camp update

This is what my summer has been about. Spreading the gospel to a bunch of girls and boys in the middle of the woods. All the bug bites and lack of sleep are surprisingly worth it. I thought I would inwardly dread the fact I was living without real showers, good food, my phone, or internet. But getting to have ten girls in my cabin and waking up to their beautiful faces every morning makes it worth it.

I get to relate to what these girls have been through. Some I can not understand, but others I can understand completely. One of my girl's dad had been put in jail for beating her mother. Another girl's mom had been put in jail for meth and almost killing someone while drunk. These beautiful little blessings have gone through so much and they are only 11 and 12 years old. I love every second. I love getting to help in some way, even if it means offering an ear and a hand to rub their back.

Pains instinct is to cripple. Yet if a person notices the pain no one else can see and has compassion, there is healing. I strive to be that person that heals the pain instead of ignoring those that are in pain. I strive to be like Jesus, and this camp has definitely pushed me and given me circumstances that make me want to give up on that goal. I don't know how Jesus loves us. But because He loves me, I do my best to love these children in the best way I know how.

This wonderful girl became my sister in Christ this summer. She came up and talked to me about giving her life to God and I got to be in her circle while she was baptized. I love her and the impact she has made on me. Sometimes I dread the day I leave camp. And then other days I wish I could pack up and go home early so I didn't have to deal with the stress and exhaustion.

My girls in my cabin always become like daughters to me. They make everything worth it.