Our church helps send Hmong students to a week of Christian summer camp. This was my third year in helping to organize the ministry. God allowed 14 Junior Highers and one High Schooler to attend. After camp one of the boys wrote: "God changed me by making me focus on God more and also I started to pray more and more each day and learning more about God, His powers and what He can do to be able to change my life." Another guy wrote: "My heart really opened this week to Jesus because He was the one who paid the price...So thank you Jesus!"

All the kids had a great time at camp. Jesus was spoken of, love was shown, friends were made. I am praying that some of these kids are 'good soil' and God will be glorified through them.

Hot air balloon rally this past weekend. We stopped by in the early morning to see some of these beauties inflate and lift-off. Must be beautiful up there, in the fresh air and quiet breeze.

Another summer picnic. This one was a neat bridal shower for my sweet friend Jessica. The hostesses really outdid themselves. Individual picnic baskets, gingham tablecloths, blankets on the ground, soda pop in bottles, homemade chocolate chip cookies, potato salad in tiny mason jars, daisy centerpieces. Ahhh..it was so cute. Here she is with her sister. Jess is special to me because we've met to study the Bible and pray together. She is truly desiring to be a godly wife and (hopeful) mom. The wedding is in September. I saw her wedding dress and she'll be a beautiful bride.

The 4th of July had gorgeous weather. We were invited to a wedding cele- bration for John's brother and new bride. It was on the grounds of a farm that was established in 1856. We enjoyed touring the vegetable gardens and the old barn. The festivities included a huge tent, live music, tex-mex dinner, cupcakes, yard games, and lots of visiting.

The other morning I went on a hike at a state park. It feels so good to be in an expanse of nature and yet so close to town. Towards the end of my hike I took notice of my boots. They are very comfortable and scuffed. I bought these hiking boots in 2000 before I went on the Grand Canyon trip. My first opportunity to view the canyon and I was able to totally experience it by hiking all the way to the bottom, camping for a few nights, hearing the raging Colorado River, and hiking to the top. It was a physically stretching journey, but exhilarating.

Today as I was zipping around town I spotted a vintage truck for sale. My eyes are drawn to old trucks and old VW bug's. They don't need to be spotlessly refurbished, just in decent shape. I wonder if a pickup truck will be in my future? Someday we hope to live in the country, out amidst farm fields. Maybe I'll need to get a pickup to handle some of the chores...

Rachel is 40 today! To mark this special year we did a small overnight trip in Manito- woc. Rach loves to ride bikes, so we planned to do some leisurely biking together (6 of us). The weather was drizzling and cold the first day, but that wouldn't stop a diehard like Rachel...she and Dad zoomed off for 45 minutes in the rain. She's already done many week-long biking trips in her life, and now a new road bike will give her some extra speed for those long endurance days.

Rachel is a good friend. Because she was my older sister, I couldn't help but look up to her, and she was a wonderful example for me. We have many things in common, and that's a good start to having a great pal! She actively listens and cares about what you're saying. She is kind-hearted and patient. God uses those skills in her job as a High School counselor.

A big round of applause for my lovely sister! HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!