More Group Pictures from Virginia

Here are some more pictures from Virginia. If any of you have pictures to share, please let me know. Thanks!

As Promised...VIDEOS!

Here are some videos from our trip. ENJOY!

VBS Theme Song (A Jungle Adventure)

Killing Time During a Break

Another Song

Back Home

Our last entry had a picture of a campfire. That fire lasted until they left for the airport at 4:45. An "all nighter" on the last night, are you crazy?!

After an hour delay at the Washington D.C. airport (an hour of sleep missed, we flew home. The picture below shows us flying over the Washington and the Lincoln. The ride was a smooth one, and a nap is sounding pretty good right now.

As I have promised a couple of times, there are videos coming. For sure by Monday!

Saying Goodbye

It is hard to believe that only one week ago we were three groups - Grace, Prep, and Green Bay. Now I think we all can agree that we are one. Everyone at the entire VBS had their orange shirts on to unify the entire camp of over 200 people.

The night ended with a short program where the kids told and sang what they had learned. Following this program, we had a huge party in the parking lot.

Everyone had a great time. Our teen group(s) ended the night with a campfire. Tomorrow brings an early morning wake up and a flight back home.

Thank you Grace for everything!

A Great Fourth Day at Grace

The weather today was perfect. Sunny and in the low to mid 80's. It is hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day of VBS. The time has seemed to fly by.

Today after VBS was over, we got a treat heading to Great Falls Park. The views and the short hikes were great, even if the sign entering the park wasn't. Enjoy!

Afternoon Sightseeing

This afternoon we saw the White House, two museums, and got to go up the Washington Monument. The group picture is at the base of the monument with the capital behind us!

Day 3 of VBS

It is very difficult for me to give you an accurate picture of VBS everyday, because I am in charge of games all morning. Hopefully in the next couple of days, the kids will have a chance to share their experiences.

Today at games was more water! Water games are always popular in the heat. Every day after camp, we eat lunch as a family. Today was loaded baked potatoes...YUM.

Hot and Humid (but no rain)

This morning at VBS, the heat was on in full force. Temperatures climbed into the low 90's. Everyone tried to stay cool in the AC or the shade, but games were in the shadeless playing field. Kyle, Bethany, Matt and I played two and a half hours of capture the flag! The kids seemed to really enjoy it.

Ashley's group reenacted the parting of the Red Sea today by dumping water on some of the students. As you can see in one of the pictures, the kids tried to get her back.

Chris got his workout doing the actions to the songs, over and over. However, we were quick to point out that this was still in the air conditioning.

This afternoon we went to Arlington National Cemetery and then to the Marines Sunset Parade. The storms looked to be blowing in, but luckily they missed us. (Eileen even got a hug from a solider)

Can't believe tomorrow is already Wednesday. We hope to post some videos for everyone tomorrow.

Night with the Monuments

After VBS was over for the day, we got to go swimming at the pool. We spent all afternoon diving off the boards, playing basketball, and relaxing.

During supper, we made the decision to go back to see more monuments at night. The monuments didn't disappoint! They are awesome at night. It was strange though to see the reflecting pool completely drained.

Day 1 of Bible Camp

Welcome to the Jungle! Two hundred children piled into Grace Lutheran this morning. The theme for this week is "The Big Jungle Adventure." They just kept coming and coming. So many opportunities to spread God's Word.

Ashley is helping the "Akapi" group, 9 and 10 year olds. Chris is helping in the music room. Kyle and Bethany are helping me with outdoor games. I was able to sneak a few pictures during the day to share with all of you.

Pastor Wattles got into character as "Jungle Jake" to lead the kids in their devotions. This afternoon we are off to the pool.

Night in D.C

After an intense vine making race, we ate supper and headed into Washington D.C. for the night. We saw the FDR and Jefferson memorials.

225 children are registered to attend VBS this morning. The craziness will start in less than two hours. We can't wait!

Transforming the Church

Our task after church today is to transform Grace Lutheran church and school into a jungle. Among many jobs, we have made hundreds of feet of vine to hang from the ceiling, transformed the lockers into tiki huts and "made grass."

Many tasks...yes, but we have always been point in the right direction.

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I have received a few emails about problems posting comments on our blog. I have fixed that issue. When you write your comments, select "Name/URL" and just write your name. Once you write a comment you will need to verify that comment. But then you are done. WE LOVE COMMENTS! Thanks for reading.

This morning we have InWord Reflection (Teen Bible Class), then church at 11:00. I hope everyone enjoys their time in God's Word today.

Three Groups becoming one

Three groups of teens are coming together to work on this Bible Camp in Virginia. Four teens from Green Bay, four from Luther Prep, and a bunch from Falls Church.

We had a fun day of cutting, painting animals, carrying tables and desks, and waterfall building; among others. It is interesting to see these three groups come together to serve the Lord.

We had a Bible study this afternoon on love. How we can show God's love to others in whatever we do. Tonight is a cookout at the Ellermann's house with all of the groups. Enjoy the pictures!

Our Bags Are Packed

It was an early wakeup call. We loaded up the VanCalster bus at 4 a.m. Tickets and security at the airport was no problem. We were slightly bummed that no one got to get the full body scan.

Now with tired eyes we wait at gate D44. Next post from D.C. Thank you for your prayers.

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