I’m currently sitting in a coffee shop sipping on a delicious iced Hot chocolate, and I am thrilled to relay to you guys this simple message: Life is good. 

Atlantic has been on the move, and we’ve seen lots of transformation along our journey these past few weeks.  Hard hearts have softened as the Spirit did His thing in, through, and around us, places that were once unfamiliar camps are now full of warm memories, the calendar page that used to belong to tomorrow has since become a page of yesterday, and many who were once strangers have now been transformed into dear friends.

Things are certainly changing as we continue to move along at a rapid pace.

I know I made a resolution to blog much more frequently at the end of my last post… but that didn’t happen.  I still would like it too, but the limitations of internet access alongside the busy nature of what we do will have to mean blog posts will happen whenever they happen (that’s as much as I can promise).

Let’s see where should I start…

Well, first, it just occurred to me that this Iced Hot Chocolate (while very delicious) is an oddly named drink.  I would just like us to all recognize and agree that it is a poorly named drink. ‘Iced-Hot’? How can anyone forgive that? I’m pretty sure all the other drinks must mock it when the barista isn’t looking. It must feel really self-conscious because of its self-contradicting nature. Names are important, and this one stinks.

Ok sorry, that wasn’t interesting, but I needed to vent to somebody. Quickly, Let’s move on before I get distracted again.

It’s list time I think.

- When we last updated you guys, we were just heading to the Jersey shore for a week that would surpass all our expectations of a summer camp.  We spent an incredible week on the beaches of New Jersey at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference, playing beach volleyball, drinking milkshakes, and getting crushed by the giant waves of our Namesake ocean (the Atlantic, in case you’re new or you don’t know your oceans). With air conditioned sleeping accommodations, room service cleaning our rooms for us, and a host of waiters and waitresses serving us in the dining hall, this was truly a camp experience like none any of us have experienced before.  We were getting absolutely spoiled as we spent a refreshing week in an amazing location right on the beach with even more amazing people who were quick to love and encourage us in our ministry.  This group volunteered to undertake the challenge of raising the last chunk of Steve’s support so that we could send him out to bless the African Children’s choir as he headed out with them again for a European tour. One other highlight that needs be included was the funniest game of mini-golf I’ve ever played in my entire life, where Josh tried to punish Steve for his accidental foot-to-ball interference, which ultimately resulted in Josh fishing his ball out of a water hazard. 

- After Jersey, Atlantic led Worship at Camp Harmony in West PA.  Each morning the guys took turns sharing a bit of a devotional message and in the evenings Cory shared (he was the camp speaker). Lots of sports tournaments and evening games gave us plenty of chances to hang out with the students and get to know them.  Sweet Camp, Sweet crew of  college ministry teams, and sweet group of campers gave us an amazing week of memories that I’ll remember and cherish (along with the 3 silly bands I added to my wrist).

- We joined a youth group in Michigan who were doing a week of service projects all around their local community.  It was incredible to join such a mature group of students who were all really eager to serve others instead of spending their summer break being selfish. Great crew. Loved playing Frisbee with these guys.  They’re pros!

- BACK TO CANADA!

We made our way back to the True North Strong and Free! And found ourselves in the warm embrace of familiar faces at the Rankin Cottage. Peaceful reading, boating on the lake, and the most delicious food you’ve ever tasted… Summer is sweet!

- Over to Zion Hill camp in Ontario. With out trips to swimming pools and water parks (Calypso), plenty of card games and a fast sweeping new fad called ‘Blockus’ (move over twilight, there’s a new obsession stealing the hearts of youth everywhere), and finally an epic rival dance competition between the stylish Salsa dancing from the best 1/3 Syrian dancer to ever grace Atlantic: Joshua Harris, versus the toe-tappin, power-stache wielding country styles of the best Scotsman this band has ever seen: Drew Wallace.  In the end both were foiled by the elegant and classy Swing styles of Miss Angela Daw, but let me assure all readers that Atlantic was very well represented in the 2010 Zion Hill dance competition. Bittersweet moment: Said our goodbyes to Steve during this week, as he headed out to go become an uncle to a whole other choir of African kids.  Please keep him and the African Children’s choir in your prayers.  Follow Steve’s journey with the choir here at:

www.stevetheuncle.blogspot.com/

 - And now here we are. We are currently on the East Coast of Canada, spending some quality time in New Brunswick with loved ones.  We spent a few days all together with a group of students visiting from Presque Isle, Maine, as they went around doing various service projects in places that could use more attention and assistance. Then after a couple projects we separated and Cory has been continuing on leading the youthgroup around this week: A day doing service projects at a local Christian camp, a day at a rehab center for people recovering from drug and alcohol addictions, a visit to a local soup kitchen, etc…

So we are all spread out throughout the province of New Brunswick, soon to be reunited for another week of summer camp, this time out here on the relaxed and charming East coast of Canada. 

You just read over 1,000 words… Well done. 

Peace and love,

-Brady