Harlow in Hindsight

It would seem, that with our kids spending the majority of their time at Harlow over the summer, we'd have more to show for it on the blog.  But, it's not like they can walk around with their Iphones and snap pictures in the midst of loving on kids, so I'm left to rely on pics that come up on Facebook, those that friends send me, or in this first pic's case, the Cabin Pics that we pay for the kids to bring home.  

Even though it happened after the girls' week, I'm starting with the boys' High School Camp.  Again, they had a cabin "stacked" with kids that are already leaders - so that these guys can actually spend some time "going deep" with each other.  I love that.  I love that these guys - almost all who serve multiple weeks being counselors and serving, have a week where they are ministered to.  

Leah sent this one to me that happened during the High School camp.  No idea what it's about.  But, the kid with the red sleeve is named Brian and became a fast friend over the summer.  (He also happens to be the brother of my dear college friend, Megan Dougherty - heck of a family).

This was Mikayla's Middle School Camp Cabin Photo.  Glad it and the following pics were taken early in the week so Ellie could be in it.  (She ended up sick and missing camp Wednesday through Friday). 

Elaina came to visit Harlow and see Leah - and they stopped by to see my girls while she was there.

Camp Fires happen on Thursday night.  When it's not an overnight camp, folks who have served, but not necessarily that week, are invited to attend.  And sometimes, even on overnight camps - as in this case when Brayden showed up to join Traig (who was already in attendance) and visit his sister and cousin.  These are the times when things can get deep and spiritual - so we are always happy when the kids want to be there.

Technically, I couldn't put these up on "Social Media" without going against the privacy policy the kids know they have to adhere to.  But, when I pulled up on one early evening to pick up Nati and saw this going on with Brayden (Phineas) - I couldn't help but snap some pics, as it made my heart melt.  And, since the pics aren't close enough to reveal identities - I'm preserving that moment on my blog.

Here's the only pic I have of "Ferb" (Traig) that just happened to be part of the award he received as the one guy chosen to be "Outstanding Counselor" at the Harlow Banquet.  Traig was there every day of camp minus two (sadly, one being the final day when he ended up with Pink Eye).  He absolutely deserved this award, hands down.  He was born to serve and lead out at Harlow....

On other occasions of "Nati Pick-Up" I got to catch some images of love for others - including this love for "Ariel" (Micaela Rahimian) who had been gone for the first half of the summer.  Really, they were especially hugging her because she inspired me to make a run to Dutch Bros to get her a drink the next morning, which meant they all got to enjoy drinks the next morning too.  Dutch Bros drinks hold some major currency out at Harlow. 

The Friday night before the last week of camp is always the Harlow Banquet where the kids dress up and are honored for their service.  It's a night our boys have loved and Nati was excited about finally getting to attend.

These pics are courtesy of Micaela...

...and this collage never got uploaded, but the top pic here is a new one - that got to include "Dave the Wave".

The final week of Harlow ended up being extra special.  We were told that Whitley's cousins, Abby and Hannah, would be experiencing their first week of Day Camp at Harlow.   I messaged Mandy (Steph's sister - the girls' mom) and mentioned Brayden would love to have her girls in his group that he counseled.  I guess Mandy and Rick (Rick, being the assistant principal at Marist) liked that idea as they went ahead and requested "Phineas" for their girls.  Brayden then requested "Jump Rope" aka Nati as his Counselor Apprentice.  PERFECT!  We wouldn't have wanted anything to slip through the cracks with that kind of responsibility on Brayden's part - and Nati is the perfect person to make sure all the T's are crossed and I's dotted.  Plus, we know they already work great together.  =)

From all the reports we got, it was a great week for the girls.  I hope Mandy and Rick got the same report!  =)

I just can't say enough about this place and how lives are changed there - both those of the kiddos in attendance at the camps whose hearts are filled there, or the kids that serve and give of their hearts there.