Out to Sea

Wednesday afternoon Elissa and Julie C brought us to the pool and served us pizzas pool side. It was a relaxing afternoon.

Wednesday Bible Camp

At the steps of the capitol

Tuesday night pic

Ashley's Pics. from Tuesday

Tuesday afternoon we walked the Arlington Cemetary, saw Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, General Robert Lee's house, and visited Kennedy's grave. We all wanted to see the van after all the walking but not the inside of it. We then drove to Iwo Jima for the Marine Corps Marching Band and the Silent Drill Platoon. We took the opportunity to walk up close to the statue and took some pictures with the marines standing around. We then got in the van and drove to the World War II Memorial, the capital, and the White House. It was a nice, cool night.

Second Day of Camp

Tuesday of camp: the kids are starting to learn a new song in music. Julie Z. has been teaching 5-6 year olds. She has 35 kids in her room today! The kids are having a great time, and learning key Bible truths under the theme: Sailing the High Seas. Today's theme is "God's Word is Comforting." The Bible story was the shipwreck of Paul.

More pics and updates coming soon...

Mao

Even when we're relaxing, we're still sailing the high seas. Tomorrow it's more fun and Bible lessons with the kids. Until then it's time to play cards on the deck of our ship:

"Mao is now in session."

"Have a nice day."

"Thank you sir, may I have another?"

"Card for not saying, 'Thank you sir, may I have another?'"

"Spade."

"Card for talking."

"Meow."

"Have a very nice day."

"Card for touching your cards."

"Ace."

"Card for banging the table."

"Dos."

"Naner, Naner."

"Fishy."

"Ya, yous gotta love dem Packers."

"That's interesting."

"Have a very, very nice day."

"Thump, thump."

"Mao."

"Have a very, very, very nice day."

"Boom, wow."

Ophthamology Report

Today, Eric woke up with severe pain in his right eye. Turned out to be an ulcer on his cornea. It's treatable with antibiotics and pain meds, but it made for a rough day for him. Special thanks to Tricia from Grace for driving Eric and his dad all over Virginia for medical help. He's hoping to make a come-back tomorrow. In the mean time, we're thankful to God for providing all the help and support we needed, and for making percocet possible.

Lego Iwo Jima

I don't think Walmart sells a kit for this.

Drop and Give Me Twenty

Courtney finds out first-hand how much a Marine's pack weighs.

Semper Fi

First day of VBS went well. Nearly 200 kids showed up, and Grace was well-prepared to handle them. Our kids pitched in and helped in music, crafts, games, leading, and as teachers' aides. For lunch, there were sub sandwiches. Today's afternoon activity: The National Museum of the Marine Corps

Sneeze

Here is rare footage: Megan is in the middle of a sneeze. Pictured on the left is Elissa Ellermann, our group's host and awesome tour guide from Grace Lutheran

Hot day

Every garbage container looks like this today. Temp feels about 90 and humid. Once in a while we catch a crisp breeze off the Potomac.

The Long Walk

We start at the FDR memorial (pictured), then hit the Jefferson Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Viet Nam War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial (also pictured). Pretty good day's walk!

Deja Vu?

Standing in line at FDR's depression memorial, or sitting and thinking about the Washington Monument: is there something familiar about these poses? Still fun a year later...

Kids, Don't Try This At Home

Chris demonstrates his prowess on the parallel bars. Set-up for VBS is finished. We're just waiting to head out to see the monuments lit up at night.

Newfangled potato chips

One craft requires pringles cans. We found this collector's edition. It's almost as good as seeing the Washington Monument. Almost.

Sight-seeing will come later.

Getting everything ship-shape

Sunday we went to Bible class at 10:00 a.m. and church at 11. BLT's for lunch, then back to work making the whole school look like a ship. We thought this pose might help the portholes look more real.

Games

Chris is ready. The water balloon should be arriving any minute.

Last night we gathered for water balloon games in the church lot; perfect for a hot humid evening.

The Ellermans had our youth group and the Grace youth group over for burgers and hot dogs, and we rested and relaxed. Since everyone was pretty tired, we opted to save the night time tour of sites for later, and everyone headed to our hosts homes for a good night's sleep.

More craft pics

Eric and Carolyn work on Bible passage bookmarks to send home with the kids. Sam and Chris create feaux wood walls to create a ship atmosphere for the boat themed VBS.

Crumpling newspapers to fill paper "bricks" for a project is dirty business. Ashley, Courtney, and Megan promise to wash their hands before they eat supper.

Friendly Skies

Everyone shares a smile before the in-flight napping begins. The tray you see in front of Megan will soon become her pillow. Megan will become Courtney's pillow. Ashley's pillow will be the window. Sam will recline his seat. Chris and Eric will - amazingly - remain awake for the entire flight. We'll see how they do tomorrow.

Check-in

We made it the airport safe and sound and got in line for check-in. Guess which one in the picture isn't a morning person.

Good Morning(?)

Is there life before four in the morning? These teens' journey began today at 3:54 am. No that is not a typo! Have a great trip. Hopefully you are landing as I write this. Enjoy the picture. I don't believe that my (Mr. Carlovsky) eyes are open. Scary picture. Can't wait to see better pictures from this week. Have fun on the high seas!

Ready To Go

As the excitement builds, I believe that this picture from last year's trip shows some feelings. Ready for launch. The excitement. The anticipation. Let's just hope it doesn't turn out to be a raw egg. Have fun. God will be with you.

One Week Away

Excited? Nervous? Ready to go already!

Whatever the emotions, this summer will be an exciting one for teens from St. Paul. Seven teens will be leaving shortly for Falls Church, Va. Also in August, five completely different teens will be leaving for California. All of teens are confident that no matter where they go, God will be there with them. "Never will I leave you, never..." We know how the verse goes. Our prayers and support are with you.