Today is a Great Day!

Let me introduce you to the Waldorf

It's important to have a good sense of humor, don't you think? Yes, this is the Waldorf. The Waldorf is the latrine used by all the campers. Instead of being scented with the classic Blenheim Bouquet fragrance (a subtle, gender-free melange of citrus, musk and pine...taken right from the Waldorf Astoria's website), I suppose its fragrance was more reminiscent of, well, a great big outhouse. What exactly would you expect in the middle of the nowhere?

I guess I was expecting a little bit more.

Because of the very long drive, we made reservations to stay over one night in the area. I quickly discovered that most places were filled with guests. I did find a nearby establishment and when I called to make reservations they told me their facilities were just like a hotel. "Oh, I can handle that," said I. I didn't need anything fancy, but I really had no desire to sleep in a tent nor a tipi for that matter. Imagine our surprise to walk into our hotel room and discover the following amenities missing:

- air conditioning
- television
- radio
- telephone
- coffee machine
- shampoo and blow dryer
- ice bucket

Mr. Wonderful walked down to the lobby to inquire about the air conditioning. The older gentleman working behind the counter half-smiled and snickered at the same time and said, "Sir, you're in the middle of the mountains. There's no air conditioning here." Oh. Thank the Lord, our room did have a bathroom. We did not have to use a latrine! Or should I say, the Waldorf!

Insert drastic subject change here...

Rachel and I went to the post office this morning before heading out to have the kids' school portfolios reviewed. When Rachel walked out smiling and waving an envelope, I knew what she had in her hand. It was a letter from Caleb! We were not expecting to receive anything until at least tomorrow, maybe Friday. What a wonderful surprise! I promised Mr. Wonderful that when the time came and the first letter arrived, I would call him so we could read Caleb's letter together. And so that's exactly what I did.

I'm going to share it here because the letter contained more than two words!

On the front of the card he wrote:

Hi! Boss

Flipping it open, this is what he wrote:

Hi, M and D and R

I'm having a lot of fun, taking pics, and making friends, 5 of um. I'm sleeping well, and the food is amazing. Oh, and Boss at camp means awesome, beak means lame, etc.

Love u guys,
Caleb

And there you have it. Receiving this letter made my day...maybe even my week! Those three words "fun" and "sleeping well" did this mother's heart much good. Mr. Wonderful's heart was filled too.

Then, this afternoon, I received an e-mail from the camp director (all the camper families receive this). Here's part of what it said:

This session we are studying King David. David is 'da man', but not only for what he did (slaying giants and enemies), but more for who he was. We'll emphasize the importance of being God's man as a pre-requisite to doing God's work. We're memorizing Psalm 119:9-20 for 3000-12. Pray for hearts of campers and staff that they might know Jesus more fully and follow Him without reserve.

I looked up the Bible verses and here's what they're memorizing:

Psalm 119:9-20 (ESV)
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.

Our prayers for our son have been that Caleb:

• Grow in wisdom (with God and men)
• Strength of character
• Protection (physically and spiritually)
• Develop lifelong friendships
• God’s calling upon his life
• Patient and attentive spirit
• Portrays honor, honesty and humility
• Leadership and courage

Once again, I have freshly discovered that the Lord goes before us and prepares the way of our journey long before we even take that very first step. He sets everything in motion at that perfect moment in time.

Today is a great day and I am so very thankful!

P.S. I think the reference to 3000-12 means 3000 push-ups while memorizing 12 verses!