Random morning thoughts

Have you ever felt that something was trying to get your attention as you pray? Like, someone shining laser pointers and flashlights into them so you can't focus on talking to God? It's been so hard for me to pray during my quiet times lately. I'm getting super distracted. Lord, allow my focus to be solely on you and not worry about the Deceiver's tactics to take my eyes off of yours. You are the only one I want to keep my focus on.

Anyway, I know that I said that I wasn't sure how often I was going to update this thing about 10 hours ago, but I think I'm going to stay pretty on top of it this year (we'll see how quick I eat those words though...). Friends and family, I think I am going to be getting back on Facebook soon so that you will be able to see more about what goes on at RVR. Taco is planning on making videos of things that we do while we're here. He actually has one up on his Facebook page if I'm not mistaken. And Sarah is in the process/has made one about where the girls are living at. I'm sure you woulnd't mind seeing those. Let me know what you guys think about it, if its a wise decision or not =). Well, time to get the day started!

Love you all,

WAH

Recalling those days past...

Well, I am entering the 11th day of my internship here at River Valley Ranch and I must say, I've had a blast so far. I mean, I get to play on ropes, ride horses, jump on inflatables, ride zip lines and maybe, someday, get to feed a bison (we'll see if the opportunity ever presents itself). Just kidding Matt, if you ever read this. Matt is the Intern Director by the way, he's a pretty cool guy. Very laid back. His first rule, well, guideline if I must, was to never touch the bison that roam around in their little pen. He says they'll charge. They don't seem very active to me... Maybe its better I don't find out eh? Anyway, life on the ranch isn't all fun and games. Not anymore at least. We have retreat groups come and stay on "campus" every weekend and starting this weekend two of us interns get to work it. Oh yeah, there are 5 other interns here other than me. Ryan is a great guy from York, PA. If you want to check out what he's up to look up his blog Longing 4 Passionate Surrender. Taco is a crazy kid from Illinois whom, I must say, is a very talented musician. He says he'll teach me the guitar, once I pick it up from the house. The three of us live together in a house on the ranch while the girls get an upstairs loft area. Yeah, they got jipped, but hey, at least they have their own swimming pool (their basement's flooded). OOH! Speaking of floods the ranch was hit by one just before we all showed up on campus. You should look it up on the River Valley Ranch website (www.rivervalleyranch.com). A lot of the relief work is done but the ranch is still in need of donations (last I heard there was over 100k in damages). A family even lost their house! Pray for Brad and Megan Maines if you feel led, they are in a real time of transition. Anyway, the other three interns are girls. Sarah and Beth are both from Virginia and are both blogging. Sarah's is by far the most updated out of all of us so check her's out if you want to know what we've been up to since we've been here. Her blog is www.Internshipyear.blogspot.com or u can get to her through my followers (assuming she starts following this blog). You can get to Beth's the same way. Ladessa (man I hope I spelled that right) is from Lancaster, PA and is the youngest of the group. All of them are really cool people and I love spending every minute with them, so far... (I hope that doesn't change). I don't think it will =D, they are far too awesome to not get along with! =P.

Hm, lost my train of thought. Here's a list of things you can pray for:
1. That us interns can continue to grow closer together as we grow closer to God. We are each other's family now and new additions to the Ranch family. If we are to do His will while we are here we need to be unified and unbreakable. (some of us literally because we have no health insurance yet O_o)
2. That enough aid will pour in to help the Ranch get back to where it was before the flood hit.
3. That Brad and Megan continue to be strong and trust that the Lord is on control. Also, pray that they are able to recover some of their belongings that were damaged from the flood.
4. That the camp will continually provide a loving and distraction-free atmosphere for its campers and guests. Everyone here works so hard so that they guests are able to focus on the reason why they come to RVR, to grow closer to God. Many of us work behind the scenes so they have clean places to live, great food to eat, fun activities to do and a seamless transition into and out of camp life.

Now, fair warning to all you readers. I'm not entirely sure how often I am going to update this but check back once and week and read some of the other intern's blogs. It will give you a great deal of insight into how camp life is for us and a glimpse into how much we are enjoying ourselves while we're here. =). I'll do my best to update you when I can. Please leave questions or comments, the more you ask the more you'll know =D.

Love you all,

WAH (Bill to those of you who refuse to call me that) =D