Where are they now? John and Erica Rinehimer

by Matt Ralph on Oct 17, 2010 in Where are they now | 0 comments

Q: You are no longer in Uganda and you have had a new addition since we last saw you out at camp. Tell us a little bit about Louisville, what it’s been like to be parents and how the youngest Rinehimer is getting along.

A: Louisville is great! It may be a surprise to most Jersey people but this part of KY is actually not that much different than home for me. NO beach & it is hard to find a really good sub shop, but it is great. It has been a nice place for us to come back to since returning from Uganda. It is actually very difficult coming back to the States. People treat you very differently so it was nice to have Erica’s family here to help us get settled again. Jesus’ timing on our return was perfect too. Erica was 5 months pregnant with Jackson when we returned. We were able to travel & thank our supporters, have time to be together as a family & learn how to be parents all before starting my job at Southeast Christian Church. Jackson turned one in March and is a great baby…very easy going and is already working on his v-ball & b-ball game:) Being parents has been better than we could have ever dreamed of, so much fun & so many lessons to learn about how God loves us as little children.

Q: John. I understand you’re working at Southeast Christian. What’s the job like and how is it different being in ministry in Louisville, Ky., compared to serving in Uganda?

A: I am the Young Couples Pastor, which means I work with couples in their 20s & 30s who are newly married & learning how to grow in their walk with Jesus & with each other. I disciple about 20 small groups & their leaders, and teach on Sundays & sometimes Wednesday night too, plus lead a small group & still get to lead some worship about once every 6 weeks or so. It is a great place to work & I never thought I would work at a mega church. So yes it is pretty funny going from preaching in a hut in Uganda to working at a “mega hut.” Southeast really does aline with a lot of our teaching & heart to see people walk daily with Jesus & live a holy life. Ministry anywhere takes time to develop relationships, and this is true in Uganda & Louisville. We are still getting plugged into life here, but things are progressing nicely & in God’s time. We for sure miss our pastors & other friends in Uganda. It is nice to be able count on having power & water and be able to speak the same language, which are all things that were regular challenges in Uganda. The simplicity of life in Uganda was so refreshing though & after a year of living their it felt like we had always lived there. We loved life their & anticipate how God will connect our ministry at Southeast with our ministry in Uganda.

Where is she now? Tricia VandeVaarst Short

by Matt Ralph on Apr 4, 2010 in Friends, Testimony, Where are they now | 0 comments

Tricia VandeVaarst Short

It was the worst and best camp I ever attended at Delanco Camp and it was only for a weekend. It was the worst because the dorm was full of guys twice the size of me who made me afraid to fall asleep. It was the best because when I wasn’t worried about being punked by the guys twice my size, I met several people who would later become some of my closest camp friends.

Tricia VandeVaarst was one of those people I met at that Memorial Weekend Camp in the mid-’90s.

We reconnected recently after about a decade of losing touch and I was excited to hear all of the wonderful things she is doing in ministry with her husband in Arizona. I thought readers might be interested in hearing too the many ways God has moved in her life since this now married mother of three was a Delanco Camp camper.

You’re in Arizona now, a place all of us back on the East coast certainly wouldn’t mind being of late with the winter we’ve been having. How did you end up in Arizona?

My husband and I met in Dallas, Texas, at a camp I was working for and he attended as a youth pastor. He was from Arizona. he moved to Texas for us to get married and we lived there for about a year after our wedding. We felt God’s tugging that there was more for us than what we were doing in Texas. We began praying and only told a few close friends. His family was here and his brother contacted us about a job for Paul without knowing that we were praying about moving. We saw that as confirmation and moved here in July of 2003.

You and your husband are active in ministry. Tell me a little bit about how you got involved in the ministry you are doing now and the work you’re seeing God do through it.

When we moved here, we found The Vineyard Church and began attending. We began working with the youth and young adults almost immediately. In 2005, our senior pastor chose to ordain both of us through The Vineyard. We became the Youth and Young Adult Pastors. We began preaching on a rotation and helping serve the church with the pastoral team. At a Vineyard Pastor’s Conference we thought we heard the Lord tell us to plant a church. We began this process and didn’t succeed real well. Paul attended a conference with some youth and young adults in California called Jesus Culture with a sister church in Phoenix. During this conference, both churches’ youth and young adults had the opportunity to minister at a church there. This planted a vision in both Paul and the other youth pastor to start our own ministry that would reach the North, South, East, and west of Arizona. Meanwhile, I was back in Tucson and talking with a friend about doing the same thing (not knowing they had received the vision). We then launched Unseen Ministries in August of 2008 and have completed the tour all throughout the state of Arizona and on our second tour.

The conference is designed to stir revival in the hearts of young people so that they can impact their community for Christ. We visit a church that will “host” us and present this message through services, workshops, and ministry. I personally oversee much of the administrative side and have taught in the sessions and workshops. We realized God never called us to plant a church but rather a ministry.

Paul and Tricia Short

How and when did you end up going to Delanco Camp for the first time?

I went to Delanco Camp for the first time for Memorial Camp. I think I was in eighth grade or something like that so it would have been ’89 or ’90. I was invited by my best friend at the time (Jim McAteer) and his youth from Audubon United Methodist Church.

Looking back on the years that have passed since you were last at camp, what stands out in your memory about your time there? What’s a funny story that comes to mind? What’s something serious that happened?

SO much stands out. From bringing our own cereal, to bruises from so much volleyball, to the amazing worship and altar times, to the budding camp romances, to the great, long-lasting friendships I developed. Some of the major highlights for me were the practical joke wars (Icy Hot on the guys deodorant or stealing all their clean underwear). I think I cherish most of the ministry times though! I have vivid memories of running to the altar and falling on my knees weeping and surrendering all to Jesus. He worked so much healing in my life there. So many of the GREAT counselors were there praying for us and ministering Jesus in such a powerful way. I have a fond memory of one of the youth pastors encouraging a group of us to worship the Lord unabandoned during the service and as we did, one by one, others who were so hard toward the Lord began to follow.

A funny story…..there are so many….but I think the funniest was every afternoon my sister and I played volleyball with a group of people. We would play up until the dinner bell rang and then RUN to get cleaned up and end up in the end of the dinner line with others who did this. We decided to put Icy Hot in the guys deodorant knowing they would be doing this as well. We all RAN to dinner as clean as possible and all of a sudden, a few of the guys started screaming in pain! They were grabbing their pits and fanning them! It took them a while to figure out it was my sister and I because we always seemed so innocent!

How would you say your time at Delanco Camp shaped you in your walk with Christ and has impacted your life since?

I believe that had I not had Delanco Camp for all those years, I would not have the foundation I have now. Camp always came at that crucial time for me. My parents separated my senior year of high school and before that it was difficult at home. I remember vividly getting ministry and love from others regarding this. That altar there has plenty of my tears where I surrendered the pain and hardness I had built up as a result of a broken home life.

What do you miss most about South Jersey? What’s the first thing people in Arizona usually say when they find out you’re a Jersey girl?

I miss so much!! I miss the seasons, the green, THE FOOD….Panzarottis especially, the people, the culture, the holiday celebrations (holidays are not a big deal out here), and believe it or not, the snow! We will get snow in Arizona in the mountains and I have to take a trip at least once a year to see it or I go nuts!

I remember spending a lot of time listening and talking about music with during our days at camp. What are you listening to these days?

I really enjoy Jason Upton, John Mark McMillan, and Rita Springer. My husband and I like to find obscure worship people and introduce others to them. We listen a lot to the worship out of Bethel Church in California which is Kim Walker-Smith and Brian and Jenn Johnson. I still enjoy the quiet of the Lord though.

What advice would you give young people who are interested in getting involved in ministry but not necessarily as a pastor or missionary?

I would say define what you want to do and make it specific. Then, find someone doing that and learn from them. Find ways to honor them. Take the example of Elisha and how he honored Elijah until the end! Don’t be afraid to dream too big! NO dream is too big for God!! If you think your desire is crazy or too hard then it is likely God calling you to do it!! He LOVES the crazy dreams!!

Do you have scripture you’ve been chewing on lately you can share or anything else to add?

Ephesians 1:3-6 has been wrecking me pretty good lately! In The Message it says:

“How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.”

He loves us so much and He WANTS to lavish us with good things like a good father! He has SETTLED ON US AS THE FOCUS OF HIS LOVE! That just messed me up! TO know that the creator of the universe is settled on me! AND…..He is settled on YOU as the focus of His love!!

Know someone we should feature on Where are they now? Drop me an e-mail at matt.ralph@delanco.org.

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Where is he now? Ramon Rivera

by Matt Ralph on Nov 15, 2009 in Where are they now | 2 comments

Austin, Texas, is a long way from New Jersey. How did you end up where you are now?

My grandparents live in TX and would always tell us we should move there. We always blew it off. But we would sit at home in NJ and think, we need to get out of here! Price of housing and taxes were outrageous! The tri-sate area is run by the mob. We were just tired of it. Well one day we decided that instead of just talking about it, we should do something. So I put my resume on monster.com and found an opening in Austin. Got the job, sold, the house, and as they say, the rest is history. A short history, but history none the less.

You’re active in your church right now playing in worship. How did you get into playing music and what would you say is the biggest blessing you’ve experienced being part of worship in this way?

I started playing guitar back in highschool because of Josh Hallahan and Thad MacFarlane. It was something I wanted to do so I bought a cheap acoustic from the Berlin Farmers market and taught myself. I always had Josh to play with and through youth group/church I got the chance to do worship. Josh and I played for youth group, church and started a band called SPAM. Even after I left SUMC I always led in worship in some sort of way.

The biggest blessing I’ve experienced is just being able to worship on my own. Just me, my guitar, and my God. And second to that would be that I’ve been able to take part in some awesome times of corporate worship. I’ve played with many great musicians who have helped me become who I am today, but to be able to unite and help lead people to the throne room. That’s what its all about.

How did you start going to Delanco, what was your first memory of the camp and how long did you attend?

I started going to Delanco because my dad was the activities director for a camp meeting. I dont remember much of that year but I do remember I loved it and kept going back. That was probably in sixth grade. The last year I “attended” camp was the year I was on Perm. Staff. That was back in 2001 I think. Man I’m getting old.

Do you have a favorite Delanco Camp memory/memories or anything that you find yourself recollecting about?

I think back a lot about the things we did. Bible smugglers was always fun, the food was great, and the lessons I learned there have shaped me. But I think the thing I miss most are the relationships. The conversations we all had as friends. The staff just being able to hang out with each other. One reason why I love Facebook so much, even living in TX I can still keep in touch.

What would you say the impact of your time at camp has been on your life, particularly now that you are married, have a family and remain active in the local church?

Camp has definitely taught me a lot of things. Sermons, devotions, and any other chapel time we had is pretty obvious. But its the smaller things you learn from others that I think have had a big impact as well. Just the fact that it surrounded me with other Christians has shaped me. I’ve learned to lead others, teach kids, and learned what things are really important in life. Those are the things that translate into everyday living. Especially when you have a family or church.

What advice do you have for young people who want to get into doing music in church or ministry settings?

Be humble. I dont care how good you think you are, its not about you. Its about serving others, and ultimately God, through the talents he has given you. Be faithful. That means dont get to practice on time, be there early and ready to go when its time. Be excellent. Practice and give God only your best. Learn some theory. At least the Nashville numbering system (if you dont know what that is…it looks like you have some homework). And lastly, worship God in spirit and truth. Those are the worshipers He seeks.

What would you say your top five favorite worship songs are at the moment?

1 – God of this city – Chris Tomlin
2 – Hearts of Servants – Shane and Shane
3 – The Anthem – Planetshakers
4 – Facedown – Matt Redman
5 – Revelation Song – CFNI version
6 – From the Inside Out – Hillsong

Is there a particular passage of scripture or book that God’s been speaking to you about or using in your life lately?

Matt 6:19-21 I guess. I’ve been trying to stop thinking about and spending my time on things that have no eternal value and start putting my time, money, and effort into things and relationships that are.

Where are they now? Kerri (Paul) Lord

by Matt Ralph on May 14, 2009 in Friends, Missions, Where are they now | 0 comments

Many of us knew her as KP in her days as a camper and later a staff member at Delanco Camp, but now that she’s graduated college and tied the knot Kerri Paul is Kerri Lord and her initials are now officially KL.

But even as she and her husband Joel prepare to go to the Czech Republic as missionaries, Delanco Camp is very much on her mind. We caught up with Kerri recently through e-mail after joining her Facebook group Czech Out the Lords and learning about the mission field that awaits her and her husband on their blog.

You and your husband Joel are preparing to go into the mission field in the Czech Republic. We’ve had dozens of friends from camp go on short-term and long-term missions to places all over the world but I don’t recall anyone going to the Czech Republic before. How did you and your husband end up being called to this part of the world and how long ago did you start to feel the tug to go into missions?

After graduating and getting married, my husband Joel and I knew we wanted to serve in ministry full-time somehow, but we didn’t know exactly what ministry or where. We had both traveled on short-term teams in high school and were able to study abroad several times in college. We started the job search in the states, as we looked into sports recreation and youth pastor jobs. Joel was in the final interview for a youth pastor position when we decided to pray a little harder about God’s direction for us. Feeling a little uneasy about this particular job, we looked into any possible needs anywhere in the world for Global Partners (our missions organization). That very day, through an e-mail to Joel’s father, a director of Global Partners had specifically asked if Joel and I were ready to come back to the Czech Republic for Sports Ministry and Teaching English as a Second Language. Joel and I have both been to the Czech before and we knew from then on, that this is what God had planned for us.

Joel and I have been very fortunate with having several opportunities to travel the world. We had both traveled on short-term mission teams in high school and were able to study abroad several times in college. God really instilled a love for His people through those mission trips and semesters aboard. We believe he prepared us even further in college as we both graduated with degrees in intercultural studies, and minors in missions and sports management.

What role would you say your time at Delanco Camp has played in your decision to become a missionary? Were you one of the campers who dreaded missionary night and hoped you wouldn’t be called to the mission field or were you the type who loved hearing stories from the mission field and couldn’t wait until you were old enough to go?

Delanco Camp absolutely had an influence in my decision to become a missionary. As a young camper I really enjoyed hearing stories from all the missionaries but didn’t believe I would ever fit the “missionary type.” I didn’t think I knew enough about the Bible and I didn’t want to have to dress funny and live in a village somewhere across the world.

One week at camp, I met Billy and Jo Coppedge, who are missionaries to Africa. They performed a skit that showed you didn’t have to wear lame clothes or carry a Bible around 24/7 to be a missionary. That week they challenged all campers AND staff members to surrender all and say “Send me, Lord!” I went to the altar that night and asked God to send me – and here I am today, being “sent.”

Kerri (far right) in her camper days with Becky Jones, Julie Ulrich and Tina Crossley

Speaking of camp, how did you start going to Delanco in the first place and what kept you going back as a camper and later as a staff member?

My mother attended Delanco Camp when she was younger and so she introduced me to camp. The friends I met and the staff members kept me coming back for years. When I started to get older, I strived to be a staff member that campers would look up to, just as I had in the past.

Do you have any favorite camp memories or Delanco-related stories?

I could list a thousand memories but a few stick out in particular. I remember the hayrides and how we would sing songs at the top of our lungs. I remember Boost! and its wonderful taste. My favorite meal was always ham and cheese on a pretzel roll. Night games were the best and random dance parties were always a blast. Last but not least, Delanco Camp is the sacred place at which I committed my life completely to our Lord and Savior. For that, Delanco Camp will forever be an important part of who I am.

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of preparing for the mission field. How can we as a community be praying for and supporting you and Joel?

Being a missionary requires a tremendous amount of faith and trust in God’s provision. Joel and I have absolutely no control over our funding and sometimes that’s a scary thing. Money is always a tough issue. Please pray with us that God provides jobs in this “in between” stage of our lives and that our support team will come together in His time. Also, that God will provide the strength we need to get through this support-raising process.

Tell us a little bit about the country and what you plan to be doing once you get to Czechoslovakia? I know they are good at hockey and I managed to spell the country’s name right the first time typing this e-mail, but I don’t know too much else.

After what was known as the “Velvet Revolution,” in 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two countries – Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic is considered to be the “center” of Europe as it is surrounded by Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland. Most European countries are only a few hours drive from the Czech.

Czech has a population of about 10.2 million people and in the city of Brno, where Joel and I will be living, there are about 500,000 people. Within the city of Brno, we’ll be living in the suburb of Lesna with about 40,000 people. In a spiritual sense, only 1/4 of 1 percent of the country’s population consider themselves evangelical Christians. There is only ONE church for every 30,000 people. Some say Czech is considered to be the most atheistic country in the world with over 76 percent professing atheism. With statistics like these, we’ve got quite the task ahead of us. Joel and I will be working at a place called the Maják Center (meaning Lighthouse in Czech). This community center includes the one evangelical church for that area, along with missionary offices, English classrooms, a coffee shop, basketball court, beach volleyball court, and soccer field. The facility is a huge blessing to both the Church and the community as it can be used in many ways to reach the Czech people.

Specifically, Joel and I will be running an after-school recreation program, organizing club sports, and I will be teaching English.

In closing, because I still think of you as KP, I’m wondering if anyone has taken to calling you KL now that your last name is Lord?

Actually, no one has taken to calling me “KL” quite yet. I think, while in New Jersey, the nickname of “KP” can live on!

Is there anything else you’d like to add for the benefit of the Delanco Camp community and readers of this blog?

Delanco Camp is a fantastic place to grow in your relationship with Christ and others. It really has made me into who I am today. The friends I’ve made at camp have become lifetime friends – some were even in my wedding! Delanco is and will always be a part of me and I encourage those who feel the same about camp to reach out to neighbors and friends, so that they, too, can enjoy all that Delanco Camp has to offer.

For more info and/or updates on our Czech ministry, go to: kerandjoel.blogspot.com, www.wesleyan.ord/gp/mdirectory2/WM04-0344 and Facebook group: “Czech Out the Lords.”

Where are they now? Ryan Brown

by Matt Ralph on Mar 19, 2009 in Friends, Where are they now | 6 comments

One of my earliest Delanco Camp memories was walking onto the grounds for the first time as a nervous sixth grader and seeing the long registration line stretching across what was then the “other” sand volleyball court outside what we called the Rec. Center. In the line, I remember seeing two redheaded twins who I would later learn were named Ryan and Brandon Brown. The twins were staples at Delanco Camp in the ’90s as campers and staff members. I caught up with Ryan on Facebook recently. He’s living in Kentucky these days but certainly hasn’t forgotten his roots in Millville and the formative years he spent as a regular on the camp grounds.

From your Facebook profile, I gather that you are married, living in Kentucky, have two kids and work for the Salvation Army. Tell us a little bit about your family, your church and your work in ministry.

Yes I am married. I met my wife Shawana at a Salvation Army camp as a counselor. I later proposed to my wife at the same camp and the rest is history. We have two kids, Matthew who is two going on three in May and is the coolest kid ever. And Rylei who is nine months old going on one in May also, who is the loudest kid ever…Seriously! We have a unique church with a unique ministry within and outside of the church. Our ministry is meeting the needs of others with no discrimination in the name of Jesus. We specifically assist with food, utilities, furniture, clothing, prescriptions, bus tickets, and whatever else we can do to share the love of Christ. I love to do visitations.

What impact would you say Delanco Camp has had on your life to this point?

Camp is, and forever will be apart of my life. The things I learned at camp will stay with me for the rest of my life. Its impact is beyond words for me. It was at camp that I rededicated my life to Christ and heard my calling from God to serve him in full time ministry in some way.

How did you end up going to Delanco Camp in the first place? Do you remember much about the first time you stepped on the camp grounds?

I absolutely do remember my first time stepping on to camp grounds. Dave Brown told me all about camp and I asked Bo about it and well the rest is history. I remember thinking this place is huge and I hope I don’t get lost or worst being up in the pine barrens. I also remember looking around at so many other kids and thinking, what am I doing here? I don’t know anyone, but Dave and he seemed to know more people than I did. But I think what stood out to me the most was the staff and what we did the first night we were there. We did the get to know you game and it consisted of eating lots of ice cream out of a large pan. Good times man, good times!

I remember you being quite the volleyball player out at camp. What were some of the other things you enjoyed most about spending time out at Lake Agape?

I love to play v-ball at camp. We would always challenge Thad and Wally and they would always beat us…at first. Man there are so many times I can recall. For instance I remember playing cards (and cheating), hanging at the old store, also the old craft hut, and playing frisbee golf. I also remember swimming in Lake Agape’, playing some night games using the lake, (not sure if that is allowed anymore or not) games like “Pirates of the Caribbean.” We would come rowing in carrying torches and then would jump out and hide some treasure later to be found. It was tons of fun!

Is there a specific moment, sermon or even an embarrassing encounter in your time as a camper and as a staff member that stands out in your mind all these years later?

For me the most memorable times were our nights by the fire, singing praises to God and praying for each other and just really enjoying the presence of the Lord. That is one thing about camp that when you step on the grounds you literally feel the presence of God. It is an incredible feeling that I will never forget.

Since you live in Kentucky, I have to ask. Have you ever met Ezra and Arze?

No I have never met Ezra and Arze, but I sure heard lots about them in college.

Is there a specific moment, sermon or even an embarrassing encounter in your time as a camper and as a staff member that stands out in your mind all these years later?

For me the most memorable times were our nights by the fire, singing praises to God and praying for each other and just really enjoying the presence of the Lord. That is one thing about camp that when you step on the grounds you literally feel the presence of God. It is an incredible feeling that I will never forget.

Anything else you’d like to share with the Delanco Camp community?

If it weren’t for Delanco Camp I would not be where I am today. It helped to shape and mold me in to the man of God I am today. Being on staff is one of the highlights of my life. Playing games with the campers, hanging in the staff lounge, and having late night swims. What a wonderful experience it was and I thank God that he allowed me to be apart of it.

Know someone tied to Delanco who has left the area you’d like us to interview for Where Are They Now? E-mail us at matt.ralph@delanco.org.

Where are they now? Ivy (Sterling) Lasley

by Matt Ralph on Jan 14, 2009 in Testimony, Where are they now | 0 comments

As a new feature here on the Delanco Camp blog, we thought it would be cool to track down some old friends we haven’t seen in a while and see what’s happening in their lives. The first we caught up with is Ivy Lasley, who we remember as a camper and staff member from Port Republic named Ivy Sterling.

Tell us a little bit about your connection to Delanco. When did you start attending, how did you first hear about it, etc.?

I first heard about Delanco at St. Paul’s UMC in Port Republic, or Port Church. I think I was going into 7th Grade the first year I went. I begged my mom to let me go — she didn’t think we could afford it, but the church provided a scholarship. It was a pretty big thing for me because I was really shy and didn’t have any friends from Port going too. But I quickly made new friends (many of whom I’m still good friends with, such as Wendy Kappeler Coy and Andrea Logan LaMotte) and went as often as I could from that point on.

What do you remember most about your days as a camper and staff member at Delanco?

What I love and remember most about my days at Delanco is the atmosphere — how you can so easily sense the presence of Christ. I loved the instant and close bond I had with kids my age who shared my faith, and being able to be myself around them, singing silly songs about not-so-silly things (stomping on Satan’s “ugly looking face,” leaning a little too heavily on a friend’s non-”everlasting arms,” scratching our armpits as we asked “Who is the King of the Jungle?”).

As a staff member, I loved knowing that campers were looking up to me, and hopefully having an impact on their spiritual lives. (And nothing beats getting a wedding invitation from two campers you introduced when they were too young to even think about such things! Bobby Peoples and Amanda Nichols tied the knot June 14, 2008.) I loved the closeness of the permanent staff — all the late nights (despite the early mornings — how did we do it?) of Rook, neck and back massages, deep conversations, star gazing on the soccer field, and inside jokes (Kirsten Cheeseman’s Sietepus — err, a seven-legged octopus).

When was the last time you were on the grounds? What was it like for you going back there?

Sadly, the last time I visited Delanco was the summer of 2000, so it hadn’t been too long from the time before that. For one reason or another, my family and I haven’t been able to make it out to camp on one of our few visits to New Jersey. Eight years is way too long to not go to Delanco! I’d love to take some family vacations there, walk around Agape Lake with my husband, Corey, kneel together at the altar where I’ve cried my heart out to Jesus so many times, play tether ball with our kids, and imagine them as future campers.

You are quite busy in your life these days with a family. Tell us about your family and how your faith impacts you as a mother and a wife.

I knew almost from my first online conversation with Corey that we were going to get married, but I never imagined how fast we’d grow into a family of six. I guess it shouldn’t be too surprising that a couple who gets engaged the first weekend they meet in person would have four kids in five years. I suppose we’re the domestic version of living life in the fast lane. While Corey works long hours developing software, in addition to running a side web development business and working toward a degree in theology, I’m at home chasing around two toddlers (Natalie, 3 in December, and Noah, 17 months), taking care of an infant (Micah, 6 months), homeschooling our 5-year-old son, Caleb, and trying to start a photo restoration business (resurrectionphotos.com). People always ask me how I do it; I usually just say, “I don’t know,” or “I take it one day at a time,” or “You adjust to what you have.” But the truth is, I’m a mess. I just learned at my last MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting that just about every mom is a mess, and it’s OK to admit that. Phew! I thought it was just me! But just as I’m continuously sweeping up the endless Cheerios and Goldfish crumbs and picking up my kids when they fall, God is right behind me, His infinite grace washing away my failures and carrying me through the day.

Tell us about the community you live in and any church/ministries you are involved in there.

Although I’m not a huge fan of the metro Detroit area, I absolutely love my neighborhood! I live on a quiet cul-de-sac in Westland, MI, where I’m blessed with wonderful neighbors with kids around the same ages as mine. And, I have a huge support system for homeschooling and my walk with Christ in the house two doors down. I couldn’t have asked for better neighbors!

My family and I attend New Hope Church, a small Free Methodist church in Canton, MI, where I’m in charge of the nursery and Corey plays the drums. I was attending the women’s small group for several years, but Corey and I plan to attend a new group for 30′s/40′s (can’t believe we’re that old!) this fall. We love being a part of a church that feels like — no, is — family and offers opportunities for spiritual growth.

What would you say has been the lasting impact on Delanco Camp in your life?

I’d have to say that Delanco Camp has had a lasting impact on my relationships — most importantly my relationship with Jesus, but I also walked away with many lifelong friendships, my brothers and sisters in Christ. And, thanks to the internet, I have also become friends with fellow Delancans who I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting at camp, such as Stacey Aspenberg. Even though we never met in person, having that Delanco Camp bond really makes it seem like we have. There aren’t too many places that can create a bond like that!