Back to the old routine...
So I'm back home once again. It's weird, you know? I had such a great week, and I miss all my girls like crazy. They all really touched my life, and I hope I meant something in theirs as well.
8 girls...they all came from the Chicago area. There was Rachel, the tiny little girl going into 7th grade. I think we all had a natural instinct to protect and nurture. (more on that later, and by the way, THANKS for the prayers). There was Jackie, going into 8th grade, who was my little shadow. My heart aches for her, one, because she had been adopted out of a really bad broken home situation, and two, because a real, authentic relationship with Christ has yet to take personal meaning in her life. Anna, going into 7th, was the cabin riot act. I have never known someone so young to be so incredibly hilarious. She had such a sweet personality as well, so we all fell in love with her. Her best friend, Marta, going into 8th grade, seemed to balance Anna greatly. Quiet and thoughtful. Allie, going into 8th, was a joy as well. A little hyper at times, okay, well most of the time. But she and I had a chance to talk about her faith. She had become a Christian the previous year at camp and has grown quite a bit, as it is my understanding. She has a confidence that I only wish I possessed when I was her age. Her best friend, Ky, was a different story. She was so quiet and so shy, and I'm still not exactly sure who she is or where she's at. It sounds like she doesn't come from the greatest home, always being overlooked. She also suffers from depression, which worries me greatly. I'm vowing to keep praying for her, as long as it takes, and even after. Mallory and Cece, the oldest ones, going into 9th grade. I have a lot of respect for them both, since they never complained about being in a cabin with younger campers. They instantly took leadership spots within the rest of the cabin and looked after the younger campers. My heart hurts for them as well, since I know that because they've grown up going to church and have gone to Christian schools, that they know all the right answers, yet Christianity is not a personal thing for them. I think Cece was hit with some realizations this week, especially with what happened to Rachel, but I don't know what changes she will make, if any, in her life.
The week was full of games, sports, sleep, camp food, and lots of bugs. Jessica, my co counselor, and I kept telling the girls how relieved we were that they were not boy crazy. Not a bit! Our mega team won, so we all had root beer floats the last night. The band was alright. They were borderline, we're here to worship God/ we're here to advance our music and look cool. The speaker was great, though. Everyone loved him, and he enjoyed getting to know everyone. The last day, Thursday, was a day that I was so glad that I had all you praying for us at camp this past week. Rachel was out on one of those swimming docks and was knocked down by a couple of boys. Her head snapped back, and she heard her neck pop. The lifeguards back-boarded her, and Cece ran and found me. (she told me later that she had no idea where I was, but it's obvious that the Holy Spirit guided her in the right direction). Evan, the waterfront director, and I drove Rachel into Antigo, (about a 40 minute drive), to go to the hospital. After getting x-rayed, Rachel only had strained some muscles and was given a neck brace to wear for 24 hours. Only half of which she'd spend at camp. I am so thankful that the injury wasn't worse. I can still see Cece running in and telling me that Rachel was hurt. I think it scared Cece too. It reminded her how precious and short life can be.
The Counselor Director invited me back to camp for a couple more weeks this summer because they are in need of female counselors over 18. I really feel called to do it. I probably won't make it for both weeks, but hopefully for one of them. I honestly would not have traded this week for anything in the world.