazy uno, and shit head. Both crazy amazing games. We have also done our swiming test, and learning how to carry as much as possible on our backs to the middle of no-where land. We also have explored the air of Koinonia, witht he high ropes corse, and a fast beating heart. I had to be resuced from one of them. WE are a small staff of about 14, with 4 cordinators. We have about 6 international staff. The other 7 staff members are from the US.( including one super amazing girl from Kansas.
We were put in Servent groups, which are groups which we do alot of our leadership activities with. We feed the farm animails ( sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens), we lead the morning and evening worhsip, and plan bible studies for the staff training portion. ). WE will continue to explore our roles here at Koinonia, while also exploreing the wonders of NY.
Our first week, we stayed in what are called the summer cabins. Therins . Theses are cabnins that have the top half as screens s and the bottom half as a full wall. I hope this makes sience. In the next week, we will be able to go to NYC, and on a conoe/rafting trip. The rafting will take place on the Delaware River, with a few rapids. This part makes me nervous. This will also allow us to stay in tents again in the evening. While in NYC we will stay in the pastatage. WE will take the train into the city, and then take public transit from there. I shall update later next week, when I have another chance to do so.

Staff Training

Well staff training is going well. All the staff got here last week Friday ( June 12th). I am now a proud CPR, and first aid certified. I have also made friends from all over the US, and World. (* South Africa, Austrila, Lybia). WE have spent our nights out in tents( across the lake) for two nights. Which we ended early because of rain. ( all it has done since I got here). I have also sat in many session about Koinonia. WOW. What boredom. (will update more soon) Keeping busy, leading Discovery, 1st word, and Evening song. All in the rain. More soon.

Some go to camp... I go to camp in NY

Many of you know that I will be in NY for the summer. I am a camp counselor at a ELCA summer camp in Highland Lake, NY. I will get to spend some of my days in NYC, which I am very excited about. Most of my days will be spent in the wooded area, around a campfire. I am looking forward to my nights under the stars, and breakfast over the fire. ( My favorite parts of summer). Although I am very excited for the amazing experience, I would love some snail mail.Although it is not a mandatory part. ( Some of you have asked for the address, and I have neglected to give it to you. My deepest apologies for that :( ) . I will try to keep a blog, which I will try and keep up with. This is also b/c I will be on limited cell phone use for the summer, so this is probably the best way to get a hold of me. So here in this note, I will give you my contact information so we can keep in contact over this period of time. PLEASE! :). 

So here it is...

Koinonia • 165 Lakeview Drive• Highland Lake, NY 1274 


Thank you for your support! I look forward to sharing many of my stories when I get back. I will be looking forward to getting mail for you.:)