Idaho Part 2

For sanity purposes, I am not going to go over daily details.

At Lutherhaven, we were with a group from South Dakota, which consisted of two smaller churches. The large group was divided into 3 work groups. There were 3 projects which each group rotated, and worked at each project for one day. The group I was assigned to worked at the nearby Reservation, doing landscape work at their new Child Development Center. We got a lot done in just 5 hours of work! Day 2, we worked on the renovation project of the chapel at Lutherhaven. I assisted in the installation of the tongue and groove wood ceiling in the Fellowship Hall area. I will admit, I did more supervising and advising than actually installing (OH! and ran the power saw a bit). The three teenage boys did most of the hammering and pounding needed to install the pieces of wood. Day 3, we cleared brush and thinned out trees in a camper/rv area of Lutherhaven. One group cleaned up the wood shed and reorganized it. Others repaired some of the old grills and replaced some old signs. There were three fires burning to dispose of all of the brush and small trees. I did not know "green" wood would actually burn. I now know why forest fires can race through an area so quickly. Those little pine needles, green or not, will flame up in a heartbeat! Day 4 the large group was put back together to run a day camp for some kids (pre-K to 4th grade) from the Reservation. The adults were told to "supervise" the teens, and make sure they don't do anything crazy, like toss the little ones into the air. It was fun to watch the teens play with the little kids!

In the afternoon of each day, there were activities available for everyone to partake in. On a daily basis, we could swim in the lake or go canoeing. Due to the limited amount of time, some activities were assigned to a group of participants. Rock wall climbing and ZIP line was one of these events. Firsts for me...at the ripe old age of 42! I decided I don't like rock wall climbing, due to my lack of height, I am limite to toe and finger-holds. The ZIP line on the other hand...LOVED IT!! If I didn't have to climb the wall again, I would have taken a second shot at this! Next to the ZIP line area was a high rope course. I did not participate in this...it made my arms sore, just thinking about it. "Tubing" was also available on the lake, but we had to split into groups, because of the time, as well. Two of the girls in my cabin talked me into tubing. Another first, at my age! lol That was a blast! (now that I know (brother) Joe goes tubing on his lake, I may be visiting a little more often!)

Each morning, before breakfast, we had morning devotions. Then in the evening, we had an evening gathering, which included a combination of entertainment, devotions, worship and small group Bible study. Thursday night was the Prayer service. This was a self-reflective worship service. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house! What a wonderful way to end an awesome week of serving.

Friday was our "free" day. Originally, we were going to have the options of 1) white water rafting, 2) extreme mountaing biking 3) mountain hiking or 4) sight seeing. The majority of the group wanted to go white water rafting, however, the rivers in the area were too full and the rapids too dangerous. Because of this, the rafting companies weren't even operating. As an alternative, a nearby theme park was decided upon. The amusement park was similar to Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun (in Kansas City), but on a smaller scale. I had planned on riding a couple of the roller coasters, after playing in the water for a while. I had too much fun on the water side, and didn't quite make it over to the roller coaster side! There was time, after dinner, to ride a few more rides. But I opted out of this...knowing my luck, I'd be the one hurling.

After the day at the amusement park, we had a wonderful way to end our time at Camp Lutherhaven. Two girls in our group had decided to be baptized! It was a very moving ceremony to watch these two be baptized in Lake Couer D'Alene. The camp staff was so moved by this decision, they even baked a cake to help us celebrate afterwards.

Trip home is next!