JULY 8, 2006

Chris: We made it into River Forest, Illinois just fine. Construction and a White Sox game slowed us down, but then we realized we gained an hour because we're now on central time. Once at Concordia, Pat from food service made sure we had more than enough to eat, Jodi from the Undergraduate Admissions office made sure we got the royal tour and we even found towels on wash cloths on each of our dorm room beds! We'll depart 7:45AM tomorrow to head up to Camp Luther in northern Wisconsin.

Jackie:Hello mother and father! The day went well. I'm definately tired of sitting in a car, but i get to do it all again tomorrow! Great. Actually its a lot of fun. I'm enjoying getting to talk to people and catch up on things. Looking forward to Camp Luther tomorrow!

Lauren: Hey, Mom& Dad! We're having a lot of fun here in Chicago...the ride itself was pretty uneventful. We toured Concordia River Forest and we're renting a movie. Talk to you later--luv ya!

Eryn: Hello my lovely parents and pain-inflicting brother [and Houie]...The first day of our trip was really fun, I saw Chicago for the first time and took a tour of the Concordia campus. Tonight we are staying in dorms....exciting, I'm with Chrissi. Well I'll see you in a week, remember to check the blog alot. O yeah, the time is different so take that into account!! Luv ya!! <3

JULY 9th

Chris: We arrived at camp today. Camp Luther is even more beautiful than I remember. Plus, they've added a lot of new things -- including tents that are leak-proof. The group builders were a lot of fun. Our youth as well as the others did great. The other youth groups seem very dedicated and as eager to serve as ours. We took tons of photos and videos today. Below are a few. I'll add more when I get some free time later.

Eryn: So today was definately a blast! Mom, you would be proud of the amount of mingling I did with the other kids from Minnesota and Indianapolis, they are alot of fun. Camp Luther and it's contents is absolutely stunning! I can't wait to show you guys my pictures!! =)

Jen: Hello Mom and Dad! Camp Luther is so beautiful and is so much fun! I can't wait to tell you all about it. The campers from the other churches are really nice and seem to be alot of fun! See you later! P.S. Jackie says HI!

A-MAX: Hello, I am one of the gourp leaders for the servant event. God's Peace!

Katie: hey mom, dad, nicole, dusty, and freeway. also Layla if u want to include. having a great time here at camp luther. driving was a good lots of good times. cant wait to tell you all about it. Love you see you in a week. BUHBYES!!!! HUGS AND KISSES TO YOU!!

chrissy (aka. "Gingavitus"): hello family...camp luther is pretty sweet. we all endured the million hours in the car....and don't worry, but i turned into the hulk on the way....long story but i think im back to normal. love you guys, we'll write more later. bye.

JULY 10th and 11th

Chris: Wow, we've been busy! I 'll let everyone else tell you what we've been doing...

Ian: Mom and dad i've been hoopin it up like crazy. i dunked and it was sweet. mom have fun in Cali and dad hope work is excellent. colin hi.

Devan (aka Sting): Hey parents... sup! We've been haveing so much fun!!! We climbed out on the lake to the lighthouse. We then had devotion on the shore as the moon came up. See ya later.

Eryn [aka Squishy] Wow alot has happened since i last blogged. To sum it up, Keebler gave me a nickname (squishy)...like from Nemo!! We're all "bonding" quite a bit, today we raked rocks for about a million hours. So I'm really tired so im gonna sleep....buh byes!!

KATIE: Hey Ma Pa & Sister!!! i miss you and love you but to update i climbed on BIG ROCKS!!! then we have had lots of devotions and i got a nickname like everyone else in our group. ITS ASAP ( all surface all purpose) but yea i am learning alot and having a blast. I was camper of the day too!!! but i will ttul LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH!!! stay safe see u in a few days!! C-YA MUAH!!!!!

chrissy: hi momma and papa and joseph e jones...are you reading this? we are all officially polar bears...me and jackie have gone insane...we love ROCKS...and we're all on drugs!! we're havin a blast! love you BYE

Jen: Hello Mom, Dad, Pete and Charlie! We have gone polar bearing a couple of times and its been a lot of fun! I have seen way to many rocks whether or not we are climbing on them or moving them or picking them up and trying to remove all of the dirt from them. Well its really beautiful here and i can't wait to see you guys again! love you!

Lauren: Hola otra vez a mis padres y mi perro! lol Hope that you guys aren't having too much fun w/o me. We are settled now at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, Michigan. We have been thru an entire day of service (we moved a LOT of rocks). The other groups are a lot of fun and so are the counselors. We took a shower for the first time today in 3 days! Well, i'm gonna go to bed so I'm not dead tomorrow! Luv ya & miss ya!

JULY 12th

katie: hey ma and Pa and sister nicole!! jsut wanted to let you know a little bout today. welll it was alot of fun! no rocks were involved really today. i worked on the sound system with Keebler and stuff and then we had teen night. i talked to alot of different kids and teens and had a good time. they seem really affected by what out message was in the week. well i will ttul love you lots good night!! XXOXXOO

jackie: hello. today was a good day. it was long but we got a lot done. we were able to help a family clean their gutters and move boxes. they were so greatful for us that i was thankful that we were able to help. teen night went well too. i think the kids had a great time. and we got to play ultimate frisbee!!! we just got done washing outside with the hoses so i think its time for bed. talk to you soon! love you

Devan: Hey everyone. Today we had fun climbing on roofs and playing phase 10! After a very large single scoop of blueberry cream ice cream we played with the kids outside. Talk to you later...night night.

Keebler: So hey der all you really awesome people. I am keebler and am one of the counsleors from camp Luther on the trip this week. I pretty much think that everyone here from your church is crazy and should stay on the base forever. and EVER AND EVER well maybe just one day would do so I guess thats what we shall do. Because I know that today "The LORD did grin" when he looked down from heaven at all the smiling faces and people serving the Lord in totally new ways. The Holy Spirit certainly has kept this group in line well I guess What i mean to say is that the spirit has moved in the land of Michigan. Well people keep reading over my shoulder and I suppose that it is beginging to show the crazy yelling and excitement of strange voices ringing in peoples heads tonight after the infamous slip and slide and dishsoap cobination caused a few more hits on the head to thy crazy kids. But is certainly has been an enjoyable time of Randomocity, thats right its a great philosophy more random than being random an emotion not a feellng and an expression not and action. For more on that feel free to write to Keebler at 1989 Koubnic Road Three Lakes WI. 54562

God Bless us Everyone

Eryn: Today was a grrreat day....I did so many different things with so many different people. I raked dirt, then i pulled and cut cords, then I got a connector out of the floor with kitchen tongs...hahaha and i ended today making friends with Kirk, one of the more mischievious kids of the bunch, we even have a secret handshake! We rinsed of in the hose and did slip and slide with dishsoap and a tarp...now im starting to pack up for tommarrow, our last day with the people from camp Luther and the other churches, *tear*...by the way, can u tape the second day of so u think u can dance? its on at 9 on thurs.... wink wink...LUV YA

Lauren: Hey mom and dad! Today was AWESOME! We were able to go to other peoples' houses and help them with various tasks besides those at the church. We had a teen night at the church and played ultimate frisbee for a while. Hee hee...we got to clean off on a giant slip'n'slide. Well, i'm gonna go now because it is 12 pm. Gotta get my rest! See you soon~Luv ya!

Chris: Today was the best day so far. Yesterday was construction only, but today our youth got to do both hands-on physical work and relationship building with neighborhood kids. The amount of work our camp group has done is mind boggling... and the members of Victory Lutheran couldn't be more thankful. Over the past two days the group has re-landscaped the entrace to the church, re-wired the sound system, opened up the office area to provide more room for Victory's workers, helped move and store boxes for the elderly, cleaned gutters, installed celing fans and lights, and resealed various leaks - all while providing a 4-hour daily VBS that comes with a full lunch. Amazing! Tommorrow we will be rebuilding and restoing Victory's concrete steps. Talk to you later.

Ian: hi everybody. have a great time. i am a man of few words.

JULY 13th and 14th

Chris: We wrapped up VBS and construction on the 13th. We took the scenic route home from Sawyer, stopping off in bunch of cool places. Right now we're wrapping up our camp experience and heading back to Concordia - River Forest. The youth have been very busy and will add entries later this evening. In the meantime, enjoy the video below taken last night in Eagle River, WI.