Things I've learned on vacation...

• Shortcuts: Yeah they're great most of the time, but don't go to them at night, in the woods, without a flashlight, with sandals or flipflops. particularly if there is mud bog in the trail. You have the comfort of stepping into three-inches of mud while looking for your sisters flipflop in the dark.

• Parents: If your parents tell you that you have to go to a family get-together, but you really want to go rafting with your Youth Group, it really is good to go to the family thing.

• Car trips: Don't eat a lot of say.... French Dip before you go on a very windy road. Chances are you'll see it a lot sooner than you'd like to.

• Rain: Never miss a chance to walk in a rain storm (with the right clothes on of course). Seriously, it's TONS of fun.

• Grandpa: I learned a lot about my Grandpa on this trip than almost anyother. He really is an amazing man who builds thing and loves the Lord. He's a man of few, but wise words. You spend just a few minutes with him and learn a lot about life and God.