Camping In The Shades

This weekend I had the opportunity to go camping in Shades State Park in Indiana with several great folks, a couple who I just met this weekend.






If you've already read this post, and just want to see the pictures again, here is a full listing of pics, including ones not shown here.


Roll call, left to right:
Jean-Marie, the architect of this trip.
Jennifer
Erika
Charly
Kevin Iaweaqihaoibibaihb (referred to as Kevin I)
Holly (in front of Charly)
Kristin (eyes closed...nice)

Ben G and Peter will get called out later.

The camping trip was almost delayed until Saturday morning. After discussing things with Peter, we decided it would be exciting to see what camping is like in the rain, and thought chances were high that we would miss most of the weather anyway.

We set out around 5pm. The park is probably about 30 minutes from the Illinois border. We chased severe storms the entire way, but never caught up.





A tree in road forced us to find an alternate route. A guy who lived near by gave us some directions. He had a heavy, and I mean HEAVY, hillbilly accent. I was grateful for having and Indianian with me to translate, and give me confidence in our detour.

There was a slight drizzle when we got to the camp site, but that was about it. We setup the tent in the drizzle, but put off setting up the canopy since there was no sense putting it up when it probably wouldn't rain the next morning (right).

It rained hard all night long, which helped us to identify the leaky seams in the thin tarp covering the tent. I didn't think we had that much water in the tent, but I found out later there was plenty. It didn't bother me, but I think Peter's sleeping bag was in the pool area.

It rained hard most of the morning. So, in preparation for the rest of our campers, we setup the canopy when there were light breaks in the rain. All this rain made the campsite very muddy. Peter setup a canal in front of the tent to keep the flood waters away. You couldn't keep Peter out of the rain. He was a happy camper being soaked.



When I went to the gas station a few miles away, I heard that all county roads were being closed due to flooding and other hazards. So we headed out again to find a good route for the rest of the campers, but couldn't get through to the nearest town (which I had JUST been to an hour earlier) because of waters covering roads leading to it. By the time we found a state road route into town, the group was already at the camp site...sheesh.


While we were preparing for the other campers to arrive, a group who was giving up on camping for the weekend because of the rain offered us the remainder of their firewood for free. It was all that we needed for the rest of the weekend, what a surprising blessing!


The drizzle continued throughout the morning after everyone arrived. We had and extra tarp and put it to good use, after alot testing and implementation...


After setting up camp in a constant drizzle, we had a wonderful lunch prepared by Ben G. and some of the ladies. If you've never tried Ben's home made bread, you must ask for some (that auta keep you busy Ben)
After lunch, we headed out for our alternate activity. Originally, it was canoing and kayaking, but the rivers were closed. With that shot down, we decided to experience the hiking trails Shade's had to offer. We were told that they were just as good as nearby Turkey Run. They were.

Peter was pretty excited about hiking, so he got to plan the routes. Unfortunately, the very beginning of the very first route had some swampy conditions that our hikers in tennis shoes didn't want to work around for the entire hike. So, Pete found us an alternate route, and, off we went.


First obstacle - A huge tree, uprooted due to muddy soil conditions.


Second obstacle - a little bit of water, which Charly took GREAT pains to avoid.


Third obstacle - alota bit of water. Charly finally gave up trying to protect his toesies and helped carry the ladies over.

This is where the trail got cool. Most of the rest of the trail was up and down creeks. Eventually, no one cared about getting their feet soaked.


The trails were gorgeous.



Lots of neat little waterfalls and obstacles.


Wet feet and now, wet bottoms.



Peter..was...lovin' it.


I could definitely hear my parent's voices in the back of my head "get out of there, that's dangerious!"


Ya, it was. And Beautiful.



Dinner was fantastic, of course. Charly and KevinI enjoyed Man-Burgers. Kristin and Holly made up some hobo dinners.



Ooooo Ahhhh

Ben slept outside to take in the full experience. He was also guarding the women.


Most of the ladies got very little sleep due to the noise of nearby campers and a raccoon who rather enjoyed playing with our empty water bottles. We almost had a bit of a war going on apparently, as the women thought the water bottle noise was the boys being obnoxious.

In order to get back for several activities, Charly, Kevin I and I (yes, that's right) headed back early the next morning.


After we left, the rest of the campers attempted to check out the trails at Turkey Run, but they were completely shut down without electricity and most trails too flooded to hike. So it was back to Shades for one last hike.



Erika, I saw that!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Oh No! I don't have a good picture on hand for today's post!! No time. I'm Sorry Mom :-(

I love you Mom! You've survived this long with three guys in the house, that's something to be proud of.

I'll have more when I get back from camping this weekend. No post tomorrow. (sigh) I know, it's a bummer.

Happy Birthday Eric!! (updated)

Had some family birthday time tonight at TGI Fridays and home for the bro (Eric) and Mom. However, Mom's birthday isn't until tomorrow, so you don't get your headline until then Mother!

Thanks for the (laughing) smile Mom. Eric was being a poop-head.





Having birthdays two days apart has saved alot of time for the Gustafson fam. In July, Dad and I are also two days apart.

Considering I'll be driving up to four people in my car for three hours Friday, in the rain, I decided my bald car tires needed to go. Actually, Mom and Dad decided that a long time ago, and reminded me of that many times. But I'm a patient (ahem lazy) man.

They convinced me to try out Peoria Plaza Tire down on Washington street. Not bad, except they don't know what a tire pressure monitoring system looks like apparently. I was releived to see that they finally put some clothes on Vanna, the big lady on the street corner. For many years, it was just this awkward bikini-clad woman.



Some of you might know that Andrew convinced Storm and me to run in the Peoria Steamboat Classic 4-mile race a week from this Saturday (14th). A race he backed out of shortly after Storm had already signed up. I haven't jogged in about a month, so it wasn't hard to accept Storm's offer to take a jog after work today in preparation for the race. Andrew came along, but he was not welcome.

God's Sweet Blessings

Blogs have been such an encouraging blessing (and distraction) to me. I started out reading single friend's blogs (and Pastor Daniel's), because they usually had something fun to say. Eventually I found that a ton more families I know also have blogs, and they LOVE to talk about their kids! While at times, I get a little down that I don't have the same exciting thing to blog about, I am usually having a ball reading all the stories, seeing the cute pictures, and relishing the recognition they give to God for these sweet blessings. Here are some of those blogs.


Schellenbergs - The struggles, joy and faith through CF. Along with some bragin' on the cute kids :-)











Phillips - This family LOVES to make crazy videos. Brian, seriously, you're nuts.














Mays - I don't actually know this family personally, but after finding their blog a while back, I haven't been able to stay away. Not only do they have so much fun, but their die hard faith to rely on God joyfully for everything through slim pickin's and uncertain futures challenges me greatly.



Ken and Amy - If you don't know Ken and Amy, you need to. Congrats on being Pink'd!!













Whitney - Has such great insights into what God is doing in their lives, and takes TONS of great pictures of their terribly cute kids.















My team lead, Christi, may not have a blog, but she still shares with me pretty much everthing she and her daughter do, and it...is...histerical!! Kelsey is going to be sooo messed up as an adult because of how crazy Christi is. It's unusual to be able to share pretty much everything with your boss, and vice versa, and I am grateful for having such a cool boss. Congratulations on "The Kiss" Kelsey. Don't break his heart girl!!

Dating, who needs it!

Yup, that's what we learned tonight at men's bible study. We're switching to arranged marriages.

Just kidding. Last week was about standards and qualities to hold to and look for in that special someone. This week, among other things, holding your date in the highest respect and value. Another great quote "Marry your best friend". And I don't think he means move to a state where that's legal...


Poor Peter was the only one who showed up.


Just kidding. This dedicated soul came early to catch up on last week's lesson. He got a double dose this week, and survived. Welcome back Pete!!!

NAN!! You said you were making dinner from scratch. Those look store bought!!


Once again, I keed, I keed. Nan cooked an awesome rice and beef dinner, with this onion thing on the side that was new to me. Someone else slacked and brought store bought cakes, which were excellent!!

NYC 2008

On July 19th, a team of 350+ will be headed to New York City for a week of street witnessing, vacation bible school, soccer and basketball camps. 10 of those people are from my church, Bethany Baptist.

We had our first team meeting this Sunday. It went very well, but I'm learning alot about encouraging a team dynamic with people who don't all know each other, and have never gone on a trip like this before. I've gone on this trip the past two summers and already knew almost everyone on the team. So I noticed throughout the meeting how much I was taking for granted. Not to worry, potluck food always bonds and encourages people right?

Here's the team
(Back Row, left) Charly, Dan Morris, Elke Morris, Connie, Dave, Kevin (me)
(Front Row, left) Jean-Marie, Erika, Elizabeth Morris, Sarah Kelly

I did not know the Morris family until this trip came together, and I am so happy for the opportunity to know them better, as well as Dave and Connie.

Why New York? New York City is the world’s “melting pot”. In this single trip, we will have the opportunity to meet people from over 180 people groups from more than 65 different countries, all without leaving the U.S. Many that we will meet will have never even heard of Jesus and God’s saving grace.

This trip can be very exhausting physically and mentally. Please remember these team members in your prayers as they face many challenges.

You can learn more about the trip at NYCM.org

Grab various updates during the trip at:

NYCM's Updates Page
Bethany's NYC Trip Page
Our Team Blog

Another Game, and Another Movie

Last night was the showdown of the Bethanys.







Bethany East (Joey's team)

vs.

Bethany West (Kari's).









An exciting and fast paced game which BE won 8-1 (give or take a run due to my bad memory, as usual)

Dave almost got MVP after at least three outfield catches. I attribute Dave's amazing abilities to his tremendously talented trainer, seen below.


Jeremy definitely snagged it from Dave though with his shortstop skills. He must have jumped at least 10-20 feet in the air to catch that ball. At LEAST! :-)

Go Kari...it's your Birfday...

Here come the Doug, here come the Doug



As always, Tyler was on stand-by in case Erika got mouthy to the coach and needed to be replaced.

Movie Time!

I once again had the opportunity to check out a movie with Dad and the bro. I'm so grateful for the fact that we all live so close and have these opportunities to do stuff.

Indiana Jones was alot better than people had told me. Sure, I could do with out the inter-dimensional junk at the end, but still. And yes, there were points at which George Lucas clearly must have been thinking "I'll be lucky if I get away with that last unrealistic part" and in the very next thought said "but what if I can ALSO get away with THIS?!" Grow up man.

South Africa Team

While we were walking around on hot paved sidewalks looking at bored lions and gazelle, a small team from church was just beginning the long journey to the place where these animals come from, Africa!



I can't believe I forgot to tell you about this trip! My roommate, Chris (back row, left), and several other folks from Bethany Baptist Church will be gone for two weeks as they minister to a missionary family, seminary students, and children and families of a small village in Mozambique. You can read more and get updates at their space on the church website

I am so grateful to have had roommates like Rodney (back row, right) and now Chris and Jed. It's dumb that I'm so sad about the probability of having to find new ones after being so effortlessly and faithfully blessed with these ones.

It's about time!

Congratulations to Jed and the future Mrs.

On our Sunday school class trip to the St. Louis Zoo, Jed finally proposed to Julie, and she did in fact say yes.

The story goes...

Jed got permission from Julie's father on Wednesday, just a few days before the trip. Jed had the awesome idea of making it happen on the trip, and did a great job lining everything up on short notice. My favorite part has to be the 2am trip Friday morning to scope out the zoo and park. Nice. Plans also included finding someone to get his car down there secretly for a quiet, post-engagement, ride back from St. Louis.

So, when I asked Jed about inviting a couple more people who were interested in going to the zoo, knowing it might put us over, he said "PERFECT!". We now had an excuse to take a separate ride down to the zoo, and that would be Jed's car. Hence, Cristian, Jenna and I taking a nice quiet ride to the zoo.

My job at the zoo was to take pictures of the happy couple for future use. However, they split off from the group rather early and had a great time by themselves. I did my best man!

Aside from curious Josh, there were surprisingly few questions about why Jed and Julie weren't coming to dinner with us. In the end, they were at a restaurant only a few blocks away from us. Which was good when Jed realized that Julie would need evening make-up from the locked van we took.

Jed's plans got rained on a little when his park proposal got canceled due to weather, but he still pulled off the question shortly after at a backup, and somewhat shady, location.

It was so fun being a part of your recent big day Jed. It's great to see you guys so happy!

So far, all of my past and present roommates who are now engaged or married have allowed me to view their ring ahead of time, which is so cool. I hope that someone, and I won't say who, who is not yet engaged, still not saying who, doesn't let me down by breaking this trend!

Zoo

Our Sunday school class took a trip to the St. Louis Zoo this past weekend.

The state of Illinois has recently enacted some money saving cutbacks related to highway cleanup. Besides no longer mowing, they will also no longer pickup shredded tires and animal carcasses from the side of the road. This made for a very entertaining counting game this weekend. Final count - five deer and eight tires. Sorry, no pictures.

Due to the clandestine nature of part of this trip, we had need to split up vehicles on the way down. It happened to work out well that we also invited two too many people. Cristian and Jenna rode down with me in a car, while the other 13 took the van. About 3/4 of the way there, I finally figured out how to work Jed's air conditioning. Stupid Ford controls.

We saw hippos, elephants, amphibians, reptiles, monkeys, giraffes, lions, other African things, bears, insects...





and...Joannes and Sarahs.




Julie has no clue what's going to happen.


Sarah and Jenna LOVED the insects and snakes.




I told you we saw a gorilla.


This bear looks weird. Just thought I'd mention that.


Here's a monkey who can endlessly enjoy licking a bolt. Kinda reminds me of Maya :-(


DUCK!


We met up with Peter (left) and his brother along the way. It's a good thing Merideth was sticking by her man. Made for easy identification.


Julie...still clueless... :-)


After the zoo, we hit up an Italian restaurant on "The Hill". All the while, just blocks away, Jed's secret plan was unfolding...

I'm sorry I don't have a better picture. It was awkward enough sticking my butt in the faces of the folks eating behind me. There are actually 13 people in this picture.