Mandi goes to Rodeo Bible Camp

Mandi makes a great cowgirl!!!

Mandi spent the weekend at the Wasco Fairgrounds in Tygh Valley near Maupin. She left Thursday with her friend Samantha. The story of how she got to go is pretty special. She heard about this camp a year ago after Sam got back and has been wanting to go all year. I remember her talking about it and dreaming about it but somehow we lost track of time. On Wednesday,she approached us again and said that she was hoping to go and that it started Friday. Michael and I didn't see how we could make it work financially so we made the decision to not send her. Samantha's mom called me on Thursday and told me that she was doing all she could to help get Mandi there. She had called the camp and found out that there was a scholarship available- full ride. It was a done deal!!! That day Mandi and I went to Goodwill and found cowboy boots for $7.99 and a long sleeve cowgirl shirt and hat. All totalling up to $14.00. God is so good!! She was set to go except for the birth certificate we couldn't find. I found a little certificate the hospital gave us announcing her birth. We were praying that that would be sufficient. Mandi left Thursday afternoon with Sam and spend a fabulous, adventuresome weekend sweating, working hard and having tons of fun.

Today after church the family took off on an hour and a half drive to Wasco Fairgrounds to watch Mandi and all the other campers in a rodeo. The rodeo was designed to show off all the hard work and training that was done at camp. Bull riding, calf and goat roping, pole bending and barrel racing were the events. Mandi participated in the pole bending and barrel racing. She did great! We were amazed to see her handle her horse so well. This girl has only been on a horse once or twice and never at a racing speed. I was very impressed. I wonder what she could do if given the chance to pursue this more. She informed us that now she wants a horse. Oh My!! I forgot to mention that her horses name (that she used for the weekend) was Zip!!

I have to mention that it was probably the hottest weekend yet with the temperature reaching 105 degrees. Driving up today was so hot! Our air conditioning in the Tahoe broke and we were using the old fashion method, the four windows. It was a blast! There is nothing like taking a road trip somewhere new and really feeling the wind through your hair. O.K. we were a sight when we got there, but who cares, we were hanging out with the cowboys. The other exciting thing was the thunderstorm that moved in just as we were leaving the fairgrounds. Within minutes the temperature dropped from 101 to 75 degrees. We saw lots of beautiful lightning strikes and huge raindrops. The scariest moment was when the wind whipped up a huge dust storm which practically stopped traffic on the Highway because there was no visibility. All I can say is thank you God for your hand of protection and for your awesome works. It was an amazing and wonderfully fun way to spend a Sunday!!

Jeff and Josh are watching the Rodeo.

Walking to the awards ceremony for some home cooked chili!
Josh trying on Mandi's hat!
Emma having a great time!