"We're coming. Blueberries for the road."

This morning we got to eat breakfast together one more time, have Choctaw nap time on the Party Room floor and walk to chapel together in the Green Cathedral. It's a magical, incredible thing how these kids grow in one week and become a part of our hearts.

We listened to the Desert Pete song in chapel this morning. Scott talked about how priming the pump is all about trust, responsibility, caring and faith-- these qualities we value here and hope that we carry home. I love that when Scott and Mike got to the chorus all the counselors and returning counselors joined in to sing together, "You've got to prime the pump. You must have faith and believe. You've got to give of yourself, before you're worthy to receive. Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face and cool your feet. But leave that bottle full for others, thank you kindly Desert Pete."

Today I had to say good-bye to most of the Day Camp counselors because their last week is when I'm gone at Young Life camp. I hate that all of this is starting to come to an end. I wish summer could last all year long. It never gets easier to say good-bye to people.

We had some pretty awesome surprises today though. I was packing my suitcase when I heard Ellyn scream and then fall to the floor. I ran over to her side of the room and GRACE BAUMEL WAS THERE! She'd been plotting to come visit but told us that it didn't work out. But she surprised us and we got to hang out for like fifteen minutes. I love this girl a ton and have missed her so much in the last week.

Then just when we thought all the excitement was over MADDIE BUEL SHOWED UP! Another Session 2 CILT, I was so ecstatic to get to see this friend again.  Her younger brothers have been here all week and I think they're the just the coolest Pathfinder and Brave guys I know. Maddie got to hang out with us for just about ten minutes but it was so great to see her. I wish Chicago was just a couple hours closer to Indianapolis so this wouldn't have to be such a rarity.

I got to eat lunch with friends at the Stone House right after check out. Then I drove to Indy to hang out with Emily Glanders the rest of the day. She let me take a nap as soon as I arrived which was the greatest thing ever. We made a Target run, cooked a frozen pizza and watched a Redbox together. Tomorrow I'll wake up basically in the middle of the night to go meet up with the HSE Young Life trip. We'll head off to Sharp Top Cove in Georgia for the next week and I can't wait.