I went to a camp this last weekend and it was a blast!
Part of the fun was picking outfits to wear for the few days we would be there. I read ‘casual’ as in fancy so I grabbed my favorite boots!
The reason for going to Camp Fairwood was for a ladies retreat my oldest sister invited me to.
On the drive up I was chatting with another woman but we were amazed with the fall colors. Wisconsin is beautiful this time of year. If you didn’t know, that is the state I grew up in!
The girl who sat next to me on the drive up was also a military spouse. I can’t explain how much I appreciate the unspoken understanding military spouses have for each other. We chatted all the way up about our little boys, lonely circumstances after a move to new places, and more. It was a refreshing exchange and I’m glad she was there over the weekend.
We arrived after a few hours in the car to beautiful weather at Camp Fairwood. 
This was our cabin. It was nice inside too!
The first night we ate the best camp food that I can’t even explain. I’m serious, it was incredible and I also ate the most delicious apple I’ve ever had in my life so that was exciting!
We had our first session with a guest speaker. She talked about feeling lonely in Church after making a move to Maine. I appreciated her honesty about something I’ve wrestled with for years. I don’t think people understand how closed off they can come across. These amazing people remain hidden in their groups because they’re not really in the same need of community. It is a huge blessing when people expand their circles and let someone new in.
The speaker really encouraged us to notice others and I hope to live that out. Isn’t it easy to put your own needs ahead of everyone else’s? I’m always amazed at how quickly I move from selfless to selfish without even realizing it.
The rest of the night we were at the camp fire, went for a hayride under the breathtaking expanse of stars that went on and on. In the circle at the other fire the women were singing and it was incredibly peaceful to listen to.
I am all about honesty here so let me tell you..
I didn’t sleep in the cabin! I actually slept in the backseat of a van. : ) Oh yes! I am kind of the biggest bug wimp out there. I chose to sleep on the top bunk so my big sister didn’t have to but I didn’t know giant moths would attack a face! After killing too many I laughed and slipped outside to a cozy van. It was wonderful!
The next day I rolled out and we had a delicious breakfast, another session, and then hiked around the camp.
One of the activities that I didn’t plan on doing was shooting. Its not really my thing, not because I think it’s wrong but I’m afraid of guns. I go through all the worst case scenarios and get panicky. A little crazy because they’re not likely to happen at all but I ended up taking up a gun and shooting targets!
Strangely, I felt very brave.
This last picture is not me but I thought it was awesome! At the camp there was this giant swing. How crazy does this look? Now these are brave women!
It turned out to be a refreshing weekend away. I loved the time with my sister. She brings out the best in me and gives me room to always be real. I thank God often for both sisters and two amazing brothers!
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Would you pray for me? I have been sick for weeks, almost months and we suspect indoor mold, kitten allergy, or outside pollen. I am going to make an appointment to be tested but I’ve been miserable day after day and it’s wearing me out making it hard to do what I need. It kind of feels like the flu only without the throwing up. Some of the worst reaction happens at night so I am getting very little sleep these days. Prayers are appreciated for relief!
Thanks for reading all that today! I hope you have been well and are enjoying fall, isn’t it beautiful!?
Until next time,
Laura