What is the best thing about staying in a hotel???

THE POOL!

On June 12th, we loaded up and headed to Orlando, Fl. to visit Campus Outreach Raleigh's summer project for 10 days. (The car ride itself is another story all in itself....whew). Although we go down each year to love and minister to our staff and students there, our kids think we go down to have FUN. As Rupert spends most of his time in meetings or speaking, the kids and I get to play. There is just nothing like having the pool right outside our door at our disposal whenever we want...and its free. My kids love swimming more than almost anything else!

On Friday, we got away from the project for some family time. We went to Aquatica, Sea World's water park. It was really fun and the kids have not stopped talking about it.

If you don't know, the Summer Orlando Project is a 9 week summer camp we offer the area students we have been working all year. Some of them became Christians this past year, while others are still investigating. They work full time jobs at Disney World or Sea World and then in their off time we offer a variety of meetings to help them grow in their relationship with Christ. For example, we have bible study training, life management training, and discipleship groups to name a few. Of course we leave a bit of time for group dates and down time (but not much :) ). This year, there are 168 students from the Raleigh region as well as the Charleston region. Our staff are doing an amazing job of leading the project and shepherding the students. I love for our kids to be around such young, hungry, and energetic students. As a wife and mom who stays at home schooling our kids, it is easy for me to loose the vision of what Rupert does day in and day out. I am separated from the lives that are changing. I don't see first hand how God is drawing UNC, NC State and Duke students to himself. I'm not involved in the inner lives of these students like I once was. Of course this is my choice to be with my kids, being involved in their lives, but i am removed nonetheless. So each year when we go down to the project, I get to see all that God is doing and I am reminded why we do what we do and I wouldn't want to do anything else!

Spring Happenings

Field Day

Our kids had a great time being with the other kids from our homeschooling group at field day.  We enjoyed a picnic lunch and then they competed in many events like the 50 yard dash, tug of war, sack race, and three legged race (shown here).  Afterwards, the kids got in the car and said field day was the best thing we did together all year.  I am so thankful for the great group of kids that is part of our 

CHEAGD group.  

Field Trips

We are so fortunate to have great museums all around the Raleigh/Durham area.  On this particular day, we went to

 Marbles Museum in the downtown area of Raleigh.  Here Blake and Jordan get a taste of hockey on their miniature hockey rink.

Our Musical Side

Just typing that makes me laugh.  If you know me or Rupert very well, you know that we would never describe ourselves as musical.  But we have been honored to receive my Grandma's piano a year and a half ago after she had to move out of her home.  We shipped it all the way from Campbell, Ca.  So we began piano.  One day I heard someone practicing piano (without prompting I might add - very rare!).  I looked in the school room and I found batman practicing his piano.  It was music to my ears.  They may not act like they love piano, but I think deep down they feel proud of their accomplishment. 

Celebrating With John and Shellie

We just returned from the Clemson, SC area where Rupert's parents live.  Part of the reason for our visit was to celebrate the grand opening of John and Shellie's Chick Fil A store in Gaffney, SC.  It was such an exciting time as we witnessed the finale of their hard work over the past 3 1/2  years.  We are so proud of them.  

This is Rupert at the Dedication Dinner the night before Chick Fil A's grand opening.  John asked Rupert to say a few words and then dedicate Chick Fil A of Gaffney to the Lord through prayer.