MarytheKaytheBlog

Sweetie, quit flushing the toilet, and Honey, did you take a pitture of the moe-tel room??

I try really hard to be fancified sometimes.  I brush my hair, and apply fresh lipgloss before checking into new hotels.  But, honestly?  When my rough and tumble entourage (family of 4) climb out of our minivan in front of a respectable hotel, I feel like the Beverly Hillbillies are on the move.  It's even worse when I am traveling up North, and I have to speak to someone in my normal Southern (okay, sometimes country-sounding) drawl. 

 

I try to rein in our daughters who are wild from riding in a car all day long.  But, truth be told, I am every bit as excited as they are to see all the cool stuff in every new place.  Ooh!  Check out the cool shower!  Look--there's an old sink in our room!  Oh yeah, the bed IS comfy!   Oh, the free lotion smells so good!  Here--let me have some!

 

So, just picture the Beverly Hillbillies meet historic inn in Maine, and you will get a pretty good picture of our visit to the very lovely Whitehall Inn in Camden, Maine.   

 

I know a week and a half ago I promised you I'd show you some pictures of the inn...and today I am making good on that promise.

 

*Insert exciting harmonic organ chords here*  So, without further, adieu, here they are, folks--"pittures" of the very lovely, you HAVE to stay there if you ever get the chance, the Whitehall Inn of Camden, Maine.

 

*insert wild screaming and clapping here*

 

  You should check out the Whitehall Inn website.   It's a beautiful website--complete with the Whitehall's fascinating literary and cinematic history!!  (Hint:  Edna St. Vincent Millay and Peyton Place movie)

 

 From the moment we pulled our luggage across the front sidewalk, we could feel the rich history of the inn--History that goes back even farther than 1901, when a young widow, who had spent her honeymoon in Camden, bought an 1834 Sea Captain's house.

 

 The front door opens into the warm and inviting Millay Room, where the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, a local Camden girl, entertained guests at a masquerade ball one evening  in 1912 with a poetry reading, and a song on the Steinway grand piano--which still sits, waiting for guests to play.

 

Our girls were thrilled with the antique typewriter, which the friendly staff supplied plenty of paper and quaint postcards for them to practice typing!  That kind of friendly accomodation of my children warms this mama's heart--and makes a lifelong fan!

 The Front Desk.  Why, oh why did I not take a picture of the antique round table in front of the desk that held the large basket of orchard apples??  Those apples spoke to me.  They said, "Welcome to our inn.  Please take one of us, and walk out to the front porch, sit in a rocking chair, and enjoy." 

 

When apples talk to me, I listen.

 

One of my FAVORITE moments at the Inn.  I had about 6 minutes all alone, sitting in that 3rd rocking chair there, enjoying the best-tasting apple I've ever eaten, listening to the fountain gurgle, and smiling as people came in and out of the front door.  Perfect moment.  (Where are my daughters,  you ask?  Why, if you look closely, you'll see them in the front window, still tapping away on the antique typewriter.)

 

My 2nd FAVORITE moment at the Inn was at breakfast the next morning.  Glory be, the Whitehall Inn may be my favorite breakfast EVER.  Sadly, I did not take a picture of my lovely food...cause I et it all up too fast.  But, just close your eyes and imagine a small glass of the sweetest fresh-squeezed orange juice, and a bowl of the ripest cantelouope, strawberries, kiwi, honeydew, watermelon, and heavy silverware, and cheesy scrambled eggs, salty bacon....  Okay, I have to stop, or I will (as my dad would say) have a running fit. 

 

Did your cell phone battery die?  No worries!  The Whitehall Inn is at your service:

 

Can't you just imagine the phone calls that have happened here in the lobby over the last 100 years? 
 

 

Would you care to follow me up the curved staircase to see our rooms?  They are just up 1 flight of stairs--adjoining rooms 12 and 14.  Just knock--the girls are already in there, inspecting everything and fighting over who gets what side of the bed tonight.

 

 Both rooms had 4 poster beds in the prettiest honey-colored wood.  (maple?)  The white sheets were absolutely DIVINE.  Their website says the bedding and sheets are "imported" and I am sure they mean "imported from Heaven."

 

 The girls' bedroom was connected to our room with a tiny black and white tile bathroom--through that door on the left.  The black and white tile instantly took me back to my grandmother's tiny black and white tile bathroom in Florida.  I smiled a lot in our bathroom that night, remembering my grandmother and her own historic house.

 

Oh, I don't want to forget to mention how CLEAN our room was!  The Whitehall Inn is quaint and historic in all of the very best ways.  The wood floors throughout the Inn were absolutely spotless!  And, moe-tel t.v. lover that I am, I am very pleased to tell you that the Whitehall was not historic in their selection of electronics.  Both bedrooms were equipped with tasteful flatscreen televisions and remotes. 

 

Oh, and the friendly staff at the Whitehall Inn are helpful in directing you to all the wonderful parts of Camden, Maine. 

 

We got to take an afternoon cruise on the Appledore Schooner, and see gorgeous sights like this:

 
 

We also got to spend a little time shopping at many of the unique stores in the lovely downtown.  Okay, if you must know, we spent an HOUR in the Planet Toys store spending Nana's souvenir money (Nano Bug, gummy lobsters, and bottlecap jewelry-making set), and about 30 minutes going through other stores saying, "But, you already spent your money!"

  (photo courtesy of my cute husband!  Isn't it a beautiful pic???)

Okay, I've done tole you enough now.  If you aren't already in LOVE with the Whitehall Inn and Camden, Maine, then you must be a crochity person who doesn't like nice things and friendly people.  And if you don't want to eat the best breakfast of your life, then you just go on eating your cold muffin and gummy oatmeal. 

 

But, you NICE and SMART people, book yourselves a room right now at the Whitehall Inn...and when you get there--tell them MarytheKay sent you!!!

 

When they say, "WHO???"  Just tell them, "Never mind..."

 

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Day 3: Rockland to Camden...and lots of Cool Stuff!

Before I post a bunch of gorgeous Maine pictures (not that I'm bragging on my pitiful ability to snap pictures...Maine is just gorgeous to photograph--flunkie picture taker or not!!) I would like to give a HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE to the guys and gals who have planned this Great Bike Challenge for Kids Across America Kamps.

 

Seriously, these people have planned every minute of this trip so perfectly--and always with the attitude to serve others.  These guys are the last ones to bed at night, and the first ones awake (not that I'd know personally!) to make sure everyone's breakfast is just perfect.

 

Here he is, folks--O Captain, our Captain! 

 

Oh, but WHERE would the Captain be without his First Mate?

 

 

And, to ALL their Crew Members--Eric, Ray, Mark, and Chris...and all the Sag Wagon drivers--THANK YOU for helping to make this trip so special for our family--and for everyone on the trip.  It takes a special talent to plan a trip of this magnitude, and have it execute in such a way that it feels relaxed and just plain ole FUN!

 

Yeah, yeah, yeah...all those big words and adulations...just THANKS, okay?

 

And, now without further adieu--Here are some of the reasons WHY these guys worked their patooties off:

 

I sure do love these people!!!

 

 
 

 

  

I know the Crew's heart is to serve these bikers (my family, too!) like crazy.  But, I also happen to know the NUMBER ONE reason they are helping all of the many details of the Great Bike Challenge to happen...

 

Is to raise money to help bring more inner-city campers to Kids Across America Kamps--so that they can be introduced to Jesus.
 
 
 

All this other stuff--the gorgeous scenery, the amazing meals, the cool side trips, even the schooner ride--all of that is just extra stuff.  All of that is really great...but when it all boils down...it's all nothing

 

Compared to the life of one kid.  One kid who might not otherwise have a chance in this world to make something of his life.

 

Who might get the chance to ride a bus to a summer sports camp in the middle of the Ozark Mountains, where hundreds of crazy college students get to love on him, and encourage him for 8 days.

 

And just maybe that kid will see something different in the eyes of his counselors.  And will want that same sparkle for himself.

 

The sparkle--the look of pure peace and joy.

 

That's what all of these pictures boil down to.

 

That one thing.

 

The very best thing. 

  
 
 So, thanks Great Bike Challenge crew...Thanks for helping that ONE BEST THING to happen!

 

If you'd like to learn more about Kids Across America Kamps, please check out the website!    Or maybe you'd like to join the Great Bike Challenge next Fall!  Please do--it would be a blast! 

Day 2 of the ride: Freeport to Rockland, Maine

If you're wondering what ride I am talking about, click here to catch up!

 

Day 2 of the Great Bike Challenge was the long ride day--91.2 miles!  We knew it would be an adventure-filled day when we woke up to some chilly temperatures, with the threat of rain.  That didn't seem to deter any of the bicyclers one bit!  As the temperatures continued to drop during the day, the bikers continued to add layers, and kept on pedaling to keep warm!

 

 
  

 

Dave and Rebecca rode their tandem bike about 10 miles this morning before it started drizzling rain.  We decided to take a quick break in the darling town of Wiscassett.  We fell in love with a couple of stores here!!

 
 Here's one of my favorite stores here--Paper Rock Scissors.  Isn't that the cutest name for a paper goods / gift shop?
 

 
 Just looking around this colorful shop, I could tell the owner has an eye for stylish design and thoughtful miniatures.  This store was just like candy for my eyes!  I could have spent hours looking at every little thing!

 

What is a cold bike ride without a cup of steaming hot cocoa?  Well, let's just take care of that at this AMAZING local coffee shop!  Walking in, I instantly felt at home in the warm and friendly environment.  Plus...I somehow always feel at home around pastries and desserts!  *sigh*

Isn't this just the cutest candy display?  "Yes, m'am, I'll have a pound of each..."

OH, but THIS, this is where we spent some money.  Which one do you think we selected???

Well, the ginger coffee cake, of course!  Nothing seems more fallish than warm gingerbread.  Mmmm!  It did not disappoint, either! 
 

Isn't this the coolest, coziest-looking coffee shop you've ever seen?  I could have spent all day here...Cause, lucky for me--they serve lunch!  However, lunch was still ahead at the base of a lighthouse.  Must keep moving!

Just had to snap sweet Sarah's picture under her namesake cafe! 

The Pemaquid Lighthouse did not disappoint!  Isn't it just beautiful?!  Also, the scenery around it was breathtaking.  The temperatures were dropping, so we kept bundling up.  A little rain did not keep our girls from playing on the rocks, though! 
 

 

 

Wouldn't you want to play on these rocks?  There were hundreds of feet of these rocks down at the shoreline.  The girls were careful not to get too close--or else some of the waves would spray them as they crashed down upon the rocks!

 

 Well, the bikers all made the 91.2 mile ride--in the cold and in the rain!  Dave and Becca opted to ride a much shorter time...Dave wants to keep biking FUN and ENJOYABLE for Rebecca.  She chose to ride in the warm van most of the day.  Smart girl, I say!

 

After a yummy seafood dinner at The Boathouse, everyone headed back to the hotel for a good night's sleep.   Day 3 is to be a shorter ride--34 miles through more beautiful country, and following the coastline towards Camden, Maine.

 

And they're OFF! Old Orchard Beach to Freeport, Maine!

Welcome to Day 1 of KAA's the Great Bike Challenge (GBC)!  The bikers donned their shiny black spandex, climbed on their bicycles, and began their 47.9 mile ride from Old Orchard Beach to Freeport. 

What a great group of people to hang out with this week!  Oh yeah, there are some real movers and shakers riding together this week...but in this group, we're all here for a purpose--to raise money and awareness for Kids Across America Kamp.  We're all here to help inner-city kids have a chance at a better life.  All of us believe that there is only 1 thing that will give those kids a better life...or anyone, for that matter.  And that 1 thing is to have a relationship with Jesus. 

 

All the money we're raising this week is all to help our campers, our inner-city kids, have a chance to meet Jesus at Kids Across America Kamp. 

 

Now...that's not to say these movers and shakers are singing Kumbaya all week and taping Bible verses to their bicycles.  Oh no--there is some hard riding, some sweating, some gearing down to get up tough hills. 

 

Mostly, though, what I am noticing this week are relationships.  I see groups of bikers sticking together, chatting while riding, stopping together--either to enjoy a beautiful view, or grab a cup of coffee.  Nearly all of these bikers already knew each other, and most of them have been on GBC rides before.  They are here to raise money, but they are also here to enjoy each other while riding.

 

The relationships are what make this ride. 

 

Okay, I'll be honest--the scenery ain't to shabby, either!

 

(I do believe this Inn is in the dictionary under "Absolutely perfectly beautiful Inns in Maine.") 
 

After a ride through beautiful downtown Portland, everyone pulled into Loring Memorial Park for a picnic lunch. 

 Everyone huddled into the gazebo, overlooking the beautiful bay.  This was the beginning of some chilly weather.  Brr, where are those fleeces I packed?

 

 
 Everyone has been so kind to our girls.  As the token kids on the trip, they are a little spoiled with attention.  But, I guess I am a little prejudiced...they are cute, aren't they??

 

But, since they are the only kids, I keep reminding them to be sweet, be polite, shh, quiet down a little, settle down now, come here--hold my hand now, shh wait just a minute...

 

Or else--you know--

 Well, that's NOT even FUNNY, is it???  Okay, okay, you know I'm only kidding!!!  Everybody knows this canon doesn't work anymore...  Silly me.

 

After lunch was the beginning of...Well, actually I shouldn't say what it was the beginning of for me.  This being a family-friendly blog and all.

 

Let's just say...I got lost...a few times...and I wasn't very happy about it.  My family laughs (at me) that I am directionally challenged.  That is kind of an understatement, actually.  But, to my credit this time--there were a LOT of turns--many times every 2 miles.  Finally, I gave up trying to stay on the bike path.  I just plugged my end destination into my BELOVED GPS, and just turned where the sweet lady told me.

 

How did I feel about being lost numous times?  Well, since I shouldn't exactly SAY IT right here...I'll show you:

 
 
Check out the little stinker in the back seat!  I guess she didn't like being lost, either!

 

So, dear brother, sister, and mother--all of whom called me, and I didn't answer--THIS is what I was busy doing!  I promise to call soon!!!

 

How does a girl unwind in Freeport, Maine, after being stressed all afternoon long?

 

Um, HELLO?  You all know what Freeport is the home to, right???

L. Bean.  That's right--L. Bean!  Or...just maybe the silly girl who edited the picture so perfectly chop chopped one of the L's.  Poor L.

 

Found 2 darling denim skirts for 2 darling girls.   

 

Then, it was back to the Hampton Inn

 

For a  little joy-riding

And then, some seriously yummy dinner at Gritty's!  Sorry...no pictures of everyone gathered at the tables overflowing with food.  I only took a couple of quick ones--and during dinner when people were chewing! (novice photographer!)  I have a strict policy not to post unflattering pictures of anyone...(unless they are either of my brothers...or my sisters, if they are mean to me! )  I promise to post lots of pictures of our fun group tomorrow! 

 
And I ordered my first-ever lobster roll.  YUM!  (Okay, I am a dork.  I actually googled "lobster roll" on my phone at the restaurant before ordering--just to make sure the pictures of lobster rolls looked good.  I like to be an informed order-er!  And, also, I am a dork.  I know.)

 
And, that, is the end of Day 1.  Whew!  What a day.  I know Dave and Rebecca were tired after riding 47.9 miles.  Time to hit the sack and rest up for the big 91.2 mile day! 

 

Okay, also...something terribly embarrassing happened to me at Gritty's...I mean something MONUMENTALLY blush-inducing, how do you explain to your children, embarrassing...  I'm not sure I am ready to tell about it here.  I am SURE it would be inappropriate to tell...but, I'm always game for a laugh or two.  And, even though it was embarrassing to me, I'm sure it's funny.  And I'll be able to laugh about it in a year...or ten...   Just have to decide whether or not I want to tell this story in mixed company.  My dad does read this blog, you know!  (Hi, Dad!  Miss you!!!)

 

Enough chattering from me!  Check back--and I'll tell you all about Day 2--with lots of biker pictures, too!

The Day Before the Start! Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Well, we're FINALLY here!!!  After 3 long, adventure-filled days in the car, we have arrived in Old Orchard Beach, Maine! 

 

(In case you have no idea what I am talking about, my husband and daughter are about to join a great group of bikers, who will ride 280 miles across Maine in The Great Bike Challenge to help raise support and awareness for Kids Across America Kamps)

 

All the bikers have arrived, and they're all getting ready to begin The Great Bike Challenge!  The weather is absolutely gorgeous today--sunny, but not too hot.  Walking around this evening was just perfect. 

 

Since we arrived in Old Orchard Beach late last night, we had the whole day to explore and play on the beach! 

  
You can't tell here...but the water is COLD!!  A little cold water wasn't going to stop our girls from a whole lot of digging, moat and castle building, shell collecting, and running around on the beach today!

 

 

This place was a GREAT FIND!!!  If you ever come to Old Orchard Beach, please stop at Dolce Crema Caffe' for a yummy lunch, a dish of heavenly gelato, or some coffee and a pastry.  We were blown away by the excellent service.  We later found out the great guy that helpeld us was actually the owner, Mike.  Mike made us feel like VIPs as he chatted with our girls about what they wanted for lunch, and served us like we were his favorite customers!!  (Who knows?  Maybe we were!  We are a friendly, smiley sort.)

Mike suggested I try the BBQ chicken panini with carmelized onions  and sharp cheddar.  He had me at carmelized onions!   The sandwich was perfect.  Dave ordered the chef salad, and kept bugging me until I would take a bite of cucumber and cherry tomato.  WOW.  I don't mean to go on and on about our lunch--but the vegetables tasted garden fresh, crisp, and full of summertime flavor!

 Oh, but can we talk about the gelato?  Because you KNOW I had some gelato for dessert!  I chose large (yes, yes, I did!) because with the large size, you could have 3 different flavors.  I had a trio of tart fruityness--red orange (my favorite!) mandarincello, and pink grapefruit (whoo, tart!)
 

 Well, you KNEW there would be pictures of lobsters on a trip to Maine!  I do not want to disappoint!  Look at this friendly fella--he gave his life so that we could have yummy lobster on our first evening here.  Thank ya, Larry Lobster.  Your generosity will never be forgotten.

 

  Okay, hurry and take the picture--Larry is HOT!  But, look--Larry is giving a little goodbye wave to his friends and family back home.  However...come to think of it...I'm not sure any lobsters actually read this blog...  Gotta work on that lobster marketing.  (Poor Larry...his wave was in vain...)

Note Sara Beth's face here...She said something SMELLED FUNNY.  She had a dinner of delicious french fries--which she requested to please eat away from the funny smelling lobster food!

 

 Ah!  Were you wondering if there were any of the bike crew in this post?  Well, lookie here--a whole table full of bike crew friends!  All enjoying the lobster, potato, and corn dinner at the local Lobster Festival.  I believe Mark and Chris there are enjoying their very first lobster.  They gave the experience a thumbs up!  Thanks to Mindy for instructing all us lobster novices on the proper way to crack open Larry's little claws and tail.  And, Sarah--who is always looking to serve and help!!  Love her!
 

Old Orchard Beach has a really great evening vibe.  Of course, the perfect temperature made the night seem even more perfect! 

UPDATE ON THE EVENING VIBE:  Let me insert here that I am not appreciating that evening vibe now that I am in our condo, and ready to go to sleep.  The vibe sounds like it is still going strong.  I just wish the vibe would go on home, and put itself to bed!  Enough vibe, okay?

We had a great time walking around, taking in all of the sights.  Even stopping to enjoy a little dessert! 
 

Nothing like  a little lemon Italian ice to finish off a really great day! 

 

Tomorrow the bikers will pull on their spandex and line up at the start!  (Time to get good eye contact with the bikers...if ya know what I mean!)

 

Check back later--I'll try to upload some pics of our lovely Old Victorian condo room. 

Travel Tip: Don't Be Nasty Dirty

Did you happen to catch my post last week about our family traveling to Maine to participate in a benefit bike ride for Kids Across America Kamps?  (You didn't?  Well, click HERE to catch up!)  Oh, but wait--let me be more specific--our family is DRIVING to Maine.  As in 3 days in the car.  But, once we get there, it will be so worth it.  We'll be in Maine during the Fall Leaf Season!!!  I've not been to Maine before, but I hear they serve lobster everywhere...even McDonald's!  (Thank you, Annisons, for that tip!)

I'll be blogging all about the bike ride experience, and of course, all the funny things that seem to happen to our family on the road.  So be sure to tune in next week to follow us across the U.S., and across Maine!!

You can imagine I have been busy running around trying to get organized for this road trip.  As I've been organizing clothes to pack, I realize we will need to do laundry while we're on the road.  No worries!  I am planning ahead!

I am taking 3 things, so that our family won't have to be nasty dirty:

  

1.  Powdered laundry soap - 1 cup per ziploc

I measured out 5 laundry loads (5 ziplocs) and put all 5 into a large ziploc...all sealed up nice and tight!  (Do you hear my OCD talking here?!)

 

2.  Quarters for hotel washers/dryers - in a ziploc

I put the quarters ziploc in with the laundry soap ziplocs

 

3.  My trusty collapsible mesh laundry basket (one of my all-time FAVORITE THINGS)

I threw in the large ziploc containing laundry soaps and quarters...I like to call this baby:

Have Laundry Soap and Quarters, oh and also a Laundry Basket, Will Travel!!!  It's a catchy little phrase--after you say it, oh, about 6 times.  Try it and see!

(You didn't actually fall for that, did you?  Seriously?  Did you just say that whole phrase out loud 6 times???)

Okay, GPOA WDM, (Grumpy People Of America Who Doubt Me), I know what you're thinking... "That is all well and good, but that laundry basket TAKES UP SO MUCH SPACE!"

(I totally just read your mind, didn't I, grumpy person?)

Well, I would have to say:  Au contraire, mon frère!!

You seem to forget that I called it a COLLAPSIBLE laundry basket.

You really have to pay attention to keep up around here.

I present to you:  Exhibit D:

 

Well, folkth, thath all I have for you in today's episode of Travel Tipth:  Don't be Nathy Dirthy.

OH!  One more thing!!!  Only 3 more days to enter my Celebrate Fall Giveaway!!! 

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Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family

 

 

Biking for Inner-City Kids

 

At the end of September, our family is participating in a fundraising bike ride across the state of Maine to help raise money and awareness for Kids Across America Kamps.  If you read any of my posts this summer, you'll remember that we work at Kids Across America Kamps, and live on the camp grounds every summer.  I know I've shared some of the amazing things about living and working at an inner-city summer camp, but I've also shared some of the more difficult parts, too.  Working at a ministry for inner-city kids can be many things all at once--challenging, exhausting, thrilling, hilarious, heart-wrenching, frustrating, and life-changing.  Even with all of the mix of emotions that come with pouring your lives into a ministry, one feeling sums up all the other feelings: A blessing.

Photo credit: Bill McCoy

My husband and I consider it a blessing to have front row seats in watching kids' hearts and lives change within an 8-day term.  Oh, and it is by no means just us.  We are a small part of the full-time staff, and hundreds of college-age summer staff who join together with one purpose every summer:  To love kids to Christ.  At Kids Across America, we accomplish that goal with the platform of a sports camp.  Kids from inner-cities all over America ride buses to our camp, nestled in the middle of the woods in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, to become part of a sports camp experience--and unlike anything they've ever experienced!

 

Photo credit: Bill McCoy

I wish you could see their faces as these kids climb wearily off buses and into the throng of cheering, and crazy dressed-up summer counselors, all anxious to meet "their campers" for the next 8 days.  The kids step off the buses wide-eyed, some grinning ear to ear, and some looking around at the happy energy around them thinking, "WHAT have I gotten myself into???"

 

What they have gotten themselves into, is a summer camp that believes in the power of loving one kid at a time, meeting his needs, getting to know him, cheering him on to pursue dreams and living a life he never thought possible--and also helping equip his group leader so that when he does go home, he is not alone.  His group leader (we call them "Kaleos") is right there, on his hometown sidelines--continuing the cheering and encouraging that began at camp.  Our camp believes that one kid at a time--we can help change the inner-cities of America.

Photo credit: Bill McCoy

Our family has an opportunity to help continue that dream of loving one kid at a time to Christ--through Kids Across America's The Great Bike Challenge.  My husband and daughter have accepted the challenge to ride across the beautiful countryside of Maine, in order to raise money and awareness for Kids Across America Kamps.  They will be meeting that challenge on a tandem bike!  Our younger daughter and I will join in the fun by following all of the bikers in a support vehicle.

 

My husband and I are excited that our two girls are taking an active part in helping Kids Across America.  Our girls already live at camp all summer, and enjoy the benefits of living at a summer camp.  They get to see the grinning camper faces, hear the camper cheers, dance along at the crazy themed parties, watch as campers learn to work together in the Challenge Course, experience the same kind of trust our campers learn during the High Elements Ropes Course.  And most of all, they hear the bell ring throughout the summer.  The bell that signifies that one more camper's life has been changed--by becoming a Christian.

Photo credit: Bill McCoy

Our daughters understand the amazing things about Kids Across America.  They watch it happen all summer long, every summer. This Great Bike Challenge is their chance to BE A PART of helping Kids Across America continue.  To BE A PART of changing kids' lives.

Honestly?  The life-changing experience of Kids Across America Kamps is difficult to describe.  In lieu of more words, I'd rather show you just a little bit...

If you'd like to know more, please feel free to check out the Kids Across America website.  If you'd like to join the challenge in support of this ministry, click here.  Mostly, I just wanted to tell you about the summer camp that has meant so much to our family.  The place where we pour out our hearts with the hopes to change lives...and in return, our own lives get changed and enriched every single summer!

Towards the end of September, I'll keep you updated on our exciting bike ride across Maine.  Oh, did I mention we are driving to Maine?  Have you ever looked on a map and seen Missouri?  Yep, smack-dab in the middle of the U.S.  It'll be quite a drive to get there.  I'm sure you'll be hearing from me, too, in the looooong car drive across half of the country!  Until then--somebody's got some planning and packing to do!

 

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