For the past 14 days...

I have officially been camping for two weeks now.  The past couple of weeks have been filled with "firsts."  Here are a few of them:

1.  I have become fairly confident in assembling tents, and have taken part in the setting up of about 9 tents.  Pretty impressive for someone who has only been camping once before (and was NO help in the assembly process of the tent).

2.  I have learned the art of wearing shorts with industrial black boots in the morning to avoid soggy feet from the morning dew.

3.  I have learned how to make "noodle boodle."  Essentially, this is just copious amounts of elbow macaroni with 6-8 cups of mayo.  Funny how constipation is an issue around here...

4.  I have brushed my teeth and washed my face in the "trough."  No sinks needed here, folks.

5.  I have used a port-a-potty everyday for the past 14 days.

6.  I have learned that it is not good to try to stand in your tent when your tent is south of 4.5 feet- it results in an achy back.

7.  I have learned that you need to be careful with your fashlight inside your tent when you are changing at night.  "Shadow shows" are seriously frowned upon here. 

8.  I have never thought of going to WalMart as an excited outing.  But let me tell you, it is.

9.  I have learned that "rain" here in Illinois is not like the "rain" back in Washington.  I think they should stop using the term "rain" and go for something more along the lines of "torrential downpour."  It's really not fair to those of us from the west coast who think "rain" means "grab a sweatshirt." 

I'm sure there will be plenty more firsts along the way, but I thought I would write some down now before I forget.  I can't say there aren't times when I wish I was at home, with a mattress, with a roof, with food that doesn't include mayo... but I am happy to be here and excited for what God has in store for the next 5 weeks.