I thank God for the last few weeks. He has been teaching me a lot, and I would love to share some of the things I have learned with you.

On June 20- June 24, I was a counselor at Camp Alandale's high school camp. This is a Christian camp that ministers to foster care kids who have been abused. There are two camps: one is in Idyllwild, and the other is in Julian (which is the one I attend since it is near San Diego). Please visit the website if you want to learn more about it: www.campalandale.org. Thank you for your prayers because they helped me in two ways: first, to have plenty of energy to play with the kids and second, to keep up a positive attitude, even when I had a difficult camper at times. In respect to one camper, she was disrespectful at times, but I discovered it was due to a lot of hardships in her life. It was awesome to see how God touched her heart during the course of the week with His loving care. My other camper had never heard the gospel, and it was a joy to be able to share how Jesus died for her sins because He loves her. I would love to show you pictures, but I must be careful of the confidentiality of the identity of my campers. I posted a few pictures that would be appropriate to share, but I have more to show you when I see you in person.

On July 4- July 8 I was a counselor for the first junior high camp at Camp Alandale. I enjoyed my time immensely because I felt like I was learning how to be a better teacher, future mother and caring individual by participating in this camp. At times, I felt drained because we spent 24-7 with the kids. We ate together, made meals and cleaned together, sang songs and studied the Bible together, played and swam together, and the wonderful list goes on and on. I am humbled at this camp because often I find that I can lose my temper or patience with the kids, especially since they are younger age!!! Yet, God continues to show me how to love these kids, how to speak truth to these kids and how to cherish them because they are beautiful in His eyes.

July 9-July 16 This was a crazy adventure for me!!!! I backpacked in Yosemite for one week. There were 7 people in all, and we traveled in remote sections of this amazingly beautiful national park. I thank God for the opportunity. My parents drove our group there, and we started to hike from Tuolomne Meadows down to the valley of Yosemite. I thank God for all the little miracles on our trip. First, we thought there would be too much snow, and we would have to cancel parts of our trip. Instead, we were able to visit some great places like Sunrise Lakes, Cathedral Lakes, and Cloud's Rest. Also, we thought we couldn't go to Half Dome because it was under construction. But we discovered a special time to go so we were some of the only ones on the top for several hours!!! (The following picture shows my climb up Half Dome)


Although the trip was tough at times due to swarms of blood thirsty mosquitos or the possibility of bears getting into our resources, we all had a great time and sang hymns and songs most of the time on our trip. There is so much more to say, but I will add it on a later date.


July 18-July 22 I will be attending the second junior high camp at Camp Alandale. Please continue to pray for me because I realize how much God had blessed me through your prayers.

Forgive me if I have been hard to get into contact lately. I shall try to return emails or phone calls after I return from camp.

With much affection and care,
Marti