Fire at the ERBC Horse Barn

Well, today we recieved some bad news, the horse barn at Echo Ranch was destroyed in a fire during the wee hours of the night. This building housed all of the saddles and other tack used by the horses as well as all of the other tools and equipment used to take of the herd. Our four pigs were also lost in the fire. It is a big loss to us all. The building and loading dock seen in the above photo will have to be replaced and even more important, all of the saddles and gear will need to be replaced as soon as possible so we can use the horses this season. Our camp has 17 horses that are used for trailrides and for kiddie rides. It is a major attraction for the camp. I believe we have the largest herd of horses in Southeast Alaska. Please pray that we will be able to find the funds to replace everything. God will provide!

Piggies in the House!

This has been the quietest week since Eli was born. He and Jessica have gone south to Ohio for ten days and it's just plain deafening, the quiet I am have here! I like the peace, yet I miss the noise if that makes any sense whatsoever to you. I have talked to Jess several times and they are doing well in sunny Ohio. He is getting to wear short pants for the first time and I bet he is as cute as the proverbial button! Yeah I miss him...

Tonight I have to go and pick up the piggies at long last. I think there are three of them coming by Alaska Airlines. Imagine...flying pigs!!! The ones you see here are from last year. They were good ones. I mean they tasted good!

Our camping season really begins in earnest this week and will not slow down until mid-September. Please pray that we have a safe and successful year.

It's Easter and the Bunny Took my Babies!

Actually it was Easter, now it's just plain old Monday. Yesterday Jess and Eli flew home for a surprise visit with her parents. I think they were shocked to see her. So much so that at first they did not recognize Eli! I know they are thrilled to see them and we are happy we were able to provide them with this special Easter present. They do so much for us.

After taking them to the airport yesterday morning at 5:30, I went to a sunrise Easter service at the glacier. What an awesome place to have the service. The morning was cold and crisp. The birds were chattering in their trees. It was really peaceful and a great way to celebrate Christ's resurrection.

Sometime this week I think I will be picking up 3 little piggies at the airport. We keep the pigs at camp and feed them our slop or leftovers from the dining hall. In the fall we butcher the pigs for the pork and divide the meat up amongst the missionaries at camp. It will be fun to see what the kids name the pigs this year. Salt and Pepper, Bacon, Ham and Eggs are some names from the past...

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your families and friends. I spent yesterday with the Shaners and Diggins, two missionary families from camp. We went out to eat and then they all came over and we watched Shrek and just hung out. It was nice for me since Jess and Bam Bam weren't here.

Camping Season Begins

This week Echo Ranch is opening doors for the spring retreat season by hosting the 2006 Alaska Sectional of the Christian Camping and Convention of America. Camps from all over the state as well as a few from the lesser-48 have sent people to our camp this week. Believe me, because I know! I picked most of them up at either the ferry terminal or the airport. It has been fun to meet others who do the same things we do and share notes, so to speak. From this point on we will be running full speed until October.

To prepare for this retreat I spent about $2000 on groceries for the camp! That's a lot of eggs and milk! I'm just glad it's not my money I'm spending! It always makes me a little uncomfortable to spend so much money, especially camp's. Just part of the job! The job has been a busy one this week. Lots of phone calls to answer, errands to run and trips to camp. For those of you who don't know, that's about 50 miles or so round trip. I love it!!

Eli is doing well as always. We have really been blessed that he has enjoyed good health so far. He had a little bronchitis when we were in Ohio, otherwise, he has been great. Tonight he was introduced to the joy of creamed beef. It's the first time we've given him meat and lets just say he was less than impressed! He ate it without trouble, but gagged a few times as he did it. You don't guess he's a vegetarian do you?? He loves his sweet potatoes and carrots! They are great for you!!!!