Camp Covenant

Off we went
for our first "overseas" trip
as a family of six

The coach seats were
so spacious!

After the traumatising experience in the one and only church camp we attended as a family with 3 kids at that time, I had been fearful to attempt another trip afterwards. However, since things have become easier with the children lately, I wanted to overcome my phobia this year. As it happened, three of our CG families also decided to go for the camp too. There is indeed no better company than this!

I'm simply so glad that God prompted me to take this step of faith. It was truly a blessed trip with much joy and laughter. The children could go off to their respective programs while Joshua and I attended the main sessions, although we had to take turns missing a night session each to put Joram to bed early because he got rather cranky with the lack of his accustomed amount of sleep. I even served on the worship team twice and Joshua did his parent-helper duty, something we weren't able to manage the previous time. 

The only glitch was our sleeping/rooming arrangement. At first, it seemed logical for us to split into boys' and girls' rooms. But my dear princesses were so sensitive to the air-conditioning that they took turns to wake up at night with stuffy noses. I had to give them medication and adjusted the temperature to 28 degrees, which was way too warm for me to sleep properly. We later discovered that the boys were actually complaining that their room was too hot despite having the cooling unit function at the lowest possible temperature because the blower was not facing the beds. 

In the end, we switched the kids over. The boys and I had wonderful rest in the comfortably cold room while the girls finally slept through the night without blocked noses in Joshua's hotel room. Hallelujah! Sadly, by the time we figured it out, it was time for us to go home. Sigh... I had to overdose myself on caffeine and sugar with the hotel's teh tarik in order to keep alert for the first two days!

He was so eager to go in
that he was unhappy
I stopped him for a pic!

During one of our free and easy afternoons, we revisited the complimentary indoor playground on the hotel premises. It was a very nostalgic place for us and I even snapped two photos resembling the ones I took in the past! The kids were largely able to play by themselves while Joshua and I chillaxed at one of the cushy resting booths. 

On the very same cushions

The piano sofa is still there.
Look how much she has grown!

In this camp, I was poignantly reminded by God that I am entering a different stage of parenting. I can no longer walk in front of the children, leading them the way. Instead, I should start going alongside them as they discover the paths which the Lord has planned for them. I must gradually let go as their parent and seek to become their friend and adviser. 6 years ago, none of the kids had known the Lord yet, but now, they have all begun their spiritual journey with their Saviour. I shall be their most dedicated prayer warrior as I support them behind the scenes. May the children learn to grow in love for Jesus as their best friend in life!