I'm standing in awe of an amazing night! Three of my campers had me pray for them before they sang at skit night and overcame severe stage fright.
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| our cabin got cabin of the week |
Camp week 4....
160+ campers signed up for this week. I'm not praying for smoothness necessarily but that we would unite as staff for one purpose for the sake of campers' souls, and support each other. And for good health and strength to do what God has called us to do. Something I've always struggled with is doing something I'm not good at, because of the feeling of failure. But this week I got victory in one area- basketball. I am a terrible player (getting better), but yesterday I played 3 hours with a couple of my campers. I learned quickly not to say no when a camper asks. It was exhausting, but to see one camper go from quiet to talking and laughing was well worth the hardships. There was no judgement, just friendly competition. When I lay aside my self imposed limitations God can work through me. (And yes she beat me badly but that's ok.) God again proved to me His ways are perfect. A great campfire with campers and staff sharing parts of their testimonies. My six girls continue to open up. I'm incredibly grateful God allowed my path to head down this direction at this time.
I had a really good time with an amazing group of friends. So many laughs and just having fun together (football, pingpong, basketball). Mesa Verde National Park was beautiful- ladders, tunnel, cliff dwelling tour, etc. Got some rest on the drive. The fireworks were really pretty (first I'd seen in 4 years with a pregame of duck,duck,goose). We needed to have a mini getaway before our last four weeks of camp.
Camp week 5...
This was a Thursday to go down in history for me. Two words- spider rock (or fire rock). At skit night I was called up, tied up with rope to keep me from running, and kissed by two young gentlemen. Upside: my stage fright is gone and my personal bubble is popped! More seriously, my campers have all opened up and shared some of their stories. At campfire we had to cut the line off due to time because so many got up to share. My heart broke as I listened to all the pain and loss these young campers have experienced. Josh ended well by reading John 16:33 "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you may have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Playing volleyball and mission impossible in the rain yesterday was a flashback to my summers in Kodiak, Alaska. So much needed rain but oh so muddy and chilly. At bedtime as I looked at my sand/mud/rain covered campers, who had smiles on their faces, I had to smile too.
What a wonderful truth to remember that God calls me to live supernaturally and has empowered me to do so! The Holy Spirit enables me to live beyond myself- to transcend my natural tendencies- as I fix my eyes on Him and not on the problems of this world.
Camp week 6...
This week included sick camper, crazy lightning storm (close enough to flutter my heart!!), severe flooding outside and inside, power outages last night and this morning meaning no water too, etc. Whew. God is teaching us something. I will praise Him in the storm!!!Last junior week is over. This week was filled with laughter, tears, joy at the salvation of my camper, meaningful conversations, new relationships, hours of basketball, trials, and so many blessings. The bonds I formed with my campers are hard to describe. I'm blessed to work alongside a staff that can see me at my strongest and craziest moments and love me anyway. Two teen weeks to go!
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| weekend staff trip to El Morro |
