Wow. Now that the summer is over I'm not sure where it went.. I had an amazing summer! Filled with ups and downs, tears, sobbing, and laughing until I cried. Late, late nights and early mornings. Drama, drama, drama. Many easy questions and some simple, hard questions too. I learned so much about myself, about the Lord that I serve, and about His children who are so innocent, fragile, and in need of love. And I wouldn't have experienced any of this if it weren't for the overwhelming call of the Lord that I felt earlier this year! I have had the opportunity to thank all of the people who spent the summer with me and made it the amazing experience that it was. And I want to thank all of you who took the time to read these posts and who were praying for me as I went through all of the experiences this summer brought me.
Looking back I know that it was worth every tear and frustration, and I knew it would be as I was going through it but not wholeheartedly. I had my doubts and I learned that the Lord is faithful even when I am not. His faithfulness continues forever and is there even when you are doubting.
I will carry the memories and lessons of this summer with me wherever the Lord takes me in my life. I know He has taught me more than I currently realize and I can't wait to see what He will continue to open my eyes to!!
In Him.
Ephesians 1:15-19
Monday, August 11, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Lamp Unto My Feet
Wow. Two more weeks. The end is in sight! This session has brought me some amazing girls, amazing friends, and amazing opportunities; it has also brought me a most welcomed and more difficult challenge.
I have always struggled with people of the Jewish faith and their place in the spiritual world. They are "God's chosen people" and I feel that with this title they should be permitted to spend eternity with Him, but the Word we read says otherwise, and thus begins my struggle. I have accepted that the answer to this question is one that I will not begin to know or understand until I have had at least a day next to the Man Himself. But until then I have felt led to learn as much about the Jewish faith as I can and also to minister to those practicing it. And now I have my chance.
Yesterday, we got our new campers and a new friend up here told me she's amazing. When she arrived she told me she's Jewish. My first thought was "then what are you doing here", but she's a returning camper so I guess she likes it. Through more conversation I learned that her father is Catholic and by tradition she goes to a Catholic school but she is a practicing Jew.
Anyway, I could feel that we would have an awesome cluster and we do! They're absolutely amazing! But I'm nervous about the devotionals that we do each night. About the conversations/questions that will be brought up. And about how to lead the devotionals, which to do, and in what order. I feel really challenged, but I know the Lord will light my path as I walk it and show me what to do when.
I ask you all to please pray for me over the next two weeks! Pray for the Lord to calm me and give me a peace about where to lead these girls, or even better, just for me to let Him lead them through me. It's time to get to work, thank you all for your prayers!! I hope to see you all soon! And PLEASE let me know if there is anything I can be praying for!!
In Him.
I have always struggled with people of the Jewish faith and their place in the spiritual world. They are "God's chosen people" and I feel that with this title they should be permitted to spend eternity with Him, but the Word we read says otherwise, and thus begins my struggle. I have accepted that the answer to this question is one that I will not begin to know or understand until I have had at least a day next to the Man Himself. But until then I have felt led to learn as much about the Jewish faith as I can and also to minister to those practicing it. And now I have my chance.
Yesterday, we got our new campers and a new friend up here told me she's amazing. When she arrived she told me she's Jewish. My first thought was "then what are you doing here", but she's a returning camper so I guess she likes it. Through more conversation I learned that her father is Catholic and by tradition she goes to a Catholic school but she is a practicing Jew.
Anyway, I could feel that we would have an awesome cluster and we do! They're absolutely amazing! But I'm nervous about the devotionals that we do each night. About the conversations/questions that will be brought up. And about how to lead the devotionals, which to do, and in what order. I feel really challenged, but I know the Lord will light my path as I walk it and show me what to do when.
I ask you all to please pray for me over the next two weeks! Pray for the Lord to calm me and give me a peace about where to lead these girls, or even better, just for me to let Him lead them through me. It's time to get to work, thank you all for your prayers!! I hope to see you all soon! And PLEASE let me know if there is anything I can be praying for!!
In Him.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Cloudy Days
It's amazing the difference in my attitude and the attitudes of those around us when the weather is good. It has been so hot here which just takes energy and patience out of us, but today it's cool and cloudy and threatening rain, which we are all praying for. There has been much drama here lately. I hate drama. I don't know if this is a good or bad thing, but with all of the drama I have just become care-free and relaxed. My campers are happier with this, and I have less stress on me which is wonderful! I was reading back on bits and pieces of what I have read and it's really encouraging to me to know how focused I was and then I look at myself now and that's not where I am, but it's where I need to be. So I ask you again to pray for me to focus first on God, then on my girls, and last on me. It's been about the opposite lately and have been feeling so weak. I have been feeling myself say that my body is weak and my spirit is hungry. God is feeding me some because He feels my desire but I would absolutely love to sit in a church and listen to a pastor give a sermon. Just to relax and be truly fed by our Lord, even to the point of tears, that would be so unbelievable relaxing and uplifting.
I have a little more than two weeks until I go home to see family and friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, those of you who have been there for me through this endeavor. I am so encouraged by you all and I love the relationships that have grown stronger over this time.
In the past two weeks a couple of girls have arrived that I have been able to form decent friendships with. I'm really excited about that and I hope that those relationships will last. It's encouraging to me to see God proving to me that I'm hear for a reason, even in the toughest times.
I have a lot to do before classes start and I am very behind in my sign language, but hopefully I have kept to most of it and will be able to remember and catch up quickly.
Thank you all for everything and please keep me and all the girls in your thoughts and prayers throughout the next two weeks.
I love you all.
Philippians 2:3
In Him.
I have a little more than two weeks until I go home to see family and friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, those of you who have been there for me through this endeavor. I am so encouraged by you all and I love the relationships that have grown stronger over this time.
In the past two weeks a couple of girls have arrived that I have been able to form decent friendships with. I'm really excited about that and I hope that those relationships will last. It's encouraging to me to see God proving to me that I'm hear for a reason, even in the toughest times.
I have a lot to do before classes start and I am very behind in my sign language, but hopefully I have kept to most of it and will be able to remember and catch up quickly.
Thank you all for everything and please keep me and all the girls in your thoughts and prayers throughout the next two weeks.
I love you all.
Philippians 2:3
In Him.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Jesus, Bring The Rain
http://youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU
Holy, Holy, Holy
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
I heard that song as I was pulling onto campus this morning. One of the first lines caught me. "Can circumstances possibly change who I forever am in you?" It's definitely something to think about. Or to do a Bible study on. I feel like that's the mode my mind is in now. I have had an absolute blast coming up with Bible studies for the high school girls here. I feel like doing that, coming up with and giving Bible studies is what I want to do forever. I have learned so much about God's word, His love, His excitement about what the coming generation is going to do in this world, what they are capable of, and more importantly what He is capable of doing through them. It's so empowering to see these girls, going into their third of fourth year in high school and their faith is so strong. It's amazing.
Anyway. I go home in three weeks. I feel like it's going to be a bit of culture shock. Ha. But I'm looking forward to it. And not long after that football starts, which is super exciting.
Well, I will close this short message with some prayer requests. Please pray for my mindset as I finish my last three weeks with campers and go into a world where there is grocery shopping, gas to buy, classes to take, people who need our Lord, and boys. Please pray for the hearts in Athens that will be changed this summer and for those of us whom God will use to change them. This is going to be an amazing year but it's going to take much prayer. Please pray for me to be sustained. I am dragging right now, and I know I'm not the only one.
I love you all and thank you for your love and your prayers! I can't wait to see you all and hope it is soon! Please let me know if there is anything that I can be doing or praying for!
In Him,
Philippians 1:3-6
Holy, Holy, Holy
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
I heard that song as I was pulling onto campus this morning. One of the first lines caught me. "Can circumstances possibly change who I forever am in you?" It's definitely something to think about. Or to do a Bible study on. I feel like that's the mode my mind is in now. I have had an absolute blast coming up with Bible studies for the high school girls here. I feel like doing that, coming up with and giving Bible studies is what I want to do forever. I have learned so much about God's word, His love, His excitement about what the coming generation is going to do in this world, what they are capable of, and more importantly what He is capable of doing through them. It's so empowering to see these girls, going into their third of fourth year in high school and their faith is so strong. It's amazing.
Anyway. I go home in three weeks. I feel like it's going to be a bit of culture shock. Ha. But I'm looking forward to it. And not long after that football starts, which is super exciting.
Well, I will close this short message with some prayer requests. Please pray for my mindset as I finish my last three weeks with campers and go into a world where there is grocery shopping, gas to buy, classes to take, people who need our Lord, and boys. Please pray for the hearts in Athens that will be changed this summer and for those of us whom God will use to change them. This is going to be an amazing year but it's going to take much prayer. Please pray for me to be sustained. I am dragging right now, and I know I'm not the only one.
I love you all and thank you for your love and your prayers! I can't wait to see you all and hope it is soon! Please let me know if there is anything that I can be doing or praying for!
In Him,
Philippians 1:3-6
Monday, July 14, 2008
He Is Worthy
Wow. It really has been a while. I have been super busy! Last session was great but I realized Saturday night that I still am not here. I'm at home, and that's not where I should be so I have been trying to really make the best of these last four weeks which I can only do if I'm focusing on being here.
Oh! My co-counselor and roommate left Friday so I figured I would get a CIT (Counselor in training) and maybe another co, but instead I got two CITs, and they both seem to be pretty cool thus far. My girls are a little older now, 11-12 most of them going into 6th or 7th grade, which is really fun and the age that I desired to begin with, so hopefully that will be a nice change. However, it's kinda intimidating to be the only counselor among 2 CITs and 8 campers, but it'll be a nice challenge.
Last night also posed a nice challenge. One of my bosses pulled a aside and, well, the best way I can say it without over-exaggerating is that she tactlessly brought up a subject with me of which she had misunderstood. I felt very demeaned and, honestly, I felt as though she was getting-on to me. It was a very frustrating situation to be in. But to counteract that I have a great story! =)
Since I have two CITs (which is unheard-of), I thought that it would be good to do a devotional with them separate from what I do with the campers. And in talking about it all 12 CITs found out and were all in my room last night. It was quite intimidating since I had never done it before, but I really felt led to do it so I knew God was behind me. I asked one of my girls, Kathryn, if there was anything she would like to hear about. She said that she was Presbyterian and that she felt most of what she heard in church was about the theology and such and she never really understood why we praise God. So I searched, and I found many verses specifically about what we should praise God for. It really was great and after all the girls left Kathryn was crying and said that was exactly what she needed. Of everything I have participated in this summer, that has been the coolest thing so far. It really helps me see that I am here for a reason and to serve Him and He is graceful enough to show me that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, and that it's making a difference. I know that I didn't say anything to her to make her feel better, that it was all God. But it's nice to be able to visibly recognize that I'm in the right place.
Well I think that's about it. Keaton, Clint, and Polly will be up here next Friday night to celebrate Keaton's birthday, so I'm really looking forward to that. And then there will only be 2 more weeks until I'm home.
I hope that this reaches all of you well and I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in about a month!
Love in Him.
Psalm 18:24-50
Oh! My co-counselor and roommate left Friday so I figured I would get a CIT (Counselor in training) and maybe another co, but instead I got two CITs, and they both seem to be pretty cool thus far. My girls are a little older now, 11-12 most of them going into 6th or 7th grade, which is really fun and the age that I desired to begin with, so hopefully that will be a nice change. However, it's kinda intimidating to be the only counselor among 2 CITs and 8 campers, but it'll be a nice challenge.
Last night also posed a nice challenge. One of my bosses pulled a aside and, well, the best way I can say it without over-exaggerating is that she tactlessly brought up a subject with me of which she had misunderstood. I felt very demeaned and, honestly, I felt as though she was getting-on to me. It was a very frustrating situation to be in. But to counteract that I have a great story! =)
Since I have two CITs (which is unheard-of), I thought that it would be good to do a devotional with them separate from what I do with the campers. And in talking about it all 12 CITs found out and were all in my room last night. It was quite intimidating since I had never done it before, but I really felt led to do it so I knew God was behind me. I asked one of my girls, Kathryn, if there was anything she would like to hear about. She said that she was Presbyterian and that she felt most of what she heard in church was about the theology and such and she never really understood why we praise God. So I searched, and I found many verses specifically about what we should praise God for. It really was great and after all the girls left Kathryn was crying and said that was exactly what she needed. Of everything I have participated in this summer, that has been the coolest thing so far. It really helps me see that I am here for a reason and to serve Him and He is graceful enough to show me that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, and that it's making a difference. I know that I didn't say anything to her to make her feel better, that it was all God. But it's nice to be able to visibly recognize that I'm in the right place.
Well I think that's about it. Keaton, Clint, and Polly will be up here next Friday night to celebrate Keaton's birthday, so I'm really looking forward to that. And then there will only be 2 more weeks until I'm home.
I hope that this reaches all of you well and I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in about a month!
Love in Him.
Psalm 18:24-50
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tears Of Pain
Man. Monday night was an amazing blessing from God. After the girls were asleep I came downt to the staff lounge craving the applesauce I bought this past weekend. While eating it and chillin on facebook one of the CIT's was on the couch and mentioned her battle with OCD. And I told her that I wanted to hear her story because, as some of you may know, I have had a brief but intense struggle with depression and OCD. I thought I would take this opportunity to share about God's healing. She told her story and by the time it was over me, her, and about 5 other CIT's were sitting around her crying. It was beautiful. I shared my story and other girls put it tidbits from their lives as well.. then we prayed over her and each other and continued sheding tears. Tears of worry; tears of stress; tears of the quiet smile that accompanies the fear of vulnerability; tears of being without anyone to go home to share these things with; tears of misunderstanding; tears of death; tears of pain.
Afterwards the lady in charge of the CIT's had been called out of bed and was downstairs worried about why all of her girls were crying. By then we were all laughing and joking and agreeing that none of us were coming down here for what we thought we were, and we were so happy about that.
I'm being blessed and encouraged constantly while I'm up here! I may have told you this but a couple of months ago a friend came to me ready to go back to God and needed encouragement and... idk.. maybe guidance. Last night he shared with me some struggles and excitement about being back with God. (Huge Praise!) It's things like that and my night of tears with the CIT's that keeps me going around here.
My only request is prayers of sustainment. The girls this session are great but it's still exhausting!
Colossians 3:16 - awesome encouragement.
1 John 4:7-12 - what I learned about in our Power Time this morning.
In Him.
Afterwards the lady in charge of the CIT's had been called out of bed and was downstairs worried about why all of her girls were crying. By then we were all laughing and joking and agreeing that none of us were coming down here for what we thought we were, and we were so happy about that.
I'm being blessed and encouraged constantly while I'm up here! I may have told you this but a couple of months ago a friend came to me ready to go back to God and needed encouragement and... idk.. maybe guidance. Last night he shared with me some struggles and excitement about being back with God. (Huge Praise!) It's things like that and my night of tears with the CIT's that keeps me going around here.
My only request is prayers of sustainment. The girls this session are great but it's still exhausting!
Colossians 3:16 - awesome encouragement.
1 John 4:7-12 - what I learned about in our Power Time this morning.
In Him.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Fruit Of The Spirit
Wow!
The first two week session is over and the campers are gone. And the second group is here. The up side is there are 6 more girls for me to teach about our Lord and His Kingdom, the down side: there are 6 more girls that will leave in 13 days and that I will miss and love terribly. But I'm STOKED! I have learned SO much and I have been tried and stretched and encouraged and loved and everything in between. I wish that I had the words in my tiny brain to tell you everything that I have learned here but I don't. The encouragement and love that you all are sending me and that I am recieving here not only from the girls but also from our Father is sustaining me and will continue to sustain me throughout these last 6 weeks.
I am constantly having the desire to be home, not now, in the fall. When I know the Lord will move like never before. Not that He isn't moving in Athens now, becuase I know and have stories that He is, but I want to be there to experience it. And I will in 6-7 short, yet fulfilling weeks.
Last night, in preparation for the campers we had a time of praise and worship out side then heard an excerpt from Galatians and from a Max Lucado book. These passages were about the Fruit of the Spirit and it's nine parts. Yes, I said that correctly: the fruit (with no "s" on the end) and it's nine parts. I had never known that it was singular. That all nine parts are one and God does not give us an option as to which of them we want/ need to follow. I think that is beautiful and frightening. Recently the fruits of the spirit have been put on my heart. I have been passively thinking about them, and now I feel that I have more of an incentive (sp?) to seek them and learn about them.
I apologize for how short I am being but we only have a short period of time until supper and I want to be on time as I am quite hungry.
I want to thank each of you who have actively kept in touch with me. It really means a lot to hear the voice/words/encouragement of my friends and brothers and sisters back home. I miss you all and am praying for you daily. Please feel free to send any prayer requests! I would love to pray for you all!!
Praises: One of our counselors got some terrible poison ivy and is healing well and back working at camp. God is moving and working hard here. I now have an hour each day that we call "g-watch" which is where you sit outside and make sure everyone gets where they're going and while they are in skill it is your time. Thus God has provided me with the perfect time to sit outside and enjoy Him and prayer and His Word and to listen to Him. Thank you for those prayers! I got a new Bible this past weekend (along with quite a few other, less imprortant things)! It's very small, not much bigger than my hand, and convienent enough for me to have with me at all times. I'm super excited about it!
Prayer requests: Daily rejuvination (sp?) -- it's tough having to be the same smiling face everyday for these girls, but they need it. Love, Patience, and the other Fruit of the Spirit. Focus -- first on Christ, and second on the girls, and last on me and the sleep I need. Direction -- in future plans, in what I should be seeking because I really have no specific desires right now, in what I should be reading both in the Word and out. I ask that you pray each of these things not only for me but for our counselors, head counselors, and central staff, we are all being tried!
I will leave you all with Philippians 1:3-6. It's beautiful and it's the verse I sent the girls from the last session home with. I encourage you all to look it up and remember it.
Thank you again, and I love you!
In Him.
The first two week session is over and the campers are gone. And the second group is here. The up side is there are 6 more girls for me to teach about our Lord and His Kingdom, the down side: there are 6 more girls that will leave in 13 days and that I will miss and love terribly. But I'm STOKED! I have learned SO much and I have been tried and stretched and encouraged and loved and everything in between. I wish that I had the words in my tiny brain to tell you everything that I have learned here but I don't. The encouragement and love that you all are sending me and that I am recieving here not only from the girls but also from our Father is sustaining me and will continue to sustain me throughout these last 6 weeks.
I am constantly having the desire to be home, not now, in the fall. When I know the Lord will move like never before. Not that He isn't moving in Athens now, becuase I know and have stories that He is, but I want to be there to experience it. And I will in 6-7 short, yet fulfilling weeks.
Last night, in preparation for the campers we had a time of praise and worship out side then heard an excerpt from Galatians and from a Max Lucado book. These passages were about the Fruit of the Spirit and it's nine parts. Yes, I said that correctly: the fruit (with no "s" on the end) and it's nine parts. I had never known that it was singular. That all nine parts are one and God does not give us an option as to which of them we want/ need to follow. I think that is beautiful and frightening. Recently the fruits of the spirit have been put on my heart. I have been passively thinking about them, and now I feel that I have more of an incentive (sp?) to seek them and learn about them.
I apologize for how short I am being but we only have a short period of time until supper and I want to be on time as I am quite hungry.
I want to thank each of you who have actively kept in touch with me. It really means a lot to hear the voice/words/encouragement of my friends and brothers and sisters back home. I miss you all and am praying for you daily. Please feel free to send any prayer requests! I would love to pray for you all!!
Praises: One of our counselors got some terrible poison ivy and is healing well and back working at camp. God is moving and working hard here. I now have an hour each day that we call "g-watch" which is where you sit outside and make sure everyone gets where they're going and while they are in skill it is your time. Thus God has provided me with the perfect time to sit outside and enjoy Him and prayer and His Word and to listen to Him. Thank you for those prayers! I got a new Bible this past weekend (along with quite a few other, less imprortant things)! It's very small, not much bigger than my hand, and convienent enough for me to have with me at all times. I'm super excited about it!
Prayer requests: Daily rejuvination (sp?) -- it's tough having to be the same smiling face everyday for these girls, but they need it. Love, Patience, and the other Fruit of the Spirit. Focus -- first on Christ, and second on the girls, and last on me and the sleep I need. Direction -- in future plans, in what I should be seeking because I really have no specific desires right now, in what I should be reading both in the Word and out. I ask that you pray each of these things not only for me but for our counselors, head counselors, and central staff, we are all being tried!
I will leave you all with Philippians 1:3-6. It's beautiful and it's the verse I sent the girls from the last session home with. I encourage you all to look it up and remember it.
Thank you again, and I love you!
In Him.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Joy!
Wow. The week has just begun and yet it's already over. Tomorrow is our last day of skills, which means it's our last normal day at camp before this set of campers leaves and the next arrives. Thursday will be a little crazy with awards being presented and singing and dancing and I'm sure many, many tears. And I will be crying bucket-fulls
Last night we had our cookout on the Cardinal hall (the hall of 9-12 year olds). Which means we walked down to the fire pit (called Council Ring) and made hobos, or as they call them here: tin foil dinners. They are basically a preferred combination of hamburger meat, potatoes, tomatos, peas, corn, onions, and garlic salt, wrapped in tin foil and set on the fire until cooked. Then, if desired, you can add some cheese and enjoy. The we had smores.. mmm... and played sone silly, little girl games. And finally, the devotion. Last night our head counselor (the girl that the other counselors and I report to if we have problems) led the devotion for the whole hall. She talked about joy and how it is different from happiness and how we get joy from God and joy is there for us always and not just when we're happy. It was a good lesson for all of us as we were led into our last week together.
Then this morning I got to go to my first Power time, which is basically a devotion time for counselors. It was amazing. We all got to pray over the Cardinal head counselor as she cried tears of pain, joy, and amazement at the support she had through this time of decision making and uneasiness she is experiencing. During some of our beginning prayer time God revealed somethings to me about Him and how I should seek Him that were novel ideas for me. These ideas inspired by someone that I really look up to. I am constantly encouraged by and learning from his words, even weeks after they are spoken. I learned that there is more to seeking our Lord than "what can I do in this situation" or "how can I affect and teach this person" but also God wants to teach us individually. He wants us to learn directly from Him sometimes and not always through others.
To me that is a new and beautiful idea. God wants to teach me things about Him. Not only so that I can teach those ideas to others, but, first and foremost, so that I can learn those ideas. I just I had just never thought of His teachings as anything but so we can teach them to others. But He really wants us to learn. Learn from Him and through His word and through just sitting quitely and listening to Him.
Well please be praying for us all as we finish out our week and that we can continue to make a difference in these girls lives even tho they are leaving soon and that we can learn about and love the next group of girls that we will recieve on Sunday. I miss you all and I love you all dearly!
My favorite verse right now:
"Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life."
Proverbs 4:23
Last night we had our cookout on the Cardinal hall (the hall of 9-12 year olds). Which means we walked down to the fire pit (called Council Ring) and made hobos, or as they call them here: tin foil dinners. They are basically a preferred combination of hamburger meat, potatoes, tomatos, peas, corn, onions, and garlic salt, wrapped in tin foil and set on the fire until cooked. Then, if desired, you can add some cheese and enjoy. The we had smores.. mmm... and played sone silly, little girl games. And finally, the devotion. Last night our head counselor (the girl that the other counselors and I report to if we have problems) led the devotion for the whole hall. She talked about joy and how it is different from happiness and how we get joy from God and joy is there for us always and not just when we're happy. It was a good lesson for all of us as we were led into our last week together.
Then this morning I got to go to my first Power time, which is basically a devotion time for counselors. It was amazing. We all got to pray over the Cardinal head counselor as she cried tears of pain, joy, and amazement at the support she had through this time of decision making and uneasiness she is experiencing. During some of our beginning prayer time God revealed somethings to me about Him and how I should seek Him that were novel ideas for me. These ideas inspired by someone that I really look up to. I am constantly encouraged by and learning from his words, even weeks after they are spoken. I learned that there is more to seeking our Lord than "what can I do in this situation" or "how can I affect and teach this person" but also God wants to teach us individually. He wants us to learn directly from Him sometimes and not always through others.
To me that is a new and beautiful idea. God wants to teach me things about Him. Not only so that I can teach those ideas to others, but, first and foremost, so that I can learn those ideas. I just I had just never thought of His teachings as anything but so we can teach them to others. But He really wants us to learn. Learn from Him and through His word and through just sitting quitely and listening to Him.
Well please be praying for us all as we finish out our week and that we can continue to make a difference in these girls lives even tho they are leaving soon and that we can learn about and love the next group of girls that we will recieve on Sunday. I miss you all and I love you all dearly!
My favorite verse right now:
"Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life."
Proverbs 4:23
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Hearts Will Be Filled
Wow!
I'm sorry that it's been so long since I've written!! I have been SOO busy and there is ALWAYS someone waiting for the computer! Things are quite intensely busy here! I am learning SO much and I can't believe I've been here for over 2 weeks already.. and even more, I can't believe I will be here for 7 more! Part of me is ready to go home and the other part is looking forward to learning the personality of the next group of girls!
I am learning to be flexible! Things never go as planned at a camp.. there are surprises around every corner, sometimes good and sometimes bad, but surprises none the less. I got my first letter of the summer yesterday! It was very exciting and encouraging!! I have had so many important conversaitons with people back home that have really improved my relationships with them and yet, those conversations don't begin to compare to the conversations I have with these girls. It's amazing to me that at 10 years old they can be so insightful. And when the tears come. Wow. It's so interesting seeing myself and how I react to these times. I really feel like I'm being put on the spot almost. These girls don't just cry about nothing. Their tears are not only important to them but they are meaningful!! It's just amazing to me! And trying to find the words to comfort them, help them understand that you have an idea of what they are saying without undermining their feelings. It's certainly a challenge.
There's a girl in my group who's.. a character. She's definitely difficult to deal with but I can tell that she needs the attention. One thing I have really learned this past week is that those that are the hardest to love are often the ones who need love the most. God is really showing Himself and proving Himself. I wish I could explain it all and put it all into words for you but I really can't. I am loving it here, all of the ups and downs and tears and stresses and the trying to find time alone. I'm loving it! I wake up every morning an hour early just to have a shower in silence. It's great to get some time alone, even if it means losing some sleep. But at the same time it's going to be so hard to try to not come back next year.
All the girls are amazing. I'm really going to cry when they leave! And that's only a week away!! I will try to put up pictures soon, but it's hard to find the time for all of that.
Tonight is my night off. Me and some of the other girls are going to dinner and a movie I think. Maybe the mall for some shopping or something. And definitely Walmart. I will be sending more letters out soon! Sorry for those of you who haven't got one!
I love you all and hope to hear good things from home soon! We're really in a bubble here with no TV and little computer access!! *Muah!*
In Him.
Isaiah 41:10 (I think that's the right verse.)
=)
I'm sorry that it's been so long since I've written!! I have been SOO busy and there is ALWAYS someone waiting for the computer! Things are quite intensely busy here! I am learning SO much and I can't believe I've been here for over 2 weeks already.. and even more, I can't believe I will be here for 7 more! Part of me is ready to go home and the other part is looking forward to learning the personality of the next group of girls!
I am learning to be flexible! Things never go as planned at a camp.. there are surprises around every corner, sometimes good and sometimes bad, but surprises none the less. I got my first letter of the summer yesterday! It was very exciting and encouraging!! I have had so many important conversaitons with people back home that have really improved my relationships with them and yet, those conversations don't begin to compare to the conversations I have with these girls. It's amazing to me that at 10 years old they can be so insightful. And when the tears come. Wow. It's so interesting seeing myself and how I react to these times. I really feel like I'm being put on the spot almost. These girls don't just cry about nothing. Their tears are not only important to them but they are meaningful!! It's just amazing to me! And trying to find the words to comfort them, help them understand that you have an idea of what they are saying without undermining their feelings. It's certainly a challenge.
There's a girl in my group who's.. a character. She's definitely difficult to deal with but I can tell that she needs the attention. One thing I have really learned this past week is that those that are the hardest to love are often the ones who need love the most. God is really showing Himself and proving Himself. I wish I could explain it all and put it all into words for you but I really can't. I am loving it here, all of the ups and downs and tears and stresses and the trying to find time alone. I'm loving it! I wake up every morning an hour early just to have a shower in silence. It's great to get some time alone, even if it means losing some sleep. But at the same time it's going to be so hard to try to not come back next year.
All the girls are amazing. I'm really going to cry when they leave! And that's only a week away!! I will try to put up pictures soon, but it's hard to find the time for all of that.
Tonight is my night off. Me and some of the other girls are going to dinner and a movie I think. Maybe the mall for some shopping or something. And definitely Walmart. I will be sending more letters out soon! Sorry for those of you who haven't got one!
I love you all and hope to hear good things from home soon! We're really in a bubble here with no TV and little computer access!! *Muah!*
In Him.
Isaiah 41:10 (I think that's the right verse.)
=)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Thanks Be To God
Wow!! I was so nervous last night about today and getting the girls but they are wonderful!! A little handful but really not much. My co-counselor and I have eight 10 year olds and a 9 year old. They really are a lot of fun and each day I grow to love the camp even more!! We had our first devotional tonight, too and it went so well. It's so amazing to me to hear girls giving out prayer requests and praying about things.. It really shows the Lord's naviety and that there is no prayer to big or too small for Him. We had everything from brain surgery to heartworms in a cat. It was absolutely precious and so are the girls! This summer is really going to be great!! Me and my co-counselor are getting along quite well too! Her name is Michaelanne (which I think is the coolest name!!).
I really don't have much else to say except that God is awesome! I'm going to try to post pictures up soon to a website and I will put the link to that on here!! I hope to hear from you all soon!! I miss you all a lot!!
*Muah!*
John 14:6 -- Our hall verse
Psalm 121: 7-8 -- Our cluster verse
I really don't have much else to say except that God is awesome! I'm going to try to post pictures up soon to a website and I will put the link to that on here!! I hope to hear from you all soon!! I miss you all a lot!!
*Muah!*
John 14:6 -- Our hall verse
Psalm 121: 7-8 -- Our cluster verse
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Lord Rewards your Faithfulness
Wow. Thank you all who have been praying for me. I can really see and feel your prayers. I have made new friends and there's one girl who makes it a point to give me a hug almost every morning! Things have gotten better here and worse at home. I have had a rough day and tonight it's going to be wonderful because I have to have a conversation that I really don't want to. I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place but I think the Lord has given me a way out, thankfully. I have written a few letters and more are to come. Again, if you would like one make sure I have your address.. you can e-mail me at heatherbyrd9@gmail.com.
Tonight was finished (pretty much) working on our opening/closing night skit and then had an individual staff prayer time with different stations set up around our campus. It was very nice and good prayer time. If you would like to pray for the camp, please pray for us to all focus on our Lord and the children first and foremost. That our personal lives stay steady and smooth so we can achieve that goal.
I haven't got much time because one of the computers is down. I will be visiting with Gary (hopefully) next Saturday. I finally got Blue Like Jazz in today to give to him, and if you haven't read it you should order it too off of amazon it's really cheap. One big praise is that a friend of mine went to church this past Wednesday and really enjoyed it and it looks like he will make a habit out of it. He seems scared and anxious about returning to the "church" world because he, as many of us, has been burned by the church in the past. Please keep him in your prayers. I really must go! I look forward to hearing from you all!!
In Him.
Tonight was finished (pretty much) working on our opening/closing night skit and then had an individual staff prayer time with different stations set up around our campus. It was very nice and good prayer time. If you would like to pray for the camp, please pray for us to all focus on our Lord and the children first and foremost. That our personal lives stay steady and smooth so we can achieve that goal.
I haven't got much time because one of the computers is down. I will be visiting with Gary (hopefully) next Saturday. I finally got Blue Like Jazz in today to give to him, and if you haven't read it you should order it too off of amazon it's really cheap. One big praise is that a friend of mine went to church this past Wednesday and really enjoyed it and it looks like he will make a habit out of it. He seems scared and anxious about returning to the "church" world because he, as many of us, has been burned by the church in the past. Please keep him in your prayers. I really must go! I look forward to hearing from you all!!
In Him.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
He is strong.
Wow. It seems that the days are getting longer and harder and the nights are getting shorter easier. These are not the same people that I would find on Lumpkin on any given Wednesday night. But I can see the difference in all the prayer I have recieved in the last 24 hours. God has answered and will continue to answer as long as the prayers keep coming. He is faithful, especially to those who are faithful to Him.
Last night was rough. I've been writing letters and to those of you who have given me addresses one will come soon. I'm trying to write at least one every night. But with each one I write I get choked up missing the person or just wishing I was there to talk and not write. It's nothing like when I moved to school, I don't really miss home just the comfort of being surrounded by people who love me. It's hard to make friends in a new place, but I'm trying. Anyway, the reason it was so hard is because after choking up writing the letters, then walking through a room with a bunch of people playing a game I wasn't invited to, I came in the staff lounge and got on the computer. One of the guys I go to Wesley with had written on my wall saying that he was going to be in Athens the next day and asked if I would be too.. Then I broke down. He's really a great guy and is always so encouraging and has the most uplifting things to say. I tell stories about his words all the time, well.. His words.. because they are all from God.
Anyway, it was just rough knowing that so many people love me and want to spend time with me and then being here where I feel like it's just the opposite. Like I said, I don't really miss home, just my friends and my comfort zone. But I called Keaton and talked to Marie a little and I know they are praying for me along with many others, and today I could tell a difference in the way I was treated.. a small one, but I'll certainly take it! =)
I know the Lord is going to provide what I need to get me through, I know He wouldn't have put me here if I couldn't make it and I know that He is teaching me things. I am learning about myself, and how I'm going to need to be support for Keaton when he leaves for Brazil in September. Am I'm starting to feel like maybe He is preparing me for missions, but I don't know for sure. I have that trip I'm planning but I'll be with Keaton so.. idk. We'll just have to see about that and keep it in prayer for sure.
OH! I have a new verse (I think), I'm pretty sure I haven't told you about this. It's actually a chapter but it's a good one. It's Psalm 51. I really like it, it's encouraging yet just and truthful. Mmmmm...
Well a few praises: A good friend of mine, Paul, recently found out that the job he thought he had fell through about a week or less before he was supposed to start. I'm sure I wasn't the only one praying but now he has a job interview tomorrow with (again, I think) the Bank of America. And He found out that he got into the college he wanted to transfer to (which is near to this job that he's hoping for) and learned today that he has an apartment there too! So that's awesome praise and please be in prayer about the interview tomorrow.
Please, also, be in prayer for me. This is going to be a trying summer in every aspect but please pray that I do not leave here until I have learned all that God has desired for me to learn. This is going to be a big year in Athens and God has already begun to move so I know He will be preparing our hearts this summer for the growth of his kingdom (those are the words of my encouraging friend)! I love you all and I miss you (fo sho) and letters are to come soon!!!
*edit* The point on my title is that He is strong and I stand on Him even when I am weak. This is going to be a summer full of weakness and growth. That I am sure of. But He is strong. Always. =)
*Muah!*
In Him.
Last night was rough. I've been writing letters and to those of you who have given me addresses one will come soon. I'm trying to write at least one every night. But with each one I write I get choked up missing the person or just wishing I was there to talk and not write. It's nothing like when I moved to school, I don't really miss home just the comfort of being surrounded by people who love me. It's hard to make friends in a new place, but I'm trying. Anyway, the reason it was so hard is because after choking up writing the letters, then walking through a room with a bunch of people playing a game I wasn't invited to, I came in the staff lounge and got on the computer. One of the guys I go to Wesley with had written on my wall saying that he was going to be in Athens the next day and asked if I would be too.. Then I broke down. He's really a great guy and is always so encouraging and has the most uplifting things to say. I tell stories about his words all the time, well.. His words.. because they are all from God.
Anyway, it was just rough knowing that so many people love me and want to spend time with me and then being here where I feel like it's just the opposite. Like I said, I don't really miss home, just my friends and my comfort zone. But I called Keaton and talked to Marie a little and I know they are praying for me along with many others, and today I could tell a difference in the way I was treated.. a small one, but I'll certainly take it! =)
I know the Lord is going to provide what I need to get me through, I know He wouldn't have put me here if I couldn't make it and I know that He is teaching me things. I am learning about myself, and how I'm going to need to be support for Keaton when he leaves for Brazil in September. Am I'm starting to feel like maybe He is preparing me for missions, but I don't know for sure. I have that trip I'm planning but I'll be with Keaton so.. idk. We'll just have to see about that and keep it in prayer for sure.
OH! I have a new verse (I think), I'm pretty sure I haven't told you about this. It's actually a chapter but it's a good one. It's Psalm 51. I really like it, it's encouraging yet just and truthful. Mmmmm...
Well a few praises: A good friend of mine, Paul, recently found out that the job he thought he had fell through about a week or less before he was supposed to start. I'm sure I wasn't the only one praying but now he has a job interview tomorrow with (again, I think) the Bank of America. And He found out that he got into the college he wanted to transfer to (which is near to this job that he's hoping for) and learned today that he has an apartment there too! So that's awesome praise and please be in prayer about the interview tomorrow.
Please, also, be in prayer for me. This is going to be a trying summer in every aspect but please pray that I do not leave here until I have learned all that God has desired for me to learn. This is going to be a big year in Athens and God has already begun to move so I know He will be preparing our hearts this summer for the growth of his kingdom (those are the words of my encouraging friend)! I love you all and I miss you (fo sho) and letters are to come soon!!!
*edit* The point on my title is that He is strong and I stand on Him even when I am weak. This is going to be a summer full of weakness and growth. That I am sure of. But He is strong. Always. =)
*Muah!*
In Him.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Holy Geez.
I really should go back and read 1 Peter about 10 times. And I'll probably write it out and put it on my wall or something just so I can have it to remember everyday. Last night I was looking forward to the summer, well the breaks, and all that they would hold. Tomorrow all of the counselors will arrive. I'm thoroughly frightened. I've spent the last few hours praying to myself. I'm trying so hard to.. try hard, I guess. Most of you know I'm not exactly girly, as they say. I have even discussed with my closest friend, wondering why God made me a girl.. but I guess it's because of my intense attraction to guys. Ha! But I just have such a hard time being around lots of girls. I guess I'm just not comfortable, I don't know.
And I know what you're thinking: If you don't get along well with girls then why did you apply to work at an all-girl camp? And trust me, I struggled with it constantly. But after much prayer I really felt that it would be good to get away from guys, and again: Ha!. Then I figured if I wasn't supposed to be here then they wouldn't accept me. And here I am. So there you go.
But I'm struggling.. A lot. I need prayer like whoa. I know that God is bigger than my hesitation and separation and the differences I have with girls, but it's such a struggle for me. All the girl talk and the excitement and the gossip, oh! the gossip. It's just not.. my cup of tea, per se. But I'm trying hard and really trying to at least.. i don't know.. smile. Talk. Listen. Without telling my whole life's story. I guess I'm just so used to guys who walk to talk about music and movies and cars and sports. And I don't mean boy bands and chick flicks and their boys.. but real, genuine, heart-felt music and good movies like Gladiator and by cars, you know I mean trucks. But I'm trying. Not to change myself, but to work with the girls. I guess to see things they way they see them. To grow in my relationship with Christ in the process. It's going to be a long summer. But I know it will be over soon and I'll be back in my comfort zone with a new outlook on life, God, and (hopefully) girls.
I miss you all and think about you SO much! It's amazing to me how you miss people that you never thought you would. Or at least surprising. PLEASE write, call, text, e-mail, anything. I love to hear from you!
Still no good verses but Joshua is over now and I'm on to Judges, I will let you know as soon as I find something good. Someone else's turn on the computer. Goodnight.
And I know what you're thinking: If you don't get along well with girls then why did you apply to work at an all-girl camp? And trust me, I struggled with it constantly. But after much prayer I really felt that it would be good to get away from guys, and again: Ha!. Then I figured if I wasn't supposed to be here then they wouldn't accept me. And here I am. So there you go.
But I'm struggling.. A lot. I need prayer like whoa. I know that God is bigger than my hesitation and separation and the differences I have with girls, but it's such a struggle for me. All the girl talk and the excitement and the gossip, oh! the gossip. It's just not.. my cup of tea, per se. But I'm trying hard and really trying to at least.. i don't know.. smile. Talk. Listen. Without telling my whole life's story. I guess I'm just so used to guys who walk to talk about music and movies and cars and sports. And I don't mean boy bands and chick flicks and their boys.. but real, genuine, heart-felt music and good movies like Gladiator and by cars, you know I mean trucks. But I'm trying. Not to change myself, but to work with the girls. I guess to see things they way they see them. To grow in my relationship with Christ in the process. It's going to be a long summer. But I know it will be over soon and I'll be back in my comfort zone with a new outlook on life, God, and (hopefully) girls.
I miss you all and think about you SO much! It's amazing to me how you miss people that you never thought you would. Or at least surprising. PLEASE write, call, text, e-mail, anything. I love to hear from you!
Still no good verses but Joshua is over now and I'm on to Judges, I will let you know as soon as I find something good. Someone else's turn on the computer. Goodnight.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
I'm here!
Ok. I haven't got much time on the computer so I will be brief. Lifeguarding is exhausting! Well... I haven't actually started lifeguarding yet, but the training is exhausting. The water in Asheville tastes AMAZING!! And I am drinking lots of it! It's really nice up here. Quite hot during the day but not humid at all which is wonderful! =) Sunday Hallie (from archery) and I are going to try to meet up with Gary (from England) so please be praying for that! I haven't got Blue Like Jazz yet but I'm going to get it next week sometime and I will do what I can to get it to him. I'm still not sleeping well but hopefully after today's exhaustion I will sleep through a solid night!
I look forward to reading all of you e-mails, messages, texts, and letters so keep them coming!! =)
I have to go now. But I love you all. Keep the prayers coming and I will do the same! *Muah!* or as they do in England. x
p.s. No depression/OCD yet so that's a huge praise!! Especially considering all the free time I have!
I haven't got a verse for you now because Joshua isn't giving me anything super exciting currently but hopefully next time I'll have something for you. Yay God!
I look forward to reading all of you e-mails, messages, texts, and letters so keep them coming!! =)
I have to go now. But I love you all. Keep the prayers coming and I will do the same! *Muah!* or as they do in England. x
p.s. No depression/OCD yet so that's a huge praise!! Especially considering all the free time I have!
I haven't got a verse for you now because Joshua isn't giving me anything super exciting currently but hopefully next time I'll have something for you. Yay God!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
1 Peter 1:3-12
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade -- kept in heaven for you who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice though now for a little while you may have had the suffer grief in all kids of trials. These have come so that your faith -- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
"Concerning this salvation, the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in the was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things."
1 Peter 1:3-12
This is the passage that I believe God has given me to get through the hard times that this summer will bring in being so far from everything that is familiar. But he will be faithful. Thank you all for keep up with me and for your prayers!
In Him.
"Concerning this salvation, the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in the was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things."
1 Peter 1:3-12
This is the passage that I believe God has given me to get through the hard times that this summer will bring in being so far from everything that is familiar. But he will be faithful. Thank you all for keep up with me and for your prayers!
In Him.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Adjustment
Whew! Four days away and I'm finally feeling the burn! I'm actually leaving my home, my family, my friends, my bed, and my comfort zone to be gone for two months without a single return. And now, with the move being so close, it's becoming real. Not as real, I'm sure, as it will be once I actually start packing... but very real and very scary when I'm saying bye to people for the last time for two months. Which doesn't sound very long even to me when written down... But it's some scary stuff.
I never have handled adjustment well. I'm not really sure why, but I have my theories. I have been through depression, extreme OCD, and some messed up weirdness that is even surprising to me as a result of adjusting to a new world. But through it God showed me how big He is and He took it all away over night. Literally.
Now I know that He can beat it but I can already feel the attacks from the devil and I'm worried that it will only get worse. Now, just the attacks bring me to tears.. I guess because I don't want to feel the way I felt when I was depressed. It was a very lonely and scary time.
I know that He will provide and bring me a new light and new truths and new friends through this summer camp life that people come from all over the world to experience. I know that it will be an amazing time. But over these next few days I'm going to need constant sustainment from Him and strength I don't know that I have to say goodbye. I love the people I am surrounded by and I love knowing that they are right around the corner when I need them. But this summer God is going to teach me to rely on Him and the people He gives me and not the ones I already know how to rely on.
I know it's going to be hard and worth it. But I am begging you for prayers. I know from experience the power of prayer and what our Lord will do through honest and persistent prayers. So, please, even for just a moment, say a prayer for me. And I know you will be blessed. I promise that I am and will continue to pray for all of you! I love you all, you have made such a difference in my life and I am truly blessed to have you in my life. And now it's time to go learn some new stuff.
"The Lord fulfills the desires of those who hear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them."
Psalms 145:19
God is good.
I never have handled adjustment well. I'm not really sure why, but I have my theories. I have been through depression, extreme OCD, and some messed up weirdness that is even surprising to me as a result of adjusting to a new world. But through it God showed me how big He is and He took it all away over night. Literally.
Now I know that He can beat it but I can already feel the attacks from the devil and I'm worried that it will only get worse. Now, just the attacks bring me to tears.. I guess because I don't want to feel the way I felt when I was depressed. It was a very lonely and scary time.
I know that He will provide and bring me a new light and new truths and new friends through this summer camp life that people come from all over the world to experience. I know that it will be an amazing time. But over these next few days I'm going to need constant sustainment from Him and strength I don't know that I have to say goodbye. I love the people I am surrounded by and I love knowing that they are right around the corner when I need them. But this summer God is going to teach me to rely on Him and the people He gives me and not the ones I already know how to rely on.
I know it's going to be hard and worth it. But I am begging you for prayers. I know from experience the power of prayer and what our Lord will do through honest and persistent prayers. So, please, even for just a moment, say a prayer for me. And I know you will be blessed. I promise that I am and will continue to pray for all of you! I love you all, you have made such a difference in my life and I am truly blessed to have you in my life. And now it's time to go learn some new stuff.
"The Lord fulfills the desires of those who hear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them."
Psalms 145:19
God is good.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Unexpected Awesomeness
I have never had many exciting thoughts about North Carolina. For me it's just always been one of those states that is just there and not a lot happens, it's just not an "exciting" state for me. I have also never spent much time there: A trade show with dad as a child, maybe a ski trip or two, and a few drives right on through it to get to another, more "exciting" state. But yesterday, whew!, yesterday it exceeded all of my expectations.
I drove up to North Carolina Monday evening and stayed with some people that work at Camp Hollymont, then got up yesterday morning and drove to another camp a little less than an hour away. As soon as I got into North Carolina the scenery immediately changed. It went from boring interstate-flatness to high mountains and many trees that seemed to never end, and they didn't. I was driving through mountains the entire time I was there. I spent the night up on Black Mountain which is where our brother camp, Camp Rockmont, is located. Then I drove, with one of the girls behind me, over to Camp Carolina where we would be learning to do archery and teach it to children this summer.
Now you must understand our mindset going into this training program. We are two girls who will be working at an all-girl camp for the whole summer. We new that there would be guys at the training too, but we weren't expecting what we got. Also, if you would have told me how bizarre the day would have been, this situation would never have crossed my mind. We got there quite a bit early and it took us a minute or so to find our way around but eventually we found the dining hall and that's where we met the first males of the day. Mostly older guys but all very nice and we ended up sitting with them once the doors opened for breakfast. We learned quite a bit from them. Come to find out, Camp Carolina is an all-guy camp. So we were two of maybe 10 girls I saw all day. Also, these aren't your typical guys, really. They're mostly from another country!! (And when this was first mentioned we didn't truly see the extent of "mostly"). I heard a few of the guys speak and they had "British" accents... then a few more.
After breakfast we went to the skate park thingy they had on their campground, that's where we were told to meet. Here we're sitting and people start coming over a little at a time, all guys. By the time we had all introduced ourselves, Hallie and I had come to a realization: not only were we the only two girls in the class, we were the only Americans. And a conclusion to follow: today is going to be an interesting day.
These guys were awesome. There were two Scottsmen, Ali (allistor... or something) and Hani. Two Australians, Kriston and Matty. Three englishmen, Gary, Neil, and... Tom?. A South African, Hanno (pronounced Hanu, with a South African accent, of course). And one more guy who I do not remember the name of or the country he was from, but I remember his face.. BAH! The guy who instructed the class was from Augusta, Georgia. He was a character, too.
Back to the guys, Hallie and I spent the day saying "huh?" (mainly to Ali who, if remember correctly, was from west Scotland... he had the most difficult accent to understand), and asking them to repeat things and the spell them (so we were sure we heard it right) then explain the meaning.
A few interesting things and mythbusters: (all said with the proper accents)
- Scotland: "Have you got a giraffe?" has the same meaning as "Are you pulling my leg?"
- England: A "Trolley" is not one of those red double decker buses, it's a shopping cart. And they just called the buses, buses. They don't go grocery shopping, they go fruit and veg shopping. The red phone booths are only there for tourists, people don't actually use them and they had to remove some of them from the streets because they are becoming vintage items and people were stealing them. They graduate from "senior school" at the age of 15. Then the system gets very complicated... but there's a lot of education opportunities.
- People from every country thought our idea of "Middle School" was ridiculous and we should just have two schools instead of that extra one in the middle.
- OH! And this one is my favorite. All these guys came to America to work at a camp. Why? Because they want the "American Camp Experience".. Apparently it's a big deal in other countries that we have camps. I didn't know it was so exciting, I'm missing out. HA!
- There IS a difference between British and English, like it would be insulting to call a Scottsman English, but he is British and you can call him that.
The coolest things I learned were through just sitting and talking. Once the conversation moved to God and faith and they saw that I was a Christian, they were shocked. They said they expected American Christians to talk and do and be all about God all the time and not have any fun. One of the guys said "But you guys have normal conversations and stuff". It really showed me how much the stigma of Christianity has spread outside of our borders. They really thought that as a Christian I would tell them they were bad people when they cussed and make them accept Christ. It makes me sad that this is the reputation our Religion has.
I know many people who hate the word "Religion" because it represents tradition and a lack of emotion and relationship. And I too don't like the word because that's not what we should have as Christians, but that's what Christianity has turned into and thus I have come to hate the word "Christian". I was talking to a long-time friend the other night and we were talking about words, and how the meaning of them changes, like in the song "Mayberry" by Rascal Flatts. I think the meaning of the word "Christian" has changed so much that I don't want to be associated with it.
One of the guys from Australia, Kriston, said that back home him and his friends are called "churchies". I had a hard time explaining to him that around here, that's a bad thing. That I would never want to be called a "churchie" not because I don't want to go to church but that "churchie" would mean that I was pushing my faith on others.
I really enjoyed talking to everyone and the day could not have been better. It ended with a beautiful ride back to Athens, full of winding roads and sunsets over the water. Misty swamps in front of trees and mountains that go on forever. I saw things you only see in pictures in that state. After this first day in the NC, I am very much looking forward to spending the summer up there and I hope to go back and see these guys on my off time and talk about their "American Camp Experience". Haha.
WHOA! I leave one week from today.
peace.
I drove up to North Carolina Monday evening and stayed with some people that work at Camp Hollymont, then got up yesterday morning and drove to another camp a little less than an hour away. As soon as I got into North Carolina the scenery immediately changed. It went from boring interstate-flatness to high mountains and many trees that seemed to never end, and they didn't. I was driving through mountains the entire time I was there. I spent the night up on Black Mountain which is where our brother camp, Camp Rockmont, is located. Then I drove, with one of the girls behind me, over to Camp Carolina where we would be learning to do archery and teach it to children this summer.
Now you must understand our mindset going into this training program. We are two girls who will be working at an all-girl camp for the whole summer. We new that there would be guys at the training too, but we weren't expecting what we got. Also, if you would have told me how bizarre the day would have been, this situation would never have crossed my mind. We got there quite a bit early and it took us a minute or so to find our way around but eventually we found the dining hall and that's where we met the first males of the day. Mostly older guys but all very nice and we ended up sitting with them once the doors opened for breakfast. We learned quite a bit from them. Come to find out, Camp Carolina is an all-guy camp. So we were two of maybe 10 girls I saw all day. Also, these aren't your typical guys, really. They're mostly from another country!! (And when this was first mentioned we didn't truly see the extent of "mostly"). I heard a few of the guys speak and they had "British" accents... then a few more.
After breakfast we went to the skate park thingy they had on their campground, that's where we were told to meet. Here we're sitting and people start coming over a little at a time, all guys. By the time we had all introduced ourselves, Hallie and I had come to a realization: not only were we the only two girls in the class, we were the only Americans. And a conclusion to follow: today is going to be an interesting day.
These guys were awesome. There were two Scottsmen, Ali (allistor... or something) and Hani. Two Australians, Kriston and Matty. Three englishmen, Gary, Neil, and... Tom?. A South African, Hanno (pronounced Hanu, with a South African accent, of course). And one more guy who I do not remember the name of or the country he was from, but I remember his face.. BAH! The guy who instructed the class was from Augusta, Georgia. He was a character, too.
Back to the guys, Hallie and I spent the day saying "huh?" (mainly to Ali who, if remember correctly, was from west Scotland... he had the most difficult accent to understand), and asking them to repeat things and the spell them (so we were sure we heard it right) then explain the meaning.
A few interesting things and mythbusters: (all said with the proper accents)
- Scotland: "Have you got a giraffe?" has the same meaning as "Are you pulling my leg?"
- England: A "Trolley" is not one of those red double decker buses, it's a shopping cart. And they just called the buses, buses. They don't go grocery shopping, they go fruit and veg shopping. The red phone booths are only there for tourists, people don't actually use them and they had to remove some of them from the streets because they are becoming vintage items and people were stealing them. They graduate from "senior school" at the age of 15. Then the system gets very complicated... but there's a lot of education opportunities.
- People from every country thought our idea of "Middle School" was ridiculous and we should just have two schools instead of that extra one in the middle.
- OH! And this one is my favorite. All these guys came to America to work at a camp. Why? Because they want the "American Camp Experience".. Apparently it's a big deal in other countries that we have camps. I didn't know it was so exciting, I'm missing out. HA!
- There IS a difference between British and English, like it would be insulting to call a Scottsman English, but he is British and you can call him that.
The coolest things I learned were through just sitting and talking. Once the conversation moved to God and faith and they saw that I was a Christian, they were shocked. They said they expected American Christians to talk and do and be all about God all the time and not have any fun. One of the guys said "But you guys have normal conversations and stuff". It really showed me how much the stigma of Christianity has spread outside of our borders. They really thought that as a Christian I would tell them they were bad people when they cussed and make them accept Christ. It makes me sad that this is the reputation our Religion has.
I know many people who hate the word "Religion" because it represents tradition and a lack of emotion and relationship. And I too don't like the word because that's not what we should have as Christians, but that's what Christianity has turned into and thus I have come to hate the word "Christian". I was talking to a long-time friend the other night and we were talking about words, and how the meaning of them changes, like in the song "Mayberry" by Rascal Flatts. I think the meaning of the word "Christian" has changed so much that I don't want to be associated with it.
One of the guys from Australia, Kriston, said that back home him and his friends are called "churchies". I had a hard time explaining to him that around here, that's a bad thing. That I would never want to be called a "churchie" not because I don't want to go to church but that "churchie" would mean that I was pushing my faith on others.
I really enjoyed talking to everyone and the day could not have been better. It ended with a beautiful ride back to Athens, full of winding roads and sunsets over the water. Misty swamps in front of trees and mountains that go on forever. I saw things you only see in pictures in that state. After this first day in the NC, I am very much looking forward to spending the summer up there and I hope to go back and see these guys on my off time and talk about their "American Camp Experience". Haha.
WHOA! I leave one week from today.
peace.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Less Than Pleased
So. Last time I expressed my excitement about being assigned the 10-12 year olds. And receiving a devotional book for "age appropriate" devotions to do with the girls. I began reading through the devotions with excitement but was quickly disappointed by their, for lack of a better word, corny-ness. Now, I have spent a decent amount of time with girls of this age group considering I practically raised my neighbors: five girls who range in age from 17 to 2. These devotions wouldn't even begin to challenge the minds of these little girls.
These girls aren't going to learn or grow in the Lord if they're not being challenged. If you have never spent time with children then you would honestly be surprised at how insightful and well connected they are. They really understand things.. and just like any other person if you don't challenge their minds they're not going to learn or grow. So I've pretty much decided that I'm going to do devotions how I want to do them. I'm not going to pray and seek Our Lord. Because I think that to make a difference in these girls life I have to get them thinking. Get them asking questions and seeking the Word for answers.
I am really looking forward to these girls. Meeting them and being a part of their lives. I can't wait to see what Jesus is going to teach me and these girls about Truth. What truth? I just don't know yet.
A few weeks ago, after finals ended, I invited a friend over. Her name is Holly and she was the one who prayed with me the night that God took many burdens and pain from me. That is a night I will never forget and since then she and I have had some good prayer time but we had not been able to get to know each other. So I invited her over to chat and for us to really get to know each other. As we were talking she asked me if the color yellow meant anything to me. And it really doesn't. She said that yellow usually symbolizes truth and that she felt that God was going to revel a lot of truth to me come fall. I have been feeling a lot that God is going to teach me so much this fall. It has made me what to skip over the summer. But I was walking down the beach Monday morning with a friend and he said "grow where your planted" I think he said it's somewhere in Psalms. So I'm really excited about this summer. And everything it will bring. If I know God (and I do.. just not well), then He's not going to wait til fall to start teaching me things.
Check out 1 Peter.. it's pretty cool.
K. I'm out.
These girls aren't going to learn or grow in the Lord if they're not being challenged. If you have never spent time with children then you would honestly be surprised at how insightful and well connected they are. They really understand things.. and just like any other person if you don't challenge their minds they're not going to learn or grow. So I've pretty much decided that I'm going to do devotions how I want to do them. I'm not going to pray and seek Our Lord. Because I think that to make a difference in these girls life I have to get them thinking. Get them asking questions and seeking the Word for answers.
I am really looking forward to these girls. Meeting them and being a part of their lives. I can't wait to see what Jesus is going to teach me and these girls about Truth. What truth? I just don't know yet.
A few weeks ago, after finals ended, I invited a friend over. Her name is Holly and she was the one who prayed with me the night that God took many burdens and pain from me. That is a night I will never forget and since then she and I have had some good prayer time but we had not been able to get to know each other. So I invited her over to chat and for us to really get to know each other. As we were talking she asked me if the color yellow meant anything to me. And it really doesn't. She said that yellow usually symbolizes truth and that she felt that God was going to revel a lot of truth to me come fall. I have been feeling a lot that God is going to teach me so much this fall. It has made me what to skip over the summer. But I was walking down the beach Monday morning with a friend and he said "grow where your planted" I think he said it's somewhere in Psalms. So I'm really excited about this summer. And everything it will bring. If I know God (and I do.. just not well), then He's not going to wait til fall to start teaching me things.
Check out 1 Peter.. it's pretty cool.
K. I'm out.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Let's Hear It For Middle Schoolers! Woot Woot!
YAY!
Just got a phone call from the madre... She had a package for me from Hollymont and when she opened it there was a book for Devotions for 10-12 year olds! That means I get to work with the middle schoolers!! God has really given me a heart for Middle Schoolers this past year and now I'll get to put it to good use. Another awesome thing about that is that lights-out for them is 9:45 so I will get a decent night's sleep each night since we don't have to get up until 7:45.. I can only usually make it 6-7 hours before I wake up anyway. I'm going to need my sleep if I'm going to be a fun counselor and not a cranky one.. haha.
This summer is going to be super fun and a great learning experience! Woot! Any and all prayers are welcome! Prayers to prepare my heart and the hearts of other girls in counselor positions; preparation for what the Lord is going to do in us this summer and for the leadership roles that we will be holding. Prayer for the girls and what the Lord is going to teach them through us this summer. Prayer for safe travels and safety on the campus and in the water. Prayer that we, as leaders, will hear God's Voice as we go through our planning and our summer and that we will learn what He wants to teach us before we get up there.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phillippians 4:6
Just got a phone call from the madre... She had a package for me from Hollymont and when she opened it there was a book for Devotions for 10-12 year olds! That means I get to work with the middle schoolers!! God has really given me a heart for Middle Schoolers this past year and now I'll get to put it to good use. Another awesome thing about that is that lights-out for them is 9:45 so I will get a decent night's sleep each night since we don't have to get up until 7:45.. I can only usually make it 6-7 hours before I wake up anyway. I'm going to need my sleep if I'm going to be a fun counselor and not a cranky one.. haha.
This summer is going to be super fun and a great learning experience! Woot! Any and all prayers are welcome! Prayers to prepare my heart and the hearts of other girls in counselor positions; preparation for what the Lord is going to do in us this summer and for the leadership roles that we will be holding. Prayer for the girls and what the Lord is going to teach them through us this summer. Prayer for safe travels and safety on the campus and in the water. Prayer that we, as leaders, will hear God's Voice as we go through our planning and our summer and that we will learn what He wants to teach us before we get up there.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phillippians 4:6
Friday, May 9, 2008
New Friends In New Places
So I went searching on facebook for groups about Camp Hollymont. And I found one for 2008 Summer Staff so I requested to join (because it was one of those) and the creator of the group was a girl named Emily. So she added me as a friend and we did some "chatting"... you know. She seemed really nice and helped calm my nerves and some of my fears about the camp. And she answered a lot of my questions. I also looked through her pictures and saw a lot of what the camp is like. I'm even going to get to sign. Unfortunately, it sounds like I will know more sign than anyone where, which isn't enough and means that I will not be learning anything new this summer... at least no new signs.
I have been told by many that I am going to learn so much, spiritually, this summer and I know I will. But what I am looking forward to more than learning and teaching these young girls... I am really looking forward to coming back to Athens and Wesley in the fall and learning all the lessons that God is going to teach all my friends this summer in their endeavors.
I joined a Women's Small group this January. The actual group began in August but my fall semester was far too busy... well that was my excuse but we won't go into that right now. Anyway, one of the first nights there one of our leaders, Katherine, showed us how God can teach me one thing and my friend another. And then it is our job to share what we have learned with each other. I can't wait to learn what everyone else will learn this summer.
I really feel like God's going to rock my world again in the fall. And I know that thinking that way will cause me to mentally decrease the value of this summer... and I already know that God's going to prove to me that this summer is going to change my life. I am so looking forward to it! I'm probably going to meet some really awesome girls... and I'm going to teach some middle school girls some things they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. And they will teach me things that I know I will carry with me, especially as I go into Youth Leadership at AFUMC. I hope that I don't end up adding to the already long list of girls that I plan on having as bridesmaids.. that list really is long enough already.
Alright, now I'm just babbling so I will go. But it is kinda weird to think that in less than a month I will be in North Carolina.
It's gonna be one heck of a summer, people!
In Him,
:D
I have been told by many that I am going to learn so much, spiritually, this summer and I know I will. But what I am looking forward to more than learning and teaching these young girls... I am really looking forward to coming back to Athens and Wesley in the fall and learning all the lessons that God is going to teach all my friends this summer in their endeavors.
I joined a Women's Small group this January. The actual group began in August but my fall semester was far too busy... well that was my excuse but we won't go into that right now. Anyway, one of the first nights there one of our leaders, Katherine, showed us how God can teach me one thing and my friend another. And then it is our job to share what we have learned with each other. I can't wait to learn what everyone else will learn this summer.
I really feel like God's going to rock my world again in the fall. And I know that thinking that way will cause me to mentally decrease the value of this summer... and I already know that God's going to prove to me that this summer is going to change my life. I am so looking forward to it! I'm probably going to meet some really awesome girls... and I'm going to teach some middle school girls some things they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. And they will teach me things that I know I will carry with me, especially as I go into Youth Leadership at AFUMC. I hope that I don't end up adding to the already long list of girls that I plan on having as bridesmaids.. that list really is long enough already.
Alright, now I'm just babbling so I will go. But it is kinda weird to think that in less than a month I will be in North Carolina.
It's gonna be one heck of a summer, people!
In Him,
:D
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Hey Guys!
Well I'm going to North Carolina this summer to work at Camp Hollymont as a counselor. I don't know just yet if there will be internet. But I will find a way to post on here at least once a week so I can let you know what's going on with me and what God's doing. I can't wait to hear about what all of you are going to do and how your summers are going! My e-mail is heather@uga.edu so PLEASE e-mail me as often as possible or put me on your e-mail list!
Have a great summer! Yay for God!
:D
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)