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.

Now Open for Comments

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.

More Pictures from Crystal Lake

I'm in the Lord's Army (YES, SIR!)

Here is a short video during music at VBS.

Our Last Day of VBS

The crazy thing about this trip is that our first day is followed by our last day. Just as relationships started to grow, we needed to say goodbye. The pictures say a thousand words. Jordan and Martin worked on the orienteering activity for Thursday. Amelia worked crafts with her group. Laura got to wear the "Armor of God" during closing devotion. It was a good last day. We are now back safe in Green Bay.

Thank you for everything member of Lord and Savior.

First Day of VBS

Monday morning we were greeted by rain. Would the rain keep the kids away? Nope. About 40 kids (according to my quick count) came to "Walk with Jesus" this week at Lord and Savior's Vacation Bible School. After we took a quick tour of the school, it was into the church for the devotion. We sang songs like Steppin' with the Shepherd during music. When the large group broke up, each of our teens was given a classroom to help out with.

Laura helped with the youngest kids, mostly chasing them down when they tried to get away. Amelia assisted with grades one through three, mostly taking kids for bathroom breaks. Jordan and Martin helped with the older kids and even led the whole group in the gym doing different animal walks.

In the evening, we played games like croquet and Clue. Then, we geocached through the "scenic" forests and parks on Crystal Lake. We found a few of them, and some mosquitoes found us. After having pizza for supper, the kids went back to school to help get ready for Day 2. Have a great day everyone! Day 2 is our last day of helping.