I apologize for not keeping this blog 100% up-to-date, but you can understand how busy I am and I must decide which is more important: having an updated blog or clean laundry? I usually go with the laundry. But now I have some extra time on my hands, so here is an update on the last two weeks.

I arrived home from New York on a Saturday. Sunday evening Hillary and I were off again for the next week of ministry. It is an odd sensation to be living out of a suitcase while at home. That week we were in Pownal, Maine, at the First Parish Congregational Church. We had one VBS in the morning and that was it. It felt like a vacation after New York. The pastor and his wife, whom we stayed with, are such lovely people. They made sure we were fed and happy. We even went shopping in Freeport two afternoons. The ladies of the church also made us feel welcome, and did an excellent job handling snacks and crafts at VBS. We had no salvation decisions that we know of--a couple of times someone raised their hand, but they did not come to talk with us. The children seemed excited to learn, and we tried our best to feed that excitement. We even acted out the story of the Good Samaritan to help them view it from a different angle and think about it in a different way. It was a good week of ministry, and we were sad to say goodbye at the end.

The following week Hillary and I went up to Camp Good News, in Livermore Falls, Maine. Hillary was senior counsellor for a cabin of 9-11 yr olds, and I was the Bible teacher for the 8-10 yr olds. Camp is always a stretching experience and this year was no different. I have never had the position of Bible teacher at camp before, so I had to learn everything about it. I had one hour to teach the Bible lesson and memory verse. With songs and a review game included, I let them out 15 minutes early the first day because I had run out of things to do. Without a missionary story, I was at a loss for how to fill up the extra time. The rest of the days I tried to include an object lesson or review to fill out the time more, and by the end of the week we almost didn't have enough time to get to everything. Another lesson I learned was how to keep discipline in the classroom. There were a couple of children who challenged my authority, but I managed to keep my position (as well as theirs) clear. I think a lot of times we are afraid of the kids, or let them intimidate us. But we must remember that we are the adult and must remain in charge.

I was also in charge of doing the afternoon anouncements, and that was a lot of fun. I think I shocked a few people when I started to sing a parody of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on my Head" to wake everyone up from rest hour on a rainy day.

This week we are staying in Gray and have two ministries. In the morning there is a VBS in New Gloucester where Hillary and I are involved in teaching the memory verse and doing a Gospel presentation. There are about 80 children there, which is an answer to prayer. Another answer to prayer is that one of the helpers there is interested in CYIA and working for the Lord in children's ministry. In the evening we are going over to S. Portland to do a 5-Day club. We haven't been there yet, so I can't say what it is like, but hopefully tomorrow I will write and let you know. I have heard that there may be many young children.

So that is what has been going on up to right now. I will try to get my NYC pictures and videos up as soon as possible. Have a great remainder of your day, and thank you for your prayers!