Hey, everyone, I am back to beautiful, thriving Nome after the first week of Salmon Lake Bible Camp, which was high school-aged kids. Matthew and I were both campers and we had such a great time. The camp is primitive -- no electricity, no running water, no air-conditioning or heat, and no signal for TVs, computers, or cell phones. All in all, it's a place where you have no choice but to enjoy the beautiful setting, which was perfect for me! We didn't need electricity because it is light all the time, they have a spring where you can keep things cold, there is a pipe coming out of the side of the hill for water (a nice little hike down to it), you certainly didn't want air-conditioning (it got up to about 55 or 60 at the most), they have wonderful stoves that keep the room warm and toasty, and the signal problem is not a problem for me. I didn't need to spend any time on my phone or on a computer; we had so much fun stuff to do! Below, I have compiled a short overview of each day...I could write way more, but I knew I had to condense, so enjoy!
Sunday -- We went to church (the apartment we're staying in is attached to it), had a potluck/blessing out at camp, and got all settled in. I was a little bit shocked at first...I mean, to go a week without a shower (I have never done that before) was disturbing, and the buildings are not perfect. They are dirty (inside and out), and the beds are just wooden bunks where you lay your sleeping bag and a foam pad on. I was startled, and actually a little bit scared just because it was so different. But I prayed and guess what? I went through this whole week and I didn't even miss showering or anything. Went to bed at 11:45.
Monday -- Finnish oven pancakes, cereal, and milk for breakfast, YUM! After breakfast, everyone went out for a canoe ride on Salmon Lake. That was cool, except we got stuck on the bottom a couple times and we had to push with all our might (the man in our boat actually got out and pushed us...and the water was really cold!) We were out in the canoes for awhile, then came back for a lunch of tomato soup, cheese-and- crackers, a pear-and-banana mix, and milk. After lunch, we had our first session about baptism and drew pictures of baptism. The session took awhile (all of them did), but afterwards, we had a break, and I helped Grandma with some tasks. We also did the first canteen run; the canteen is a little "shop" that sells beef jerky, juice, and assorted candies. I got a Reese's. Then supper -- hot dogs, chips, apples, and orange juice -- and chores. We were all assigned to teams (mine was the Happy Halibuts) and our teams had certain chores at every mealtime. My team hauled water. After chores, we had another session about the 10 Commandments and drew pictures of a church. Then another canteen run; I got a Hershey's. The boys played Capture the Flag after that, which was fun to watch! They were splashing in the water and just having a great time. I went to bed at 11 PM, but songs and snacks (which happen every night) were just starting and didn't end until 12:30 or so. I did not go to any except the final night; I need my sleep!
Tuesday -- Pancakes, leftover hot dog links, oranges, and milk for breakfast; my team's chore was to sweep the dining hall floors. The dining hall is where we eat, have sessions, and pretty much do everything. Then a session about the first article of the Apostle's Creed; drew pictures of ourselves with God. Then lunch (my team set the table) of moose soup (excellent), soda crackers, bananas, peanut butter-chocolate treats, and milk. After lunch, we all drove out to Pilgrim Hot Springs. About two-and-a-half miles from our destination, our van blew a tire and we had to walk for about a mile before Bering Sea Gold cameramen picked us up and drove us the path that leads to the hot springs (about a half-mile). There's a "pool", big and circular with warm water; and "hot tubs" which are smaller and about the same temperature. Very relaxing and refreshing! After spending two hours there, we came back and had dinner -- Sloppy Joe's, carrots, a fruit mix, and Kool-Aid. My team washed dishes. I helped Grandma with the canteen (I got a Reese's) before another session on the second article of the Apostle's Creed. We drew pictures of ourselves and Jesus's life. Went to bed at 11:30.
Wednesday -- I woke up at 8:45 and sat around for about an hour before all the kids came down. It was the middle of the week...all the kids were tired. That usually happens! For breakfast, we had French Toast and oranges, then the Happy Halibuts hauled water. After staff meeting, we had a session about the third article of the Apostle's Creed and drew pictures of the Holy Spirit and us. It was over at 1 PM, and then we had PB&J sandwiches, chips, juice boxes, and M&M's. Then we went to the airstrip, where we played Eskimo baseball. Well, the boys did. It was so complicated and confusing! Not at all like regular baseball, but it was fun to watch! We came back and had a session on the Lord's Prayer; we made prayer books. Then supper (my team set the table) -- chili with rice, apples, and orange juice. Then another session on the Lord's Prayer; drew pictures of sin and confession. After session, we were in our assigned teams to go on a scavenger hunt, so I looked the passages up in the Bible and then we figured out where to go. Our journey took us from the dining hall to the spring to the lake to the cross to one of the cabins back to the dining hall. We ran from spot to spot and were so quick...we won! We got a free trip through the canteen for winning. It was so special because all of us were high-fiving each other and hugging and so excited. You would think we would have won the Olympics or something! I went to bed at 11:15.
Thursday -- Woke up at 8:30 and took some pictures of the most beautiful morning of all -- the sun was peeking through the clouds; the mountains were reflecting in the lake; and it was so awe-inspiring! It was one of those moments where you just stop and say, "God, You are amazing!" After marveling at the morning, we had breakfast (oatmeal, eggs, oranges, and milk) and chores (my team did the dishes). Then a session on communion; we drew pictures of the Lord's Supper. Next came lunch -- spaghetti and garlic bread. My team hauled water before everyone gathered for a meeting. The kids went to Pilgrim Hot Springs again, but Matthew and I stayed...to climb Sleepy Dog Mountain. The mountain is across the lake from camp, so we went in a canoe across to the other shore, hiked to the base of the mountain (about 15 minutes), and then climbed all the way to the top. Going up, from the time we left the canoe to when we raised our arms in victory at the top was exactly one hour. We had no trouble with animals or accidents or anything. The climb was tough, very steep, but the view on top is completely worth every bit of it. Oh my gosh, it is GORGEOUS! Words and pictures cannot begin to describe it. Videos can only capture a bit of it; you have to BE THERE to see it. Mile after mile of OPEN land, rivers, mountains, beautiful land that God created! It makes my heart soar; I could have gazed out for hours and never gotten bored. We even got to stand in some snow and throw snowballs at each other...on July 19! I think that's so funny. You know, climbing a mountain is so interesting -- going to the top is the tough test of strength, stamina, perseverance, and determination. Sometimes it was so hard to put my foot forward and take another arduous step. My muscles were straining; I was burning calories! From camp, it doesn't look bad at all; once the climb starts, it looks daunting and the top seems to just continue to go farther away. But suddenly, just when you think you can't go on anymore, you're at the top and so startled by the view you just stop and stare. Once you get over initial amazement, you go on up to the very summit and raise your arms in victory. In my case, I thanked God for safely leading us to the top and for the gorgeous earth that He created. After spending about 15 minutes taking pictures, videos, and resting, we headed back down in about an hour. We canoed back across the lake and ate chocolate (Matthew had a Hershey bar; I had M&M's) to celebrate. We were so happy and thankful that God has blessed us with strong, healthy bodies...and a safe trip up and down. We rested awhile (and gazed at the mountain we'd just climbed) before supper -- ham, mashed potatoes, corn, and leftover spaghetti. My team swept the floor before the final session (on the Office of the Keys and Confession & Absolution) took place. Then some free time before songs and snacks (which I attended for the first time...to celebrate my mountain climbing experience) at 11 PM. Beautiful singing and songs in a beautiful setting. The wonderful day ended at 12:30.
Friday (Today!) -- Grandma came and woke me up at 7:30 AM; I got dressed and got all my stuff together. We were off by 8:15 and in Nome by 9:15. I was so happy to be home (away from home)! After getting all our things in, Grandma and I went to Hansen's (the store just down from our apartment). We got some groceries; I got two doughnuts and a magazine. I needed to replace that sugar I lost climbing the mountain yesterday. Hahaha! After shopping, I called my Mommy and we talked for an hour. I was so happy to hear her voice and talk to her; I missed her a lot (especially after we climbed the mountain...I wished she could have been there with us). Then I had breakfast (Mini Wheats, a doughnut, and milk). Then we all just sat and relaxed; oh, we did some laundry, too! We had lunch at 1:45 -- sausage-and-cheese sandwiches, Pringles, Jello, vanilla pudding, and apple juice. After lunch and a bit more relaxation, we went out and did a bit of shopping (I got some gifts for people back home...I'm not telling, it's a surprise!). I walked on down to AC's, the big store (like a Wal-Mart), where I got some break-apart chocolate chip cookies and baked them for us three ladies. Matthew is in Brevig and Teller this weekend. We had supper of biscuits and gravy, watermelon, and milk. Now I am going up to get ready for bed. I would love to post pictures; I have a ton, but I'm exhausted and I need sleep. Hopefully tomorrow if the Internet cooperates. Thanks for reading, everyone, and have a blessed weekend!
~Anna~
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