Fruits of the Spirit

The theme for the 2011 camp season is "Taste & See:  God is good!" Anyone who knows me knows how much I enjoy food. My best friend and I have been cooking together since we were kids. Back then we came up with concoctions that weren't so tasty, but we, like cheese, have grown better with age. Decades later, our conversations continue to frequently turn to food, favorite recipes, and desserts. I have spent much of my life as a hard-core chocolate lover, but during my years at the Brew, my tastes expanded and I developed a love for all things almond as well. A wonderful baker from Germany worked with us and she introduced me to marzipan. I was hooked instantly!  

So when it came time to come up with fun activities for summer camp, the on-site host, Sara Gibson, and I, immediately thought of marzipan--she too, is a fan, and really, once you taste it, who isn't? Sara is a "jump in with both feet" kind of girl (a quality I deeply admire) and had experience with both marzipan and making fondant frosting...My only experience was related to eating it! So this afternoon we decided to test our idea and created these lovely little marzipan morsels. We had so much fun creating them and we can't wait to see what fruits & veggies the campers will create this weekend!

Kind friends all gather round....

It was a privilege to be at camp this past weekend for the marriage of Rosanna Nafziger and William Henderson. The gathering included family and friends from all over the country and even other parts of the world. The event was a testimony to the creative and intentional way that the two approach life in community with others.

Those in attendance were blessed by incredibly beautiful weather! Temperatures reached the upper 80s, the clear sky was bright blue....it was perfect, really. The charming couple planned every detail with caring thought. The invitations were hand-printed on a vintage letterpress. They forged their own rings from antique silver coins. The bride designed and sewed her perfectly fitted dress for Drift Creek's ancient forest setting, which created a romantic backdrop to their unique and artistic ceremony. Everything about the event, from the bride's bouquet of wildflowers and ferns to the groom strumming his guitar, reflected the personalities and interests of the bride and groom. 

Guests enjoyed artisan breads partnered with hand-crafted cheeses. 

I too was married at Drift Creek, nearly 16 years ago already...and to this day, camp continues to hold a magical place in my heart. My hope for the bride and groom is that thoughts of their celebration will forever evoke memories of abundant love from the family & friends who encircled them in the meadow where their marriage journey began.