Holladay UCC has an annual camp-out weekend, and I was blessed to be a part of it these past few days. I have found a church family. I enjoyed getting to know so many new people, of all different ages. We shared meals together, went on a hike together, sang songs together…. I can’t wait to see these people again each Sunday, now that we have a deeper connection.
This stream was loud and full of life, but still peaceful. I went down there by myself and thought a bit about God.
The path to the creek runs through an outdoor chapel, where we had worship service this morning.
The campfire light shone on the cross. Isn't the scent of campfire smoke divine?
The view from our hike early Saturday morning.
I had the privilege of playing guitar with a great couple named Marilyn & Chuck. Since I’ve only picked up a handful of guitar chords within the last few weeks, I didn’t feel I could “jam” with real musicians. But when we stuck to simple songs, I did okay. Throughout the weekend we played songs like “I’ll Fly Away,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Norwegian Wood,” and other folksy tunes. This morning during worship I led “Pack Up Your Sorrows” with singing and guitar. The congregation really liked the lyrics—I mean who wouldn’t? THANK YOU to my missionary buddies Greg and Elyse for teaching me guitar and introducing me to that song! (For a video of that song, click here, but only if you keep in mind that I was still fumbling through the learning of it at that point.)
I am putting this blog post in the category of “family” because I am so grateful that these church members embrace me as one of their family out here. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, God!
Do you want a guitar for Christmas or something? You look like a guitar player to me. A really neat guy sang and played a 12 string guitar at church last Sunday. His guitar was really loud, even though he didn’t seem to be playing it especially forcefully. Is that how 12 string guitars are? Is that why people always say something like: “well you know what they say… 12 strings are better than 6.” What’s the guy who’s sitting down playing? A jug?
Rico: “Alright, boys, prepare to be dazzled.”
I can’t believe how well you play the guitar! The song you sang with it was real nice, too. I wish I was you…what a talented person you are:)
I listened to your guitar playing on youtube. Including the one with you singing a song that sounded like “Smelly Cat”. I’m sure I misunderstood the lyrics. To both of these musical achievements I can only say:
Rod: “I need to go to my quiet place.”
Hahahahahahahaha to Dad’s third comment. Good one.
Mom—you are too kind. I guess you have to say those things because you’re my mom.
Loved your singing of Pack up my sorrows! I sang a long:) Also thanks for the postcard, LOVED IT!
Glad you found a new family. I’m only commenting because hiking wasn’t the main focus of the post. Good job at becoming a hippie.
picture with cross and moon = awesome.