Lots of Rain, But Lots of Fun

Justin has been quite busy the last few weeks. So busy in fact, that he has not been able to keep in touch much. Without cell service, he has to rely on the camp computers, and having time for that has not happened.

It has rained and stormed just about every day since camp began, but that seems to be the norm for Iowa this month. It doesn't seem to be hampering their plans at all.

Tammy and Jason got to go up for the day on Wednesday. They emailed him to let him know they would be coming for a visit, but he didn't have time to check his email, so he had no idea they were coming.

When they got there, they were able to watch Justin in action with the campers. It was raining, so they were all in the gym playing a game. They said he looked great! He has lost weight, looks great, and seemed to be right in his element. That encouraged them so much. He was surprised and happy to see them. They went to a little cafe on the lake for lunch, to the grocery store, and a tour around the camp. They were very impressed. He told them all about the kids and how incredible they are. I know he is just where he needs and wants to be.

This week Justin will be a camp speaker. His theme is Jesus, My Firm Foundation. What a great week of messages to teach the kids...and something Justin knows all about!

Keep praying for Justin. We should hear from the hospital in the next few weeks regarding the date for his next MRI. We are praying that there will be no changes and his life can go on as usual. We are proud and happy about him.

First Week of Camp

Lots of weather at the camp...at least 2 severe thunderstorms blew through this week (one was during a tornado warning). All the guys called home from the basement, just to let their worried parents know they were OK. All I heard in the background was lots of laughing and joking, so I know they weren't scared. That is the fun of being at camp--it is all fun!

This week Justin got to attend his first Catholic mass. He joked that they were more interactive than the Baptists! Justin is in charge of the rock climbing wall, the campfires and some other things, plus helping the program director and counseling. As far as he knew, nobody knew about his brain tumor yet. He was getting ready to tell them about it when one of the storms blew in...

Ted Kennedy's surgery went well this morning. His doctor said that even though the malignant tumor cannot be cured, by surgically taking as much out as they can get gives the raditation and chemotherapy a better chance. Once again, Justin's tumor is similar, but not malignant at this point. So he has a much better outlook on a normal life. I have been very interested in reading and studying about this.

Justin seems healthy and happy. Praise God for that!