Sonshine: On The Third Day
During the course of Sonshine, at some point it usually rains. Our group are "Sonshine "Veterans, this was our 9th year, so we have pretty much "been there, done that" when it comes to camping at Sonshine. The first year we went, it rained 4" in an hour at about 4am so we ended up soaked, tent flapping in the wind .... another year, and one I missed because of being sick with mono ... it was HOT, scorching heat all week ... lots of sunburns. The weather is usually unpredictable. After many years, we have weathered storms. We even bring along 2 nurses to help keep the group healthy and they are a huge blessing!!
This year, we experienced a storm. After a hot first day and setting up camp, the second day was off to a great day. The concerts had started and everyone was having a fun time, doing well with keeping hydrated. While late afternoon approached so did some storm clouds. We adjusted rainflys on tents, secured as much as we could, began to cook supper ..... and then it hit.
The wind became so strong in such a short time. We pulled together to get the big top tent down. Rain blasting us and camp, one tent went. Soaking, cold rain and wind. We were directed to the high school as weather warnings were being announced. We had most of our group. I lost my son Adam and nephew in the crowd. I knew they were safe in the school ... but I hated that feeling of them not being with us.
And as we sat soaked ... I felt like I had 4" of water in my biboverall shorts .... I said to my girlfriend. "I'm thinking about Hurricane Katrina". "I hate this feeling .... I can't imagine what they felt in the midst of the storm".
Even though it was still storming out in Willmar, even though we were wet-cold-soaked, even though I couldn't find Adam and Jordan ... I knew they were safe and I would be able to find them when we got out of the school. Even though we weren't sure what camp would look like, or if we would have tents left ..... we knew it would be over and that we could always pack up and go home. But those affected by Katrina could not.
While sitting in the hallways of the school waiting for the storm to subside, our group started singing and others joined in. Thank you Jesus for holding us close and keeping us safe. Once out of the school and back at camp, eveyone pitched in to help. The big top went up .. ropes tight ... it held. The boys spent a night in vans, a run to Walmart for dry blankets, we weathered the night.
And on the third day ....... the sun came out. A new day, a dry day, a Sun/Son filled day. The group "Third Day", who we all love closed off the night with a concert. It was awesome!
And we praise you Lord, in the midst of the storm. We praise you in the Sun. And we lift our prayers to those who still are weathering the storm .... physically, mentally, spiritually. We give you this day. We give you our lives. We lift our eyes to you and give thanks for the Son.
And all God's people say ........ Amen!!
This year, we experienced a storm. After a hot first day and setting up camp, the second day was off to a great day. The concerts had started and everyone was having a fun time, doing well with keeping hydrated. While late afternoon approached so did some storm clouds. We adjusted rainflys on tents, secured as much as we could, began to cook supper ..... and then it hit.
The wind became so strong in such a short time. We pulled together to get the big top tent down. Rain blasting us and camp, one tent went. Soaking, cold rain and wind. We were directed to the high school as weather warnings were being announced. We had most of our group. I lost my son Adam and nephew in the crowd. I knew they were safe in the school ... but I hated that feeling of them not being with us.
And as we sat soaked ... I felt like I had 4" of water in my biboverall shorts .... I said to my girlfriend. "I'm thinking about Hurricane Katrina". "I hate this feeling .... I can't imagine what they felt in the midst of the storm".
Even though it was still storming out in Willmar, even though we were wet-cold-soaked, even though I couldn't find Adam and Jordan ... I knew they were safe and I would be able to find them when we got out of the school. Even though we weren't sure what camp would look like, or if we would have tents left ..... we knew it would be over and that we could always pack up and go home. But those affected by Katrina could not.
While sitting in the hallways of the school waiting for the storm to subside, our group started singing and others joined in. Thank you Jesus for holding us close and keeping us safe. Once out of the school and back at camp, eveyone pitched in to help. The big top went up .. ropes tight ... it held. The boys spent a night in vans, a run to Walmart for dry blankets, we weathered the night.
And on the third day ....... the sun came out. A new day, a dry day, a Sun/Son filled day. The group "Third Day", who we all love closed off the night with a concert. It was awesome!
And we praise you Lord, in the midst of the storm. We praise you in the Sun. And we lift our prayers to those who still are weathering the storm .... physically, mentally, spiritually. We give you this day. We give you our lives. We lift our eyes to you and give thanks for the Son.
And all God's people say ........ Amen!!
posted by Lori @ 7:57 AM
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