Sojourners Pathfinder Club

I forgot to take my cell phone outside with me so missed his call, but Russell left a message at 9:45am our time that they were on the bus headed for Milwaukee. That should give them a lot of extra time at the airport to do whatever they might need to do before catching their 6pm (4pm here) flight out.

Amber

I think the wifi has been overloaded for the last few days. Now that a lot of people have left I'm able to connect again.

So much has happened in the last couple days that we're exhausted and all full of stories to share when we get back. Ask us about the ants, the showers, the bathrooms, the amazing program, the bibles, the fireworks, the VIP tour, the baptism, and all kinds of answered prayers...

We're packing up our stuff before breakfast so we can get our trailer loaded and catch our bus to the airport. We can't wait to get home!!!

Jason

p.s. photos are uploading much faster now too:
http://www.sojournersonline.org/drupal/index.php?q=gallery&g2_itemId=523...

Sent out on the Bellevue church email list:

JULIE WRITES:

8:00 am Julie puts on a clean pair of black pants
10:00 am Julie sits in WHITE gum!
6:30 pm Julie is finally able to change her pants

We've had a very busy couple of days! The kids are having a great time (grown-ups too)! The weather has been hot and humid. We heard a thunder storm was going to be blowing through today but still haven't seen a single raindrop.

This morning was our community service project. We prepared the "Little Oshkosh" playground for painting and staining with lots of sand paper.
Afterward a few of us stayed around to play in the lake again for a few minutes before heading back for more honors and activities.

I got to watch a few of our kids play soccer with other pathfinders we met on the field. They LOVE to play soccer.

I was reminded this evening that Charlie is now 1 month from her due date. And doing just fine thanks to everyone here that helps look out for her.

The wifi signal is getting weaker or more people are using it so my photo uploads will be slowing down.

Jason

The evening Oshkosh meetings are streamed live so you can watch them on your computer if you don't get the Hope channel. Chelsea and I tuned in last evening via computer to watch the live Esther play and thought it was excellent! Last night's portion was told in such a way as to have pertinent lessons for today's youth. I believe the link has been given before, but here it is again for handy if you would like to check it out:
http://www.adventistyouth.org/cts/view.php?item_id=182
After getting to that page, just click on the link for your type of internet connection (ie dialup, cable, etc.). The Oshkosh evening program starts at 5:30pm our time, and last night the Esther play began at 6:40pm. I don't know if that is a consistent start time for the play or not, but seems like it might be in the ball park.

Amber

After a really hot morning of doing honors, trading a few more pins, and meeting more people from across the planet we all wanted to cool off (I heard it was well into the 90's with way too much humidity for me). We learned there was a small waterpark and buses that could take us there so most of us gathered our towels and suits and headed out. In the bus line we learned the waterpark had already filled up for the afternoon, but that there were buses that could take us to "the lake" so we went for it.
The lake was wonderful. The kids had loads of fun and everyone definitely cooled off. The bus back to camp was able to drop us off much closer to our campsite than we thought was possible, so we got back in plenty of time for dinner.
Other items:
They opened the gates to the night program an hour earlier and avoided the mad rush. I think we got much better seats this time. Tonight's program was even more outstanding than the first night. I'm totally impressed again.
I hear rumors of improvement in the bathroom situation (and we've seen a few signs of it too). I'm convinced this entire campground has Nona (and Russell) to thank for making things happen.

Jason

p.s. more photos are uploading now...
http://www.sojournersonline.org/drupal/index.php?q=gallery&g2_itemId=523...

Last night we saw the first part of the program about Esther. It was intense. The night programs are like I remember from 5 years ago: totally amazing. I hope you all get to watch them at some point this week too!

Everyone tries to get to the program early to get a good seat, but this year they had gates set up to hold the crowds back until a specific time. As soon as the time arrived, they seemed to stagger the gate openings to control the rush. The gate we were at stayed closed at first so we got to watch people rush toward the stage to get as close as possible. It was fascinating. Being close isn't that interesting because they have HUGE 'jumbotron' screens set up so everyone can still see. They also have speakers set up way in the back. After everyone was seated in the chairs they brought, they had to delay the program because in the mad rush to the front row people had planted themselves in the isles or exit rows. So I'm glad we weren't the ones that got to rush to the front only to get sent to the very back in the end.
Jason
p.s. more photos are uploading now...
http://www.sojournersonline.org/drupal/index.php?q=gallery&g2_itemId=523...

A major event at every major camporee is pin trading. It happens everywhere and all the time. It's hard to actually get anywhere because the kids are constantly stopping to meet and trade with other kids. Before they get here I don't think they know or care what pins are, but as soon as they arrive they can't get enough. It's fascinating to watch and it's a brilliant way to get kids to meet each other.
I saw some of our club working on the bat honor and some others playing the joust game.

We're anticipating a delicious dinner in a few minutes before heading out to the first night's program.
Jason

more pictures are uploading now...
http://www.sojournersonline.org/drupal/index.php?q=gallery&g2_itemId=523...

Getting here was so smooth.
Our flights were on time and the bus ride to the campground was very comfortable.
We arrived to all our tents already set up thanks to sending our trailer ahead and the wonderful group of people that went with it.
There are thousands of people already here and plenty more arriving every minute.
Activities don't start until noon today so we have plenty of time to explore and plan for the rest of the week.
Thanks to everyone that supports and prays for us!
Jason

And photos are here too:
http://www.sojournersonline.org/drupal/index.php?q=gallery&g2_itemId=523...

The Pathfinders have arrived safely at Oshkosh! 39 Sojourners Pathfinders and adults met at Seatac at 6:30am this morning for their flight to Chicago. They changed planes and flew on to Milwaukee, and from there took a bus to Oshkosh, arriving there at 6pm or so our time. Two or three families have traveled separately, bringing our group to over 50, I believe. As soon as someone there has a chance to access the internet, you will hear more concrete details!

Amber