~“We want to thank you for another summer on Lookout Mountain for our son Jim! Although the few letters we have received from Jim have been brief, we know that both the lack of letters and words on the pages are a testamony to the wonderful time he is having! I am sure you hear this often , but I feel like I should tell you also: The month that Jim spends at Alpine is by far his favorite of the year! Even though this is only his second season with you guys, he has talked about Alpine this last year like it is his home away from home, but better! Having grown up in a family where all my brothers attended Alpine every summer, I was somewhat prepared for excitement that would be involved in summers at Alpine, but I never knew how, as a parent, it would affect me to have such a wonderful place to send my own son. My friends keep asking if I miss Jim and if I am ready for him to come home. While my immediate answer is of course yes, I have to tell you I hesitate before I answer because even though I do miss Jim, I know how much he loves it there and thrives in that environment. To be able to do all the activities they do while learning about and cultivating a relationship with Christ is truly a gift. I don’t know of another place on earth that offers both in such a unique setting with such an awesome group of guys! (And some girls too!) So, I have a great peace knowing he is where he is, and I also feel a great sadness when it is time for him to come home! Not because I don’t want him with me, but because I know in my heart how sad he is to leave! Alpine is by far one of the best things we have ever done for Jim.”
