VIRGINIA STATE BAPTIST MUSIC AND ARTS CAMP

This past week was filled with fun, excitement, and hard work.

Our family traveled back to the mountains, specifically Lynchburg, Virginia, for a little quality time with our friends and our Lord.

THE VIRGINIA BAPTIST MISSIONS MUSIC AND ARTS CAMP AT EAGLE EYRIE

Over 375 folks came together to worship our Saviour and learn about making music.

There were strings.

Potential photographers.

Friends.


Incredibly talented musicians.


Band (and a really handsome band director - a.k.a. "my husband")

Breaks from all the practice.

Beautiful worship.

Goals to achieve.

African drumming to master.

Praying.

Babies learning to swim.

Laughing mothers.

Prepared swimmers.

Time to relax.

Undeniable praise.

Fine musicianship.

Best buddies.

And oh, so much more.

As the camp photographer, I got to see much of all those things and each one was so beautiful.

But, I will be the first to admit:

This was the most tiring and demanding photo job I have ever tackled.

Each day we would head back to the lodge and most of the time, I don't even remember how I got there. I would recall falling over into the bed, then not even stirring til the alarm clock said it was time to get back up, help fix food for 25 people, and do it all over again.

Now is the FUN part: editing all 856 photos that were taken.

WHEW!

Thanks for the opportunity, Charlotte!

It was an unforgettable week.

HEATHER AND JON LIVE AT HILTON HEAD

Formal congratulations are in order for

Jon and Heather.

They made it official last week during an absolutely gorgeous wedding at

Hilton Head Island, SC.

Fortunately, Barry and I were invited to bring the whole gang.

Not only did we get to frolic with many dear friends from the mountains, but we also got to have a fine romp in the surf.

When we finally settled down for some work, a lifetime of waiting for that one special person began unfolding before our eyes.

Heather made one of the most gorgeous brides I have ever seen.

And she has some very sweet little girls following in her footsteps....

I was simply amazed at the amount of detail that Heather and Jon had poured into this moment in their lives. Each small thing meant something and they all worked together to achieve an atmosphere that was almost heavenly.

Yes, those are their real rings and yes, they are in the Atlantic Ocean. Now, before you go all crazy on me (like Katie did), I hung onto them and even had a spotter to help watch for the all-dreaded wave surge.

Aren't they beautiful?

Best wishes, and more importantly, sincere prayers sent your way

Jon and Heather.

May God be the center of your marriage now and forever.

Congratulations.