Sunday I was so glad to go to camp! It had been 6 months too long since I had let the Valley refresh me to my core. It was just plain too long since I had been back. I didn't go back for the whole summer this year. I had sadly reached that point where my age and all that comes with growing up was limiting my work at camp. I had been saying since last year that I would hopefully be setting up my classroom and stuff this summer. I kept saying that I would at the very least be back for Senior High.
Sunday I left super excited! I wouldn't be talking to Dustin at all for the week, I would be back in the Valley, I would be the most focused on God I had been in quite a while, I would be surrounded by some of my best friends again, I would meet new staff, I would have campers, etc. The closer I got, the less I could contain myself. I was bouncing and singing and screaming and laughing and smiling so hard my face hurt. Before I even put my car into Park, I could see Lu racing to me across the yard. And then all the reunions started! It was WONDERFUL! I got to see all of my old friends, get embraced in so many hugs, and meet so many new staff that I would come to love by the end of the week. Soon, Andy Ott informed me that I had reached a sort of legend status at camp. Apparently, my name comes up a lot. I am also in the first name/last name club with the likes of Jim Day.I soon just jumped into the swing of things. It was almost as though I had been there the whole time. I found out I would have some repeat campers from last year. I was living in Lower Level which is located in Tom and Camie's house. I started to roam waiting for them to arrive. They were excited to see me again. Before I knew it, we had our opening, a little switch in campers, played a game, ate supper, had chapel, and the first night of camp was done.
Monday started with dishes. My crew kicked butt! I do enjoy the dish room. I like to be the runner who brings the tubs back to be sorted and washed. And then I jump in to help with other parts too. The day progressed and soon, it was time to go to the Craft Room with Alison and Lu. I don't know if they really thought that through...
I was beginning to get to know my girls and we were having a great time! The week went on and I really began to develop relationships with them. They are in high school and going through some tough stuff. One of them is headed to college this fall. I was really proud of her for opening up because she told me up front she often changes the subject to the other person so she doesn't have to talk about herself. Each girl is truly amazing and I love them all dearly. I am so proud of each and every one of them.
Anyway, the week went on with basically the same routine every day. Lu, Alison, and I shared my blanket for TAG time, I was blown away by God's goodness, I began to open up about my struggles in the last 6 months, and I began to feel freedom again.
The girl with the glasses on the right is Jordan. I've known her for the past 2 summers. I've chatted with her every time she has come. She could NEVER remember my name. I asked her if she could this year and she did! I didn't even say my name when I said hello on Sunday! This gave us a special bond this week. She is such a sweet girl. She does have some special needs and therefore finds a special place in my heart. She constantly talked to me this week and it was so sweet! I even got invited to a pizza party because she made it all the way through chapel! :)
Wednesday was AWESOME! Along with all the typical, I had supper dishes. Our crew started off a little rough because everyone forgot and showed up late. I mean everyone. Even Alison and I, the seasoned veterans. We did get done in really good time. That night was a lipsincing/dancing competition between the teams. Dayton was in charge of ours. I felt pretty confident since he leads worship and just came from a men's choir trip. I was not expecting what I saw. All the teams were great, but when my team showed their stuff, I was crying happy tears I was so proud! I couldn't believe the talent that all the students had this week! We found out later that WE WON!!! :)
Thursday was the talent show. Again, I sat there in wonder of all the talent in these kids! I had some of my JUMP campers up there, I had some past campers and current campers sharing there talent. I was like a mom in the audience yelling "That's my girl up there!" And yes, I might have been crying during a few... I'm just so stinking proud of my girls!
And then it was Friday. The last full day of camp. I was already dreading Saturday. Friday I finished the one-on-one's with my girls, we had the usual schedule, we dodged hail in the morning, had awesome worship, I helped with the Tiki Torch Cafe, and I read my girls Max Lucado's book, You Are Special. I do this every single week with my girls no matter their age.
Saturday morning came and I knew I would be a wreck. I had to say goodbye to 9 beautiful, talented, amazing girls. I had to say goodbye to the new friends I had meet and some of my best friends in the world. I would have to say goodbye to the full-time staff who love me and that I love dearly. I would have to say goodbye to the valley that I love. And I cried. I said goodbye to Gwen and my JUMP girls. I'm just so stinking proud of them! And then one of them said I was one of the reasons they want to be a teacher?! That didn't help matters at all. I recovered slightly, packed my car, and then we had a staff meeting. There, along with Alison and Anna, a past camper, we were prayed for. I cried again. I told Anna goodbye and then I started saying goodbye to the staff. I bawled when I said goodbye to Debbi, Camie, and Sue. It was time to go do some emotional eating at The Skinny Dip. Lu, Alison, and I were dragging out our time there because of the inevitable goodbye with 3 best friends. And there we cried again. In The Skinny Dip parking lot all because God has placed us in each other's lives and it hurts so much when we are separated. As I drove away, I made it to Postville before having to stop for caffine and then I broke down again, but this time in raw honest prayer. And then I was good the rest of the way home. Just me and the radio blasting Jesus tunes. Just me reflecting on the awesome week I had just experienced.
I love each and every one of these girls so much!
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