Hunky Dory Farms

I had pictures to post today, but I doubt that you are going to get to see them...my computer died yesterday. (Sob!) We took it to the doctor, and we are waiting to hear if it is terminal or not. I had backed up several files a while back, and was going to do that again this week before I left for vacation--bad timing. I am working on my husband's computer this morning, and I am glad I am still able to let you know what I'm going to be doing this coming week.

On Sunday my children and I will be leaving for a week at camp. I had intended to take my computer with me, but now it is doubtful that I will be able to keep in contact with you. I'll take photos of the lake--the mist floating over the surface at dawn--and bring them back for you. Each year the World Mission Prayer League has a week long camp for its missionaries and for those interested in joining the mission. I'll spend the mornings working with their children while the parents are busy, and then we will have the rest of the day free. I only wish my husband could get away from the farm to join us, but this is the end of planting season and the beginning of haying. He has never made it up to visit the camp which is called, believe it or not, Hunky Dory.

Hunky Dory is situated in the woods of northern Wisconsin near Amery. The mosquitoes are huge and plentiful; the cabins are, well, rustic. One year the shower drain cover was missing and we had a squirrel come in to visit us; the cabins have not changed much over the last 36 years. When I was a child, I attended this camp with my mother and sisters since my mother was a prayer partner with the mission. I loved it just as much as my children do today. I loved swimming out to the dock, riding in the paddle boat, and swinging in the swings that hung from tall oaks.

One summer a missionary spent time with me, and she told me that I was getting to the age where I, myself, would have to make the decision to follow in the faith in which I had been raised. She said that I would not always have someone telling me what to do--to attend church, read my Bible, follow Christ. I remember those words of advice and think that all children should hear them in their early teen years. It made a difference in my life because I took her seriously. She was a Godsent.

My children enjoy spending an entire week with people who take their faith seriously enough to be on the "front lines" of the battle. Many of these families live in countries that do not welcome Christians; they take their faith with them and share it while ministering to the people's needs. Many are doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, and pastors. They are warm, friendly, kind people who, for the most part, are in real need of some time off to relax and enjoy some fellowship.

I remember sitting in a chair in the lodge one summer while I listened to a wonderful man teach the Bible study. I was in 8th grade, old enough to join the adult group for the 1st time. I felt the gospel burn in my heart that week as it had never done before. I longed to join them in their mission to share Christ. And although my God has never taken me to missions overseas, I continue to work with those who do through daily prayer.

And so we will be off, and you may not hear from me for a while; I will be back on June 11th. I will think of you, miss you, and keep you in my prayers--and look forward to coming home as much as going!

Blessings.