Ansible-One

Thank you Lord for always being there for me.

Camping is quickly becoming a new passion for me.  I see it as a way to get away from the computer, away from work, and away from the things that cause me stress.  Plus it offers excellent bonuses like getting to spend time with my son and family as well as some quality time outside.

So far, we have ventured out twice to sites that have been nice for our larger group (3 to 4 people).  This time however, just my son and I are heading into the woods.  I found a more “local” park to visit (no it’s not my backyard).  However, the primitive site I found has very little information available on the web.  The Fed’s website for it isn’t working correctly so maps, pictures, and other info is not available.

This poses a bit of unknown into the equation again.  The first time we went out, our crew would be able to adapt to anything.  We had the resources available to deal with any situation.  On this next trip, I have no idea what this place will look like and no clue as to how far from the car we will be.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s still exciting.  My son and I cannot wait for the trip day.

So…gear cleaned and ready, packs packed, and supplies gathered.  Just waiting for the departure date.

Last September we switched churches. We loved our old church home, but we wanted more for Ethan than what the family there could provide. We moved to a church that is much larger. In fact nearly 10x larger by my estimate.
Well this provides some benefits for me as well. For example, I was able to join the men’s group in January on a short mission trip to Pine Cove camp in East Texas. There we worked on several construction and renovation projects to help prepare and enhance the camp for the next season. Plus it provided a good chance for me to meet several of the men in the church.

This weekend I am heading off into the woods again with the men’s group, but this time its more of a real “camping” experience. Before you start giggling like my wife did, realize that I HAVE been camping before, and I do like it. It just doesn’t happen very often. In fact the last time was several years ago when my brother returned from assignment.

To prepare, I needed gear. I had several needed items already so I had to take stock first. Sleeping bag, check. Flash light, check. Call to Dad to grab a couple of things, done. Basically, I only had two major purchases to make to be ready. A large backpack (as we are hiking to the site) and a tent. The pack was a no brainer for me. Cheapest, biggest, and as light as possible. I found a brand new one on eBay for $30. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of an expensive pack but it’s a LOT better than something from Wal-Mart and a LOT cheaper than anything at REI.

For the tent, I knew I had to spend quite a bit more time researching. I dug through reviews, shopping sites, and forums. My requirements were simple. Long enough to fit my height, light enough to not mind carrying, and cheap. I know you can spend hundreds on tents, but I needed a tent for a virtual first timer. I have been camping, so I know a thing or two about what is needed, but I have always used someone else’s tent…and they have been really nice. I decided to go cheap since it was my first, and it only had to survive a single night. Anyway, if you want to ready my review of the tent, check it out here…

http://www.amazon.com/review/RUWS5PBO9LV3E/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

It’s kind of funny though how sometimes we find ourselves preparing for something like this little camp excursion by spending so much time, money, brainpower, and then spend so little time preparing for the Kingdom. I am hoping this little trip will help me take stock of my own life reset my focus on Jesus.

Seems to me that I should have more than enough time to get the things done that I want done within a day.  If I want to go to work and then come home to play a game I should have time to do that.  If I want to hit a few golf balls and then come home and dig out the Legos for my son, there should be time for that.

I suppose it culture or the devil working through our culture that is demanding time from us.  I love last years experience at Glorieta when my family and I actually had time to hike, play, or simply be.

That reminds me, I need to make time to plan for another trip this year…

Merry Christmas everyone!  Remember that despite the agony of sorting out the day itself, its the reason we remember the day that is important.  Thank you God for giving us your Son.