Blog
Summer was almost over, and the children of Sovereign Grace were excited and anxious to spend one last weekend having fun and enjoying the outdoors before heading back to school. The weekend started off all about the children, but it became a weekend carnival for the entire family of Sovereign Grace Church.
The weather was perfect, like the summers of the good old days. The scenery up in the Idyllwild Mountains was breathtaking. Hidden up in those majestic mountains was the beauty of “The Estevez Ranch.” There, the weekend started with the adults setting up their tents with the help of Andrew, the resident “Jack of All Trades.” While the adults were busy with preparations, the children danced, rolled in the grass and played games with each other. After dinner, the evening ended with praise and worship around a bonfire under the full moon and stars. One couldn’t help but be reminded of the Psalmist’s words in Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the Glory of GOD; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” What a glorious sight it was to see all the children and adults singing and praising God together, accompanied by the melodious voices and instruments of Sherry, Candy, Kristie and Lisette.
Saturday started with morning devotion led by Pastor Mike, immediately followed with breakfast. The breakfast prepared by the Rivera family was one of the best Mexican/American meals ever tasted. Saturday was a day filled with activities. Everyone had a chance to ride one of the horses at the ranch. It was especially fun to see the children experience their first horseback rides. These fearless little ones exhibited more bravery that some of the adults (whom we won’t mention). Archery was another of everyone’s favorite activities. The men thought they had mastered the art of archery until some of the women took control and showed them up. In the volleyball games, the women, while outnumbered by the men, still played an unbeatable game. Visiting the abandoned mine was another exciting attraction, especially since it was led by the best tour guide, Salome. She did a fantastic job. The Water Balloon toss was one of the highlights of the weekend. At one point Dave and Dawn seemed to have stolen the game, but in the end it was Martin and his son Marty who won the match each time.
The smaller children were enamored with the tall water slide. They could not get enough of climbing up to the top and sliding down into a pool of water. It was a fun-filled attraction for both the young and the young at heart. Susanna showed extra courage as she braved the slide and the plunge into the pool, making everyone proud. One of the last events of the weekend was the tug-of-war, where the losing team ended up in a pool of cold water. Apologies to Dave and Pastor Bob, who in the future might not want to bet against the bigger guys. Other activities included family games and relaxing in one of many hammocks under a manzanita tree. Ruth and Beatrice seemed to enjoy this the most. Fellowshipping on the Estevez family’s lovely sun deck, taking in the view of the lake and the lovely pine trees, was an immense joy to Gloria, Vicki and Barbara.
Saturday evening ended with a meal fit for a royal family. The guys, led by Rafael, Coach, Rudy and Andrew, served up some delicious BBQ, while the ladies led by Martha, Barbara, Natalie and Susana prepared the rest of the menu. By Sunday, everyone was exhausted, yet no one could think of leaving. The children, especially, wanted only to stay and play at this paradise in the mountains, but life must go on. After a delicious breakfast, everyone packed up, gave thanks to God for providing such a wonderful sanctuary, said their good-byes, and headed home from a wonderful weekend that will not soon be forgotten.
