This past week I have been at Lutheridge for Confirmation Camp, also known as Campfirmation. We had seven campers from Christ Lutheran attend camp, some attending Campfirmation and some attending other programs. For confirmation camp, our students got to meet peers from several other churches as we belong to a cluster of churches whose leaders and students come together for a week of learning and camp adventure. This cluster has been getting together for 47 years!

It was a great week. We learn about the seasons of the church and how the story of Jesus relates to our story. We go through ACELEP: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. Each day is a new celebration. When I go to Lutheridge, it is always a lovely getaway to Asheville. Growing up in Asheville, it feels like home.

However serene and relaxing as the mountains are, the camp schedule is an action-packed time of teaching, service, an outing, crafts, and planning. We are in teaching session in the morning and some evenings and then we spend time together as colleagues in planning and free time. It is a fun week, one because we are at camp, and two because go from one activity to another, and all along we are learning about Jesus and growing in relationship.

I was excited to go to confirmation camp even though I couldn’t help but to also be thinking of Stephen’s and my wedding coming up a week after returning. We have been pushing to get everything done and I still had a lot to do before the big day! From the moment we arrived at camp we had one thing after another to get in place. In general, we didn’t have scheduled break until Wednesday afternoon. However, Tuesday I got to enjoy a moment of refreshment that reminded me of the gift of my upcoming Sabbath after the wedding and helped me realize how busy it’s been.

It was Tuesday and we had finished up our teaching session and were shortly heading for our outing to Hooker Falls and Syracuse Flats. The campers got to hike to the water fall and walk in the creek. We were set to have dinner once they arrived at the park and I offered to help cook dinner for them at the park after their excursion. We cleaned up the park shelter, prepared the grill, got out all of our supplies and food, and then had some time to wait.

Two of my colleagues and I were in charge of dinner and while we were waiting, my friend said there was access to the creek just down the trail. Since we were all set for cooking and just had time to kill, I decided to explore.

I walked down the trail and found the access point to the creek. I decided to go for it. I took off my socks and shoes which felt so amazing because I am way overdue to replace my tennis shoes. From all of the walking and humidity, my feet were so hot! I put my feet on the cool soft sand and walked in the cold creek water. Sometimes, it can feel almost freezing!

It was refreshing. My hot feet could not get enough of the air, the cold water, and the freedom.

I walked toward the middle. The rocks were slippery, but I made my way through with just a few wobbles. I stood in the water and let the water rush over my shins. The trees in the Pisgah forest were bright green from all the rain and the sun was trying to come through. It was a beautiful sight. It gave some beautiful moments of refreshment.

I breathed in and breathed out. It was glorious. Just what I needed.

The Lord speaks to us in many ways and it was a nice moment to be reminded of this wonderful time in my life, getting to share about Christ with our campers, and our wedding where Stephen and I will join our lives together with Christ as our foundation. After our wedding on the 26^th, I will get a month of vacation to enjoy our honeymoon and settle in our home. I am very grateful for this gift of time and know it will be helpful in this time of exciting transition. Sometimes a small moment of relief can remind us of the big things for which we can also give thanks.

So, I will be on vacation from July 21 through August 21^st. We will be celebrating our union together, taking some time away, and I will be back in August to kick off the new year with Confirmation Sunday. I will appreciate the time of sabbath and be happy to return in August, being grateful for you and the life and ministry we share.

Thanks and peace,

Pastor Adrienne