Will and Nicole for Certain

If you hadn’t heard already, the pictures speak for themselves. Will Certain and Nicole Downs got married on March 12^th! How ‘bout the K-West Reunion, pictured above! Even Jared Smith flew in all the way from New York City! As you can tell from the picture on the left, Will had grown tired of all the paparazzi that showed up for his wedding, and was about to knock my block off, when Nicole calmed him in the nick of time. Actually, I just wanted the two to show off their fancy rings as PROOF that the wedding was legit and the two pulled it off. It was an outstanding wedding. Both Will and Nicole were emotional as they recited their vows, both in awe of each other, and both understood the depth of love it takes to make marriage blossom for a lifetime.

In Will and Nicole, we see two individuals who love God wholeheartedly, and have committed to forgive each other, serve each other, and do those things until death. As Antoine De Saint-Exupery once said, “Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” Similarly Tommy Nelson says that you don’t find your spouse by searching for him/her. You run your race pursuing Christ, and as you are running, look over and see who is running beside you. That’s the person you need to consider marrying. And so it was with Will and Nicole; Two people, living for Christ, happen to find the love of their lives. Their lives will be rich as they love God first, and each other 2^nd.

So if you are hoping to find your spouse, don’t worry about it for a second. “Look to accomplish God’s agenda, and He will meet your needs.” Matthew 6:33 TRV

I guess this wedding is…. number 347, of marriages whose friendship began at Kamp! Hmmm….. wonder who is next?!

New Church Front!

Well, after many snows to snows, the K-West church is getting a renewed look. We are currently in the works to tear down the old church front.....
and build a replica of an old western town building! It won't look like this--- but this picture will give you an idea of the look we are going for, as well as some variety of building names.
What do you think would be a fun name for our new western front? You can think very creatively, and K-West personalized! Such as, Table Rock Mercantile, or K-West Homestead, or J. Elrod's Hacienda, or .....
Please leave your comments!

How the West was One

Back in 1983, Kanakuk decided that it was time to add another kamp to it's growing family. With K1 established and enjoying summer ministry since the mid twenties, and K2 beginning in 1978 for teenagers, it was only natural to build something for our middle schoolers that would sweep them off their feet. Bring on some Cowboys (and some Covered Wagons new for 2011).

Breaking a bit from tradition, our Western Style kamp complete with ranch style bunkhouses (and in-cabin restrooms) made it easy for new kampers to enjoy the Kanakuk experience with their boots and cowboy hats. After electing Cecil Eager as the Kwest Sheriff, instead of Cherokees and Choctaws warring in competition, it was now the Wranglers and Rangers, two cowboy outfits that battled more fiercely than Texas and OU on game day of the Cotton Bowl.

If you have never been to Kwest, there are few things you should know. Ask anyone who has been there and they will tell you one thing: it feels like you're with one big family. With the setting of an ol' style Western town as a back drop, you can't help but feel like you're with friends and neighbors whether you stop by our office (the Western Union) or drop in the Dining Hall (our Goodnight Chuckwagon). Everyone is friendly and everyone is smiling.

Like an old time hand water pump that sends never ending fresh water to the bucket, there seems to be a non-stop well of encouragement and smiles. Friendly would be an understatement for sure when you think about our staff and team that make the place go. That's why year after year, our kampers will tell you that Kwest was their favorite.

It's hard to beat a place where you feel like your with family and things are so fun. Everyone needs encouragement and an uplifting smile, especially in those turbulent middle school years where things can get dramatic.

For over 25 years now Kwest has specialized in making our kampers feel like Junior High can be the greatest time of life. This summer we will swing open the gates, grab our hats and boots, and prepare to have more fun and excitement than the Oklahoma Land Rush! Grab your horse and get here fast...we can't wait to have some fun.

Kissy Husbands Profit

My son Carter is Mr. Excitement of the family. He's a go-getter, boisterous, fun, enthusiastic, and loves to pester his brothers.
When we told him that he was going to soon have a new baby brother, he went to our costume closet and created his "new baby costume." It makes no sense, but he was hilarious dancing around, showing off his crazy side. He is also the kid who jokingly tries to prevent me and my wife from kissing. Whenever Bronwyn and I are about to kiss, he runs up to us and shouts "no kissing!" as he tries to separate us---- always with a big smile on his face. Deep down he knows that it is a great thing that his parents want to kiss each other.
I recently read that husbands who kiss their wives every morning before leaving for work usually live 5 years longer than those who do not. A kissing husband has fewer automobile accidents, stays healthier, and earns more money than those husbands who do not kiss their wives.... Not to mention how much fun it is to kiss your one and only!
So, if you are married, I hope you are kissing your spouse! If you are not, save those kisses for your one and only!