A strangely hard, but wonderful week. My personality does not like change and over the past two months, I have been dished out a large helping of change. As hard as it has been for me to adapt to these changes, I think it has made me stronger and forced me to rely on God.
This week held so many differences from years past, changes with staff, changes with sleeping arrangements... Ian was there last year, not this one. Jane was here this time and it was lovely to have her working around and hanging out. This year Gracie was a counselor instead of being in the kitchen. I was torn up about it. We've always done CAMA Camp together. We were both so busy the entire time it felt like we never got a chance to talk and process our days there.
It was a wonderful week in the way of truly getting to know new people.
It was so much fun to see Jane and Cody using CAP experience and skills in working together and working with the other kitchen staff people. Both tend to have big family traits, for Cody, the non-stop work mentality to the point where I had to send him to bed. For Jane working hard and fast and always looking for new way to help.
My afternoon usually held a quick nap, a break from the hot kitchen and time with my paints. A few people always came over to talk and we'd start discussions or continue conversations from the previous day. It was so interesting to talk about subjects like defining sin, spiritual leadership and mentoring, some of which were surprisingly hard to face due to family situations at home.
One of the Bible teachers had animals out every day and it was always fun to see the kids come over and see how they relate to these creatures. I've never seen so many faces lit with smiles or so many children and teens facing fears by holding snakes. It was awesome to see.
Watching the skits in the evening are always a riot, although not always do us kitchen staff get to sit out and watch. We have responsibilities to get the dinner put away and to get the dining hall set back up for worship. Once again watching some of the Chili Dogs take initiative to get all that work done in time was inspiring.
Hearing the little voices worshiping in the evening always gives me goosebumps. Even when I'm working or can't be in the service, I'll sing along wherever I am and can hear the voices. I love when they get louder and praise God together.
Thank you to this bunch of people who continue to stand by me. Give me advice, love me and encourage me to love God. These guys are my support and the greatest of friends. I cannot wait until next year!
