God is good! Our campsite is settled. The tents are perfect. Life is good. We slept in for a casual start to Wednesday. Groups continued to roll in much of the day. Then the music started last night. Lecrae, Family Force 5, and Newsboys opened the festival. Amazing night!!
Food is yum! Many thanks to all who helped assemble and pre-cook. We have been well sustained by burgers, BBQ, fajitas, and more. Last night’s smore and songs around the campfire serenaded us to sleep.
We have combed the merchandise barns and found many treasures: bracelets and rings are popular. Booths with t-shirts, bags, art, college info, and mission opportunities fill out the shopping experience.
Summary so far…
Cool breezes + relaxed environment + most excellent campsite = nap, games, growing friendships
Epic closing program last night with Brandon Heath, Owl City, and TobyMac followed by fireworks. The glow necklaces and bracelets made our group easy to recognize in the growing mosh pit. Due to most-excellent 4am tarp runs, our group had perfect seating every day.
Packing up this morning included brunch of leftovers for sleepy students and adults dragging out of each of our nine tents. We watched as other groups packed up and got in line to depart. When the path cleared, we shared a closing prayer then pulled out onto a new driving route home.
On a personal note…this was an amazing group representing CPC. I recognize that tent life is cramped, the food is different from home, the temperatures fluctuated as much as 40 degrees daily, and squatting in the port-a-potty is the only alone time … but everyone truly took it all in graceful strides. The random fun through cooking/ cleaning together, worshiping together, casual conversation under our shade canopies, and creating body art with markers are absolutely unforgettable!
The Lord cemented our relationships with one another and deepened our connection with Him. All praise and glory go to our Creator!
(July 2011)
Posted by Sharon R. Hoover
