Dear Friends,

Oh, I have so much to tell you all.  First, I got a job!  I will be working as the photographer for New Life Ranch this summer (at least the first few weeks while the original photographer's back heals, but I'll be there the entire summer).  I found out on Friday.  Camp starts tomorrow.  I missed staff training.  I have so many things to do to get ready.  I'm feeling overwhelmed.  

Jury duty is lame if you don't get to sit on a jury.  I didn't get to sit.  It was lame.  

I almost chopped my big toe off!  Sadly, it was my own stupidity that caused the incident.  I was working in the yard, tearing down our jungle gym, when I sorely misguided my shovel.  It got to know my big toe on a very deep, intimate level.  There was blood.  Lots of it.  Consequently, I got to spend the better part of my day on Friday at the doctor's office.  It was -I am not lying- the best experience at the doctor's I have ever had.  Everyone was so nice.  I almost want to try again on my other toe just so I can go back.  Hmm... On second thought, I'd better not.  (I was going to include a photo of my toe, but my camera is in the center console of my car which is in Tulsa getting new brakes.  Sorry.) 

I've been struggling lately with worry.  So many things have happened within the past week.  So many things.  My plan for the summer has been turned upside down and given a good beating.  Since I won't be in Norman, I've been worrying about my house (summer roommates remembering to pay rent and bills, the yard, etc.), the Hayes House yard (Wes will be taking care of it.  He is great.), not having the time I thought I would to read, further relationships, meet with Doug and Mat, make music, work on the shed at the 710 House (name?), etc.  At the same time, it is amazing seeing how God worked to bring me back to the Ranch.  It all came about so quickly and so perfectly.  I am fully confident that this is where God wants me to be this summer.  I have absolutely no idea why, but I am excited to see how He will use this summer to sanctify me.  It is a bit scary not knowing why God wants me at the Ranch.  Last summer when I went I had my own reasons for going, my motivation was selfish.  I wanted to be at camp because I would be with great people doing things I liked doing.  I am humbled that God used me, in spite of my selfishness.  My motivation for going this summer is entirely different (praise be to God).  I am going to fill a need.  I have no hidden agenda (other than I needed a job).  Pray that I serve well and that I do so for Jesus.  

One of the things I was most looking forward to about this summer was that I was going to have the time and ability to write you all letters.  I had great plans to send amazing care packages to Wabanna.  I had come up with several creative things to stick in pertaining to Norman and RUF.  Now that I too will be at camp, I probably won't have the time or ability to write as many letters or send as creative a care package.  It saddens me and I am sure that you, the recipients, are saddened as well.  

Here's my new address: 

Daniel Rusco 

160 New Life Ranch Dr. 

Colcord, OK 74338

You can send me stuff if you'd like.  

I've got to go.  There are about X number of things I need to do before I leave tomorrow.  Hopefully they will all get done.  

Your friend, 

Daniel

P.S. I want to hear from the new people on this blog.  What are you all up to?