tent plopdown 9.0

We've been in our new digs for about three and a half weeks. Chris has been at work for three weeks, and we are thrilled to be here at the camp.  I really can't explain how thankful we are, but it would be awkward if I began kissing the feet of those who asked us to come here every time I saw them.

So, I am just trying to be a very good camp wife, to be available as needed or wanted, to figure out the culture through observation rather than transgression.  My three T's- teen, tween, and toddler- are all giddy with joy.  The tween is in her second round of day camp.  The teen is going to get involved next week.  The toddler just loves all the people who tell her she's cute and play with her!

Here's the timeline:

• first of May- Chris has phone interview with camp in Washington.  After lots of disappointing leads and interviews, we pray and keep looking. But we nurture a secret hope...maybe this time... but I apply for what seems like the hundredth teaching job just in case.
• second week of May- I finish with my temp jobs and am asked to take a part-time library job. I thankfully take library job.  Receive phone call requesting interview for teaching position three hours later. Sigh.
• five days later- get offered teaching job by school I really want to work for and work with. Must jump through testing hoops to continue after first year-- six big flaming ones.  I should know, I bombed two of them before.  I have successfully jumped through two of the six already, but the time elapsed is too great, and I must perform again.  This is kind of scary. Hmmm.  Quietly give thanks that a contract takes a little time. 
• 3rd week plus a few days of May-  School district :"Would you mind two more hoops?" Me: "Yes.  I will jump through six, but no more. I would like to be able to teach and not just study for tests all year and attend classes that I have already taken before." Chris and kids aren't sure what they think, but a full time job is what we need.
•  3rd week plus a few days plus two- I get a contract approval and job offer.  Chris gets a phone call from camp inviting him to interview onsite for position.  Fess up to Library, ask for time off. Meet with HR and email principal from school to explain.  Most awkward thing, ever.
• Fourth week- attempt to fly to camp, flight cancelled.  (Amy cries in airport from all the accumulated drama.)  Next day, we get there. Beautiful place, wonderful camp, solid staff. Please?  
•  End of May-Offer from camp.  Decision time. Lots of prayer.  Can we do it?  Which way to go?  Kids weigh in- Camp!  Sad and yet right phone call to school district.  Everyone feels led to go to Washington. 
•  First of June-Two weeks notice at Library- frantic last minute family things with grandparents, including the tween embarking on a cross country trip to see Ohioan side. Find new home for best dog in the world (one of the hardest parts).
• Mid June-Finish up at work, pack Uhaul truck. Tearful goodbye to grandparents.  Drive across country, meeting Ohio GPs in Colorado for a great night together and tween retrieval.
• Third week in June- Arrive at camp.  Truck unpacked in 1 hour with entire summer leadership staff assist.  Get settled.
• Four days after arrival-  Long awaited nephew arrives...back in Texas. Sigh. 
• Five days after arrival- one year since we knew we would leave our last camp, Chris's third  day of work, and his birthday.

 Six weeks before, all we had were uncertainties and a meager part time job.  Now we have a new home, new ministry chances, and new but familiar location where we thought we'd never get to live again.  It's exhausting to read it, but it was exhilarating to live it. 

 I like my new tent.