In 1985, in what first seemed to defy reason and logic to our parents, Pat and I along with friends Tom and Jeri Arenz (met these wonderful people and friends for life on vicarage in San Francisco), were able to purchase 15+ acres in the Swan Valley in Montana. With frontage on the Swan River and views to the east of the Swan Range and to the west of the Mission Range and situated between two wilderness areas it is truly "God's country." I am fond of saying, "When you pray there, it is a local call."
We started camping there in our "L & L Bean 4 man pup-tent," but quickly outgrew that with 2 dogs, 2 children, and Pat and myself sharing the tent (in no particular order of importance). We since have camped in a cabin tent borrowed from the Youth Group (Arlington Heights, IL), a borrowed pop-up tent camper (that seemed like the Ritz Carlton compared to the pup-tent), our own pop-up tent camper purchased from the sale of two sets of black lab puppies, and finally a hard sided camp trailer. With electricity, a well, and an outhouse with the best view in North America, it has become a place our family cherishes, especially when the Arenz's are there and other family members visit.
Early Breakfast (fresh trout and eggs) at camp.
Our children have always loved "Still Waters" (what our friends and we have named the property) and the whole camping experience ... especially the stories, laughter, and devotions around the evening camp fire (when the fire danger is low and the Forest Service permits). The boys especially love the hiking in the valley, the fishing, the inner-tube floats down the river, the food (everything tastes better outside), the views, the sunsets, etc., etc.. From little on they've talked about living our there, working our there, whatever ... as long as it could be "out there."
Late this past Memorial Day Monday evening I returned from a quick trip out to Big Sky Country. Using a free ticket from Northwest Airlines I arrived in Missoula last Friday, was picked up by a dear friend, was given the use of their Jeep, and late afternoon began to set up camp for the boys. I had to "shock" the well with bleach, get the outhouse "going" (no pun intended), get everything else "hooked up," and figure out a gas and electrical problem (solved in about 5 hours).
Why? Because dreams do come true. With a lack of decent paying summer jobs in Michigan the boys determined that they were going to go to Montana and see if they could generate some work there. They have, with more sure to come. Clearing land, cutting trees, piling up brush, etc., their's will be a summer of hard labor ... in God's great out doors. They will also have a phenominal time working together, fabulous fun recreating together, and make a life time of memories. Both Joel and James were also selected by Camp Mak-A-Dream in Gold Creek, MT, (the international camp for the Make-A-Wish Foundation) to serve as camp counselors during Teen Week, July 1-8. What a blessing that will be for them and they will be for the kids at Camp.
Some have asked whether we are worried about the boys being out west this summer. We trust them completely! ... but there are always concerns when using a chain saw and with the wild animals present - grizzly bears, mountain lions, etc. (both have been seen on the property). (The boys have also assured us that they know judo, karate, and a few other 'eastern' words, and that it is the lions and bears that should be afraid. This is NO comfort to Pat and I.) This is why we pray and commend them to God's care ... for their travels, their work safety, and their continued growth in the Lord. We invite you to do the same ... and are already grateful for your prayers in their behalf (and ours).
We are already looking forward to joining them for our family vacation in July. That will be a great reunion ... with the Arenz's coming in from the state of Washington also.
Having purchased some steel-toed work boots last night and packing soon to begin, they will leave this weekend.
Big Sky Country ... here they come!
PM
