This past week was spent in the serenity and beauty of nature. I loved it!

It started off on Monday when the Allen family took some time away to camp together. Funnily enough, I pass that campground every day on my commute home, so when I got the invite to join for dinner and s’mores, I was more than willing to stop by!

Playing with the kiddos by the water, setting up a hammock, and debating whether a Reese’s cup or a Hershey’s chocolate bar made for a better s’more made for a great night.

Once it got late enough, I drove the rest of the way home, fully satisfied with the fun and fellowship.

Wednesday, I was scheduled to work a half-day in the morning, so on the way home, I stopped by a place I’d been eyeing every trip home for the past several weeks.

Inside was an adorable boutique that sold only merch that was made in North Carolina! There were so many cute things, but I managed to walk out with only a bar of soap for myself and gift for one of my roommates.

Friday through Sunday made up the bulk of the outdoor time, as it was the weekend of the Women’s Strategic Meeting! Women from all the chapels on Fort Bragg came together for the weekend, the theme being being rooted in the character of Jesus.

It was so refreshing to not only meet new ladies, but also develop relationships already established! It’s great being among, and interacting with, women who love the Lord!

Two women, Paula and Marilyn, shared several talks over the weekend, chock full of thought-provoking goodness. The time was filled with note-taking and processing that will carry on into the weeks to come. They are so wise and gave lots of valuable insight!

When we weren’t soaking up all Paula and Marilyn had to offer, we were soaking up the sun!

There were several times throughout the day for rest and/or recreation. In that time, I napped, canoed with a friend around the lake…

…sat down with both new and familiar faces to get to know them and to ask questions…

…and swam in the lake!

The highlight recreational activity was, most certainly, the Blob.

The way this beauty works is you jump off the platform onto the Blob. Then, if you managed to stay on the Blob in your landing, you crawl to the end. Then, another person jumps from the platform onto the Blob, thus making them the Blobber and you the Blobee. Varying results of launch height will occur, depending on the weight differential between the two of you.

It. Was. A. Blast!

Thankful for it all!