God's best

When Jeff and I were talking about what you've read about, I don't think you've heard about this kid.

A few camps ago, Jeff met a kid named Mike.

Jeff writes...

Mike, a 5 foot 2 inch tall 7th grader, asked if he could talk to me. He immediately told me that he is not allowed to see his mom anymore and how hard that is to know that he is going to have to grow up without a mom. During his 10 minute 'all camp quiet' time, He asked God "Why can't I see my mom anymore?" Amazingly, for a 7th grader, he heard God say to him, "you can't see your mom because I want what's best for you." I asked him why he thought God would say that. He told me through many tears that he has an abusive step-dad that his mom is now married to. We talked about how God knew if not seeing his mom and avoiding all the hurts and potential abuse he would experience, maybe it would be better for him to not see her at all. A hard truth. I told him that it's okay to be honest with your anger and hurt feelings to God. I asked him if I can pray with him. I prayed that if God said it's best, then He could trust and not doubt God. I thanked God that he wanted what was best for Mike, and that Mike was given the chance to understand how God wants what's best for his life. Shortly after that, Mike gave me a hug and told me "this was so meaningful for me!" and then got on his bus and headed back to Yelm. (pictured, boys from Yelm)

On night 4 Jeff talk is about God's best. He tells the campers that God wants the best for them, to live a live in relationship with God. It is amazing that this message is bringing healing to Mike's life. I'm sure he has a long road ahead of him. But, what a great start!

In order to give these kids his best, Jeff is NOT emailing and communicating with home. He is focusing on this group of campers and praying for our Everett area. (Yes, this is the same Jeff Huber that left Everett on July 25th!) If you notice Jeff isn't updating his facebook or responding to emails, that's why. He really wants to give this last group all he can by being "present".

I am trying to get the most out of the remaining days relationally with the cool staff wives I've met. They are an amazing group of ladies! We have had a great time getting to know each other and sharing life together. I even found one who is 1/2 Mexican!! Wow!

Thanks for reading and sticking with us. It's been fun for sure to hear from you!

Oh Dear!

Did I tell you that Wildhorse Canyon is a wildlife animal park (not really, but it could be!)

There are tons of deer, rabbits, salamanders, frogs, dragonflies, bats, coyotes. The coyotes don't come into camp, but there are deer who frequently travel through the little orchard around our staff lodge and climb up the fruit trees. We get pretty close to them, but they stay away at a safe distance of about 10-15 feet.

Yesterday, on our way 'home' from dinner, there were several deer on and near the path. I was pushing Janna in the stroller and Deek was walking behind. I was encouraging him to stay with us, but he saw one deer across the path from us, away from the rest of the herd. Dietrich kept walking towards the deer thinking of what it would be like to pet or even ride the Deer. The Deer had it's eyes locked on Deek with a laser like focus, crouched down in the ready position as if to charge... Deek said "hi Deer, Hi Deer!" from 15 feet.... 12 feet...10 feet, as I snatched him up to safety, thankful that I didn't have to tackle the deer to retrieve my son from the ferrocious herbivore. I guess a 28 lb kid isn't very intimidating to a deer!

A new camp arrived yesterday to the welcome of a gentle and warm rain. It seems the summer is ending and fall is rolling in. Jeff welcomes the new campers from a sound truck where he interacts with them before they go on their camp tour. (see pick of Jeff and kids on truck between the arrival of groups of campers)

Done with camp #5

We have 1 camp left to go! Can you believe it? We've made it!

Going to Younglives camp was really refreshing! (hard to believe) But, I'm better prepared to give energy and TLC to Jeff and the kids.

Today I made fresh guacamole for Jeff and the other 3 families living in the Orchard Inn. It is a favorite in the Casa Huber. It was fun. The other wives made up stuff and we had quite the lunch buffet going on.

As we walk around and stroll through the boys and girls housing areas (the Quads) we pray for the campers and leaders. Janna has really caught on and last night she wanted to pray for the boys. It sounded a little like this...

"God, I thank you that the boys didn't die in the water today."

(there was lightening again)

"And for blessings for club and that kids would know you. Amen"

What a great prayer! I was so proud of her!

We are looking forward to another day off!

Pray that Jeff is able to stay the course for the very last camp.

For the love of...

My week at camp with teen moms and their babies was ... everything. I cried, I laughed, I was frustrated, lacked sleep, watched love in action, had compassion, was disappointed, was surprised, showed tough love, jumped in the lake with my clothes on! You named it, it happened this week. The most repetitive thing that I did was loved. I loved. I loved taking 4 teen moms from Everett to camp where they are shown that they are treasured, treated like princesses and celebrated.
I loved partnering with the other two mentors from Everett, Kim E. and Lynn S. We prayed, conferred, celebrated and really lead (the teens) together.
I loved watching the childcare workers or Nannies (8 from Central Snohomish County) come and serve and pour out tender kindness onto the babies and their moms. On our departure day, a dry eye was hard to find as the nannies kissed their babies goodbye.
I loved watching as the teens began to understand how God loves them in their brokenness, in their empty attempts to feel loved. The speaker did a fantastic job. She used examples of their own recent motherhood to help them understand how God loves them.
I loved asking questions of the teens as they opened their mouths to release floods of stories about their dreams, experiences, frustrations and hurts. We had colorful and conversations as I boldly asked questions about their choices in boyfriends, sex, weekend activities, pornography and future career plans.
I loved cabin time. Every cabin time the girls jumped right in answering discussion questions and asking some of their own.
All of the teens moved along in their spiritual journey. B, who made a commitment last year has decided to step it up in her relationship with God. She still had some questions that were answered, she also seems to have some hope in her own life. I focused my conversations with B about God's best. I wanted her to know that God still has a best for her, if she is willing and faithful in walking in his plan. During the last 15 minute quiet time, she felt like God told her to go to school. (to pursue nursing) She's been dragging her feet about it but now feels like she should do that for herself and her baby.
J and S stood up at "say so" for making a first time commitment. S seemed to understand the least but was like, "whatever this is, it's better than the way I'm living! I'll do it."
J has been closer lately (to starting a relationship with God) and still has questions, but feels like it's time for her to set her priorities which will be knowing God better, school and baby. She recognized that she looks to others to love her and fill the void from her emotionally distant family. She also recognized that in her attempts to find love in boyfriends, she has been disappointed and empty.
K grew up in church, but is still counting the cost. I think she feels cheated maybe out of the perfect life. Kim feels lead to walk with her now. I think that is awesome. Kim will be following up with her as we go home. They go to the same church!
The drive home gave me time to reflect. I feel blessed to be part of this ministry that shows love and compassion to the shunned and broken teens who get 'caught' in their attempts to find love and value.
So, yes, at times the girls were grumpy. They did whine a little when they gave up their cell phones, and on the day it was hot. Getting them to dance at the dance party was like getting a Vegan to give up tofu. One night one of their babies cried loudly every 20 minutes leaving us, in a musty cabin, sleepless. Being away from Janna and Deek was tough. Leaving Jeff to speak to 600+ kids made me incredibly anxious. I missed my family so much!
But, it was very worth it. It was worth it for the love!

Look who's baaaaack!

Tanya just returned from YLVS camp today! Yay. Our super'manny' did great (6 out of 6 naps!) but we're happy to have Tanya back! See the picture above, showing our favorite family activity...swimming at the pool! I (Jeff) get to kill 4 birds with one stone when I go to the pool. 1. Family Time! 2. Meet some of the kids at camp. 3. Cool off & relax! 4. Pee without having to flush. Yay, so much fun. Seriously, though, it was 105 degrees today. Hot! This week, over 620 campers are here. Funny thing, this has been our smallest group out of the last 5 camps. Crazy.
Anyways, tomorrows posting will be from Tanya about YLVS (teen mom) camp.
Thanks for listening/reading/praying./caring. --Jeff--

Decisions, decisions

In the past 2 weeks, over 270 kids have made first time decisions to start a relationship with God, and follow Jesus. It has been an incredible past two weeks. Of all the kids that started their new relationships with God this week, over half of them began that during the 2nd 10 minute 'all camp quiet' time.

One girl from Auburn wrote this during her 10 minute quiet time on Day 4 (yesterday).

Guide my life, help me choose my own fate.
Take away with you my worries,
Open your heavenly golden gate.
Our relationship begins here,
I can feel you all around.
In every grateful breeze.
In every peaceful sound
Forgive me of my sins.
And open my heart
I want a relationship with you God,
I want US to start. -Katelynn from Auburn-

-There will be more pictures to come tonight or tomorrow.

Dietrich Clearwater Revival

Deek took a nosedive into the pool today. I was sitting next to him and he was reaching for a toy, and fell in. Within less than a second, Tyler reached down to bottom of the pool and lifted him out. Deek's eyes were huge with fear, but he didn't even cry. I asked, "Are you okay Dietrich?" Deek said, "Ya." 2 minutes later he was back in the pool playing. Sheesh!

Speaking of Tyler, he is 4 for 4 for getting the kids down for naps.

This week, numerous leaders, both young and veteran, have pulled me aside to tell me that my messages have been the clearest they'd ever heard. Apparently, kids have really been tracking each week. I was so nervous about being able to speak to a middle schoolers' level this month, but over and over folks have told me that it has been crystal clear. Tomorrow (today) I'll let y'all know how this week wraps up. It feels like God has moved in these kids lives BIG time. Leaders from Seattle (Rett) and Auburn and Tacoma and Saratoga, CA have expressed the incredible movement in the hearts of their kids. It's such a pleasure to be included in God's work here. -Jeff- More tomorrow!