Chapter Seven: Grateful

Colleen Burroughs from Passport's home office spoke to the adult chaperons for about 10 minutes yesterday morning.  This is the 23rd year for Passport and this season saw the 100,000th Passport camper.  Twenty-three years ago, Colleen and her husband David put together a multi-church mission trip to Florida.  It was a success, and they decided to make the mission trips an annual event.  Interest increased in their multi-denominational model, and they thought perhaps they had stumbled upon a calling for at least the next few years.  Plus twenty!  Colleen was there to introduce a capital campaign so that Passport will endure beyond her and David's time at the helm.  It is wonderful to witness Colleen's love for Passport and hear her talk about the wide swath of people the organization has touched.  Even better.  Colleen speaks from a place of love because she figured out God's path for herself and has followed.  How could I not enjoy hearing about that?

Years ago Kristi asked Pastor Terrence why the Passport camps were chosen for our youth,  Answer: Because we trust them.  They will not contradict our teachings and traditions,

So I am grateful to Terrence, and also to Kristi.  For years she has handled Passport logistics.  Chaperons, drivers, cost-analysis, fund-raising, recruitment of campers, and in many other ways Big Mama has made Passport possible for our youth.  And she invites me back year after year.

A shout out to Zeke Stephenson, who was a mission site manager when I met him two years ago (we painted a house in Danville), Danville camp director last year, and Greensboro camp director this year.  Within minutes of our arrival here he welcomed me personally with, "It's great to see you again."  Meaning he remembered me.  Isn't that nice?

A shout out to the youth, who have been exceptionally polite to me and wonderfully Christian to each other and in their interactions at camp and in the community.  I am grateful to have spent this week with them.

Thanks to Tim, for spending most of the week.  His wry wit and observations are appreciated, and shared with others will tell the story of our time here well.

And finally, a word of thanks to Chuck.  His infectious enthusiasm drew me into this gig the first time, and my enjoyment continues to this day.

Last night we enjoyed a terrific Variety Show highlighted by a solo singing performance by Rachael B, and many Ed Sullivan worthy performances,  Bravo.

Volleyball team briefed by the tournament officials

Volleball team in action, Evan fields the ball.  COK advanced several rounds in the tournament, and were terrific.  They are terrific.