"The water levels are the highest they've been in years. It looks like you'll have some pretty exciting rapids to deal with." This was the explanation given to us by the rafting outfitter before we headed out on the Wolf River. I was already feeling cautious since Wisconsin had received an extreme amount of rain leading up to our trip, and this bit of news didn't bring about a huge sense of calm. In fact, just the day before my Wolf River trip, friends that were going with Brian to the Boundary Waters left Madison and were stuck in traffic for over an hour before they could get on Highway 94 due to flooding. Needless to say there was a lot of water in Wisconsin.

We took 11 kids and five staff white water rafting this year. The only setbacks (and they were minor) were a few wrong turns, a meltdown on the river the first day by one of our kids, and a pretty sweet leg wound from yours truly. It's amazing how God's hand of protection was on us the entire week.

I've developed a great passion for the outdoors and camping (thanks to my husband Brian) and I loved the opportunity to teach kids to share in that joy last week. There is something so simple and pure in sharing a conversation with a kid who has been shuffled from foster parent to foster parent while roasting marshmallows. Or staying up late with the girls in my tent to play cards.

Summers at TreeHouse offer little breaks or down time, but through all the chaos I see the most life change in kids.

Schools Out For Summer

Yesterday was the much anticipated day for every junior high and high school kid: the last day of school. And for those still in junior high an even better bonus: Valley Fair. Unfortunately yesterday also happened to be a pretty big thunderstorm day. When I was in middle school I remember my end of the year Valley Fair trip was also rainy. Those flimsy ponchos just don't keep you dry. My sympathies went out to all those kids.

Last night was also my turn to speak. We had a dirt theme because I was teaching on Jesus healing the blind man with dirt and spit. As a way to introduce the whole dirt theme I shared about my childhood and how I was a dirt eater. (see picture to the left). Thankfully I have outgrown my appetite for dirt.

On a personal note, I leave for the MS150 bike ride. The forecast shows rain. I'm not a big fan of riding in the rain so it should be interesting. We'll see how well my rain jacket repels water.