way up in the mountains. Most helpers and staff have been coming here

every summer for many years, progressing naturally from campers to

leaders. They are all really nice people, and really glad for the

opportunity to hang out with each other. “This is not an easy place to

make new friends, but it is a great place to serve.” Olivia and Annika

learned in Seattle many people find it difficult to go instantly deep

in a conversation and be talking for half an hour before they realize

they don’t know the other person’s name. In settings like this MKs

often shine.

The guest speaker during “Campfire Hour” explained to the 300

tween-agers (11-13 year olds) and the 150 staff how many things, “like

food, alcohol, drugs, sex, movies…” are good if they are used right,

but not good if they are used wrong. “I love videos.” He had a video

player on the stage. But he put the movie in upsidedown and ever which

way, calling to the kids to help use it right. Finally, working up a

theatrical rage, he took a big sledge hammer and !!KerSMash!! with a

roundhouse swing he dramatically destroyed the movie player! Movies are

not good if they are used wrong. The next morning Guest Speaker

produced a bottle of ketchup. “I love ketchup! I love it on hot dogs,

hash browns, french fries and hamburger meat. I love it on everything!

He started to spread it all over his arms, then he squirted a bunch in

his hair and rubbed in all in. (The kids in the photo are the ones who

stayed back for extra ministry).

Olivia is full of stories about the zip line through the tall trees,

the climbing walls, the water activities and washing tons of pots and

windows. They even have an area where seniors come and camp with their

RVs for the summer. One of these senior’s main ministries is baking

cookies for everyone. “There are unlimited home made cookies for the

staff, made by loving grandmas. I never quite figured it out, but if

you get there at the right time, you can even get them while they are

still warm”. We are a long way from Marabá.