Mapleton Centre is a beautiful venue - so family friendly. There are all kinds of water activities and the catering is always excellently done. Paul, our children and myself arrived Friday evening just in time to check in and hurry off to the first scheduled meeting.   We had a quick look at the resource tables and then took a seat.

Colin gave the main message that night and in his usual forthright manner set the tone for the weekend - we all knew we were going to be  strongly reminded of the importance of family.  It would be difficult to remain unmotivated or indecisive in that atmosphere!

 We all mixed around pretty well, I thought.  By the end of the weekend I had met quite a few new faces and also caught up with former acquaintances.

Prayer meeting started each day and surely this is where every good day begins.  As we beseeched God for his wisdom, guidance and will for the  day ahead his presence was among us and preparing our hearts.

 After breakfast the ladies and men went to different rooms so that an  appropriate word could be delivered to each group.  As usual it was a privilege to be encouraged by Nancy to conduct our lives in such a way
as to bring our families into the heavenlies.  She was speaking on the beautiful woman and challenged us to be truly beautiful - inside and out.  Of course Nancy went on to tell us so many little ways that we can become more beautiful.

I was not present at the other ladie's meetings as I had the privilege of  caring for the littlies in the creche - and yes Tammy's children  shone there as well. 

The final meeting on Sunday included a big farewell and thank you to Val  Stares - what a blessing she has been to us here in Australia and I am  sure NZ before that.  When I was asked to write in her card I wondered how one could possibly measure or put into words the results of all that  effort she has given into Aussie families.   One way of expressing it is  to consider the team which  has been put together to try to keep up with  all the work load that Val  has been doing.  It comprises several families and praise God includes the menfolk.

Although we had not thought it could happen, I was so glad that we
somehow (by God's grace I am sure) ended up attending this year's camp. 
I can encourage everyone to do what it takes to get to the next
available Above Rubies camp and I hope to see you there!

Heather Krebbs