And So It Began

The summer is off to a quick and exciting start with training, more work projects, and fellowshipping with this year's staff composing the first two weeks of orientation. With Memorial Day Weekend free, I got to go home and see my family for a few days - mom's homemade pizza, watching movies with dad, and sleeping in my own bed - and I enjoyed every second of it.

Some of the program staff I am honored to be serving alongside this summer.

Now that camp has started, I have become more and more aware of what an excellent team God has blessed Youthfront Camp South with this summer. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Looking forward to continuing this journey with you! Updates coming soon!

God bless,

Jared

Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)

³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Work Week

Work Week was this past week down at South. Many projects were taking place throughout the duration of Monday to Friday - mowers and weed-eaters running constantly, construction, and painting were just a few of the things we had on our To-Do list.

Big Red was an invaluable assistant for duration of the week

We are finally prepped for the staff to move in! Words cannot express how excited I am for this summer.

God bless you all!

Jared

Next Up: Training Week

Second Home

Tomorrow morning I will be leaving for what I have come to know as my "second home" - a place known as Youthfront Camp South. Camp has been one of the most formative influences in my life. I have spent more than a sizable portion of my two decades of existence within the confines of its 660-acre grounds. Growing up, riding bikes (and wiping out), learning, and serving in community with nothing but the best people I could have ever thought to meet have all made this place a second home to me. Needless to say, I am more than excited about packing my things and driving down the familiar thoroughfare known as US-69 South.

One of Tommy Thompson's stained-glass windows in the Chapel

This, dear readers, marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of yet another in my life. Nothing would please me more than for you to join me on my journey this summer at camp. Follow along, comment, ask questions about what's happening in the daily life at camp, and, I ensure you, I will do my best to capture the awesome-ness of this summer's exploits.

- Jared

23 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6: 23-26

Mom

So I know Mother's Day is still a little ways away, but FarmHouse just celebrated Mom's Weekend 2011 this past weekend. From talent shows to reminiscing the past year to seeing college friends from the past and rekindling those friendships, MW11 was a success. I enjoyed my weekend with mom thoroughly (it didn't hurt that she spoiled me quite a bit). Regardless of whatever we were doing, I was proud to have my mom here in Manhattan for the weekend.

Mom and I in front of FarmHouse

Mom,

I am so thankful for all the things you have done, and continue to do, for me. Taking care of me before I was even born, teaching me and guiding me through my childhood and teenage years, and caring enough to call and make sure everything is okay even now that I am out of the house. I could not ask for a better mom. I know that is a cliche used all too frequently, but, in this case, is completely genuine. If I asked for a better mom, I would be acting in an awfully presumptuous manner because you are as close to perfect as they come.

I love you, mommy!

Jared