Summer in the rearview mirror
September 10th, 2011 by Zac
I think summer passes faster in the US than in Europe. Maybe because it’s hotter in the US. That would make sense wouldn’t it?
Whatever the case, summer is already over and Fall brings a new phase for us. If you missed our summer plan in earlier posts, our idea was to be around ElDorado, Arkansas through the summer and then start climbing the fundraising mountain from Fall. So far that plan has held.
We hit the ground running on the first week of June, when we flew into Little Rock. Our dear friends, Mark and Jennifer Cherry picked us up from the airport after midnight (we were zombies at that point) and let us collapse at their house for a couple of days.
Two days later we traveled to Victory Bible Camp where Kim and I spoke at a family camp for a weekend. I got to speak on one of my favorite topics “God as Father”. We examined several pictures in the bible that specifically relate to God as
Emili defends herself at camp
father and how that intersects with the whole concept of father and of course our own experience with our own human fathers. This topics never stops intriguing me.
After family camp, I had been asked to stay at the camp for the next two weeks as a volunteer to coordinate the camp work team. Camp work came second nature to me because I served there so many years as a worker, counselor and even director for a year.
One of the strangest chores for those two weeks was bat control. The main cafeteria building attic was full of bats. And where there are bats, there is bat poop. And in this case there was lots of both. After days of cleaning and screening holes, we believed we beat them – we hope.
Emili, Gwyneth and Sam each attended a week of Victory Camp, each having a week of amazing fun and spiritual challenge.
Kim on her birthday
Then there was the run of celebrations. Birthdays, anniversaries and family reunions. First was Hampton’s birthday, then Kim’s, then Sam’s, then Gwyneth’s, then our anniversary! Wheeew! Lots of fun celebrating and blessing all our family members for another year.
During this time both of our families were able to be together. This was a special time, since it doesn’t happen very often. Both my parents (Zac) are in their 80’s, so it’s always special to see all their kids and grandkids.
Next it was VBS (vacation bible school) time. Two churches asked us to help with their VBS program. Cosmic City and Big Apple Adventure were the themes. Kim and I taught various classes and the kids enjoyed every minute of bible learning, crafts, dances and especially songs. We even had a chance to lead a number of kids to Christ. VBS is still a strong tool for churches.
Before we knew it, it was time to start packing again. Our plan was to start our support raising on the road in September. But as it worked out, we needed to get moving a bit earlier. So, we left Arkansas on August 4th. Since then, we’ve made stops in Houston, Texas, Tampa, Florida, Charleston, South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, Boone, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina.
Whole Shepperson family
So, in the rearview mirror, our life looks full. We are so thankful that we could spend this special time in America serving our families, our supporters and churches. We thank you all for your willingness to stand behind us even in our “home” time.
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- Posted in Ministry, Travel Days in US
