This weekend was our fist fall retreat here in Portland. So we loaded up the car with what looked like enough stuff for a week. That’s what it takes to go places with 2 kids but I’m 
convinced that it’s worth it. It takes a lot of work to go and take kids, try to keep them quiet while there are talks going on, get them to sleep well, and try to engage with students during the breaks. But if you could have seen Jenna’s face when I told her we were going to hang out with college students at a retreat you would know why it’s worth it. She was ecstatic to say the least. She has missed being with the students and staff regularly so it was such a treat for her. She did about 5 puzzles, got to sleep on the top bunk, watch her dad give a talk and be around students who are taking time out of their lives for God and relationships. I want that to be a part of our kids lives and I want to be a part of students lives so they see that we think they are important. I want them to see that moms can still invest in ministry, even if it is on a smaller level.
So we went, we had a great time, we rejoiced that God brought 17 students (even though we’re
used to 250 in Montana), some interns and some volunteers. It was worth it and we can’t wait for the next one. 
I so agree! My kids love it when we get to go on various ministry trips or even just to ministry events during the day when appropriate. I also think that it is a great opportunity for students to see loving Christian families together serving God as many students may not have had good models of a loving family in their life. There are definitely some things that I haven’t had the ability to do with kids though, unfortunately (like our Winter Bible Conference. Amazing event, but it means very long and difficult travel, accommodations not well suited for small kids, and having do take care of the kids mostly on my own since Jamin works until the late night every day. Did it once…. I almost died!). My desire is to say yes to everything, but I have said yes to a few things that I would have been wiser to say no to. =) But, most of the time I totally agree that it is well worth the crazy amount of work!
Yes, I believe it is absolutely worth it! Our kids have grown up in this same environment and they love their lives as “staff kids.” Even the extra challenges with young children. I remember the summers we traveled to Japan, pushing a double stroller, trying to bathe a 1, 3 and 5 yr old in a dormitory bathroom, and the gruelling 12+ hr. plane flight. In every case, we’ve seen God change lives, and realized how blessed, or privileged really we are to do what we do as staff with CCC. Though exhausting for mom and dad, these opportunities and memories are priceless and our kids are huge beneficiaries!
love the picture of lucie and jenna!
so fun to see portland cru action. thank you for serving there with your family!! we are grateful.