Right about the time you are reading this article, I will be doing exactly what the title says. I will be on vacation. Family vacations, they are what summers are really all about and what most of us look forward to. However, they can be fearful times (especially in the lives of teenagers). Some parents (including myself) can get so caught up in the details of a family vacation that they don't have any fun. Other parents find the stresses involved in a vacation are so great, that by the time they get home, they need to go back to work in order to get some rest. How ironic is that? Yet, family vacations don't have to be feared. They can be a tremendous source of bonding, relaxation and fun while building a future filled with great memories. That's exactly what I'm hoping for as I spend time riding down water rides at "Wisconsin Dells" this month. I want to be able to talk about this summer for years to come. So with that in mind, I want to share with you five ways you can turn your next family vacation into a great experience from an article that I just recently read. I hope these will help.
     1. Plan in advance: Boy that sounds like a youth pastor that I know. Planning ahead will often save you money on all the big vacation expenses like airfare, hotels and even attractions. Making your plans well in advance will certainly lighten your stress load and give you more time to enjoy yourselves while on your vacation.
     2. Set realistic expectations: From your expectations of your teen's behavior to expectations of family bonding to expectations of other activities or down times, set the bar at a realistic level. A successful family vacation might be wonderful and will hold many great memories, but it probably is not going to change your lives. Don't expect vacation time to fix problems at home or work.
     3. Leave work at home: Unless you have one of those jobs where you ABSOLUTELY MUST maintain communication with your work, don't take work, check your email or answer your cell phone. It may take some time when you get back to work to get back up to speed, but your family deserves your full attention while on vacation - not to mention the fact that you need time away from work as well.
     4. Value your time together: Your living, sleeping and eating arrangements may well be different. Your family may have to sleep in one room together. You may not be able to find a quiet place. You may not be able to prepare food as you would at home. Be aware of these factors going into a vacation and don't stress out about them. Rather, make the best of your circumstances, valuing these unique experiences and enjoying your family's time together.
     5. Relax: you can not see everything, do everything and experience everything in one week. Don't even try. Don't plan out every minute of your vacation. Leave room in your schedule for spontaneity. This is very hard for some people (especially me). Be willing to compromise on activities. On vacation, no one ever gets to do everything they want to do, but do your best to make sure that everyone in the family gets to do something that they want to do (moms and dads included!).
     Hope these suggestions help. May you all enjoy your summer vacations together as you create some life long memories. Have lots of FUN!
July Highlights
Kroger gift cards.
     Gift cards for Kroger will again be available for purchase on Sunday, July 15th after service. Farmer Jack cards will no longer be available since they will be going out of business. You may want to now consider a Kroger card instead. By you participating in this program we can earn 5% of your purchases towards missions. Remember, it's free money.
     Fair Haven is also now enrolled in "Meijer Community Rewards." If you will simply sign up with Meijer for a "rewards card" (it's not a credit card) through us, they will give a percentage of your monthly spendings to us. Last year you helped us raise more than $1000 for missions. Come by the table and see us for details.

Summer "Main Events"
     Opportunities for students to invite unsaved friends to an event where they can meet some of their Christian friends in a non-threatening environment.
     * July 19th: Cedar Point Trip - We will be leaving the church @ 7:00 a.m. and be returning @ Midnight. The cost of the trip is $35 per student. There may or may not be some tickets available at this time since the deadline to purchase tickets was Wednesday June 27th. See Pastor Al for possibilities or more questions.
     * August 20-22nd: Youth Retreat - We will be heading to Tennessee for our retreat. The trip will also include white water rafting, activities, and a time to focus on our relationship with God. The cost of the trip is $150 per student (includes four meals, lodging, rafting, and gas). If you are interested please see Pastor Al A.S.A.P (by July 11th). If you have currently paid your $40 deposit, the balance of $110 is due by Wednesday, July 11th.
Hang Night
     Sunday night, July 29, from 5-8 pm at the Suszek's home in Dearborn Heights. There will be food, swimming, games and more. It's a chance for all students just to get together and have some fun. If you need a ride you can catch the church van that will be leaving at 4:45 pm. See Pastor Al for more details.