My eight year old boy is in a car on his way to church camp. This is the first time he's been away from home other than a local sleepover, and they will be gone for five nights. He was SO excited that he woke up at 6am this morning. He ran in and asked if we could start getting ready for church. When we told him it was too early, he actually giggled and said he was so excited about leaving for camp.

So, after church this morning, we went out into the parking lot and got his stuff loaded up into the trailer. All the kids going to camp were so excited -- they were HYPER as all get out. (Made me very grateful that I can't physically take eight hours in the car so that I didn't have to volunteer to pick them up! LOL!!) I admit, I will miss Jacob A LOT this week. But honestly, I'm not all weepy or sad or anything. I thought I'd cry when he left, but I am SO grateful that we could get him to camp. I hope he makes it all week (he IS a little young for this, after all.) But even if he doesn't make it and has to get picked up, I'm so proud of him for wanting to go and having the courage to try it. I hope he allows himself to have a WONDERFUL time, because I remember how fun camp always was.

Jacob and Clarissa while the kids were getting their bags loaded. She misses him already!


Pastor Cave came out and prayed for the youth and adults on the trip.


This is Jacob and his little buddy from Sunday school.


When the youth director came out and said it was time to leave, the kids posed for one more picture. Then...they were off to Lake Michigan.