We just finished our tenth Cousin Camp and it was an incredible, exhausting, thrilling blessing.
Our eldest granddaughter, Callie Gaskins (age 19), put together a video of some of this year’s highlights:
Our granddaughter Isabel Yates (age 12) wrote this beautiful poem about our farm—where Cousin Camp takes place:
I Am the Farm
I am the farm
I am the steady galloping of horses hooves
As they run
Through my wooded trails
Ever listening
To the song of the birds
Each whistling
Their own tune
Yet singing
The same song
I am the soft smell
of fresh picked mint
Wafting through the leaves
Of the Indian cigar tree
As it sits
Under the cloudy sky
Oblivious to
The rest of the world
I am the old fence
The dusty
Weathered boards
That so many of us
Will never forget
The gentle curves
Of the Appalachians
In all their hidden splendor
I am the trickling of water
Rushing
Over eager feet
Of happy children
Playing
In my bashful stream
I am the memories
Old and new
Shared by all
Who come to me
The meaningful gatherings
Of families and friends
And the love
The strong
Unfailing love of God
Coursing through every inch
Every corner
Of me
Every corner
Of the farm
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Isabel Yates should be published! What a priceless video. We continue to marvel at & love your Raleigh grands! So blessed by your Thanksgiving tips! With love , Mary & Mac
Love it! You are so inspiring! I loved all the hands raised during Quiet Time and that they all taste-tested their whipped cream before spraying it on each other. Making memories like no other, y’all! Way to go! xoxo
By the way, SMASHING poem, and the music was perfect!
Love hearing from you Mary!! Please come to DC!
Hugs, Susan
You know how Jesus says he’s going to prepare a place for us? I want mine to look just like this. But no bugs. Miss you guys. Wish we had a date in the near future! Love.
Such special people and such special memories. Miss this whole clan!
Thanks so much Sydney! You are missed:)
Love, Susan
Another year of bonding an learning how to live and love God and each other. Another year of priceless memories. Truly wonderful. Loved seeing all the fun and activities! Happy R & R time to John and Susan!!
Thanks Angela and Don!
We love you two!
Susan