Church Camp

We just had a GREAT weekend! One of the best in a very long time. First of all, Colin got the WHOLE WEEKEND OFF. And just for fun, too! For those who don't know, he works every Monday and Friday nights and all day Saturday at Ricky's, as a cook. And lately, he's been rehearsing at school Mon, Tues, and Thurs. for year-end performances, and I'm at yoga on Wednesday nights, so we don't get much, if any, family time.

So, our church had its annual church camp weekend at Camp Imadene. What a beautiful place! It was Silas' first time away from home overnight, but I wasn't too worried as he's been sleeping so well lately, wrapped in his Miracle Blanket. We left Friday right after school and drove the hour and a half to the camp. We got ourselves settled in our room, which had a futon and a bunkbed. Colin and Ethan slept on the bunks, while Silas and I shared the futon. The first night, as is typical of any family camp I've ever been to, the kids are all a bit wired. As a result, Ethan didn't get to bed until after 10. By then, I was tired, so I went to bed at the same time, with Silas. But then Ethan shuffled and wiggled and made all sorts of noise. Sleeping bags are NOT quiet. I finally told him to stop wiggling and go to sleep and very calmly, he said, "Mom, this is what I do every night." Ha! It's true. He does take a long time to settle. I guess I'm just not usually in the same room to have to listen to it.

Saturday was a full day, with our pastor leading sessions for the adults and the kids doing fun activities. There was also a lot of free time. Ethan and Colin went in a canoe, for the first time for both of them. I didn't see them, but someone got pictures, so I hope she'll send them to me. Ethan loved it, after he got used to it. Today, Colin was kayaking. He really enjoyed it. I would have loved to have gone canoeing with both of them, but had Silas in my arms the whole time. Maybe next year. I wonder if I'd remember my canoeing lessons from way back when I used to go to Camp Evergreen in Alberta. Hm. I think the last time I was in a canoe, I was maybe 12 or 13.

By Saturday night, we decided to try and make it an earlier night for Ethan (both boys actually), since he had been up at 6am, after only sleeping 7.5 hours the night before. I actually got some child-free time for the Sat. evening session. That was nice. Sunday morning was actually sunny (Saturday was a bit grey and cool), and the kids had more fun running and playing outside. Our Sunday morning session included a time of sharing. We were asked to bring a symbol of who we are/what we do/etc. I didn't really think of it beforehand, but as I sat and listened, I had my sling draped over the back of my chair and I decided that was my symbol. I shared about how it symbolizes the attachment I have to my children and how I feel led by God to be home with them. I never fathomed, before having children, that I WOULD feel as attached and fiercely bonded to them as I do. Even as Ethan is nearing school-age, God is shaping my heart to become a home-schooling parent. And although we have had to make sacrifices, financially, and personally, with Colin working two jobs and living where we live, we never regret me being home with our kids. It allows me a connection (both physical and emotional) with them that I don't believe I would have if I were not at home. That's maybe not true for all working moms, but I think it would be for me. I never have the urge to go out to work. I have everything I want in my home and that is where I need and want to be.

After our morning session, we had lunch and packed up and headed home. As I'm reading this post, it doesn't seem like we had a spectacularly eventful time, but I think the fact that we got away from Victoria, went somewhere beautiful and serene, and that I had my whole family around me for a whole weekend where we weren't just sitting around the house, altogether made it perfect. It felt "normal" to be spending time with my husband and kids like that. I have to admit, I'm SO jealous of families where the dad is home on the weekends. And I realize this jealousy I'm feeling seems in contrast to what I wrote above, about me staying home and accepting that sacrifice of family time. But it's still hard. And so I will hold onto this weekend, this time of feeling "normal". And I will rejoice. Thank you, God, for this snippet. Thank you for this time. I'm so glad we went to camp.