In The Fountain Ice Cream Shop this week, Ella found a new favorite flavor-- heaven. It's actually called heaven and is vanilla ice cream with peanut butter swirls and chunks of brownies. Ordering even just a kiddie scoop of this was a tremendous treat.
At our end of the week communion service, we were encouraged to reflect on how God has worked in our lives during our week at Mount Hermon. I thought of Ella's kiddie scoop of heaven. Mount Hermon is as close to heaven as I can imagine-- breathtaking creation, sharing meals with brothers and sisters, total security that my kids are safe and happy even when they run around without my supervision, hearing sermons and singing hymns that make me cry at the depth of God's grace, meeting fellow believers, sharing our stories, laughing, hugging, feeling so connected to one another and God. The week flies by, but the kiddie scoop of heaven that Mount Hermon gives me, Ella and Delia leaves us longing for next year and eventually for eternity when we'll get to enjoy more than just a taste of this.
So, here are some pictures and favorite memories that were part of our scoop of heaven this week:
At the carnival and BBQ the first night, Ella had the "I heart Mount Hermon" painted on her face that she decided on a long time ago. This year, Delia was "brave of bouncy houses!" and kept returning to jump without fear.
This was my most different year at Mount Hermon. A lot of Mount Hermon in the past has been about juggling the girls' needs on my own and surviving the inevitable fatigue. But, the girls' older ages and 4 years of experience brought them so much more independence and new opportunities this year. Ella was old enough to try the Discovery Grove Ropes Course, about 20 feet off the ground in the Redwoods. She didn't make it all the way across the 6 dangling obstacles, but I'm proud of her for giving it a try.
Ella also graduated from Child Care to Day Camp. Day camp is a separate program for 1st-6th graders. The counselors are wackier, the Bible studies are more intense and the activities are for big kids. She especially loved the giant slip and slide.
Delia moved up too, from the toddler room (which was very nursery like) to a preschool class. She also had her best year yet of letting go and joyfully dancing into class each day. She loved playing dress up and singing silly songs. There was one counselor, Lizard, who she totally bonded with.
The girls did a lot more walking on their own and a lot less napping. They ate with their friends at the kids' table and needed me a lot less, in general. It made me happy to see how comfortable they are at Mount Hermon and how much they love being there. Even so, there were times I missed having them so attached to me, so I really treasured the down time we got to spend in our little cabin, playing cards, coloring and snuggling up with stories.
Of course, a favorite part of family camp is getting a few windows of time to spend with Dave. On his day off from counseling high schoolers at HiCamp, he was able to join us for some time in the pool. Again, a difference this year was watching big girl Delia paddle around with just her floaties and big girl Ella practice her underwater swimming.
Another highlight is always the night we have a whole camp singalong and bonfire. I was delighted that one of the goofy songs they taught us this year was about Mrs. O'Leary and her lantern-kicking cow-- a song we grew up singing in Chicago!
One difference in this year's end of the week program was that Delia finally got on stage! She was so excited to say her Bible verse and sing "Our God is so BIG, so STRONG and so MIGHTY!" One thing that was actually the same as last year was that Ella was picked to be interviewed again. This year she shared what she learned about God ("That no matter where we are, or where we go, God goes with us.")
On our last night, we had a birthday in our group, so we planned a little surprise party at The Fountain. The kids dove into a Mudslide-- a sundae with 8 scoops of ice cream!
For me, the best part of Mount Hermon is the fellowship. Each year, I fall in love with all the good friends I get to share this experience with, all over again. These are amazing people! The kids get along so great and the older ones are so wonderful with the younger ones.
Last night Ella prayed with tears, "Dear God, please let this next year go super fast so we can be at Mount Hermon again soon." Our week of heaven is sadly over, but the stories are not. I have a few more to share, so stay tuned!
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