A few days ago Camp lost power for nearly 24 hours.  It was one of the first times in a long while that we have been without power for longer than a few minutes.  As dreadful as the power going out can be, I am forced to consider the amazing benefits of life without power.  When the power goes out, life seems to slow way down.  Because the power was out, instead of sitting around on our smart phones, computers, watching a movie or something like that, my family and I found ourselves sitting in the living room talking.  Now, this may not sound so crazy, but it felt so interesting that no one had their phone in hand, instead we just talked.  Even in a world with limited technology (I am speaking specifically of Camp of course), it is so easy to take for granted the small blessings we are surrounded by.  I am beyond thankful for reminders that there is more to life than entertainment and “things to do.”  What a nice break from the fast paced style of life that we lead.  To just sit, talk, and enjoy each other while being surrounded by this amazing forest was a fantastic way to spend some time.

As I am writing this blog I am sure it is apparent that power is back on, and I am stationed in front of my computer.  I hope this last power outage will be something I remember often as the days press on, and life continues with its business.  Today I went out and took some photos of the storm we are experiencing here.  I hope you enjoy them, and as you finish this, take some time away from the world of technology and spend time with people you love!

Peace.

Andrew aka Liger.

Hey Friends and Family!  Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  Like many of you, we have had constant, or near constant rain for the past 10 days.  Power has been out twice since last Monday but thankfully it is back on now.  Mini Waterfalls, leaves, and branches litter the mountain roads as you drive to Camp.  It is gray each day, but beautiful.  We are so thankful for the rain!  Our redwood retreat thrives on it, not to mention our pond will appreciate it when we begin to fill it in the Spring.  As you walk through Camp, it is amazing to see just how green it will get!  It’s also incredible how well you can hear our “roaring” creek that runs through the forest!  Needless to say, we are thankful for the rain!

Recruit

Mossi and Liger (Eric and Andrew) just returned from a Northwest recruiting trip.  They visited George Fox University in Newburg, Oregon, and Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington.  They reconnected with old staff, and met many young men and women who could end up at Camp this summer!  In a few weeks, Camp Hammer will head to Southern California to complete the second half of recruiting.  They will be visiting Azusa Pacific (Feb. 8th & 9th), Point Loma (Feb. 10th), and Biola (Feb. 11th & 12th).  If you are in the area be sure to stop by and say hello.  If you are thinking about working at Camp and live in Southern California, be sure to take some time in the next few weeks and get your applications in!  We look forward to seeing you!

Write

Finally, we are just mere days away from launching our “Camp Hammer Love Stories” campaign.  Starting next week we will be posting a new story each week on the website for your viewing pleasure.  To view the posts, all you have to do is check out the camphammer.com main page.  The stories will be there for you to enjoy.  Remember, these stories aren’t reserved for specific people!  In order to submit one, you just need to have your very own story to share.  We want to share the stories of all who love Camp Hammer.  Check out other blog posts to see more specifics!

Farewell for now.  Hope to hear from you all soon!  Summer 2010 is closer than EVER.  And remember, “Today is the day the Lord has made!”

Camp Staff