Summer Camp

Tom just got back from the second of three youth camps scheduled this summer. I stayed home with our little toddler of joy. I was so encouraged and impressed by the things the adult leaders and youth were saying when they got back. The adults and youth had a chance to share with the congregation last night about the meaningful experiences they had on the trip. It was exciting to hear adults praising and encouraging the youth. They thought the youth were considerate, models of servants and just a great group all around. They were not complainers or whiners or lazy, they were willing to take on uncomfortable challenges and situations and make the best of them. The adults noticed this. How awesome is that!? It seems to me that youth typically don't get credit for who they are or who they can be, so it was awesome to hear adults really notice the best of these youth! The youth shared how they were stretched to do things that were uncomfortable for them and that they were glad they did. They shared about how much they enjoyed being able to serve others and learning what it means to truly love others and build unity. This is my paraphrase, but I'm not exaggerating! On this eight day trip, they cleared land (poison ivy and all) for a future children's home, painted, cleaned and made repairs to a shelter for mentally ill/handicap elderly homeless people (run by Ms. Vera, an elderly woman herself) as well as spent time playing Bingo and talking to the people at the shelter. It was a stretch for many of them, but they were up to the challenge! I am truly proud of them and grateful for their giving hearts...I was challenged to grow listening to their stories.

I also have to mention that I am proud and grateful for my husband's dedication. He has worked with this group for almost ten years, he has grown with them and it's neat to see how time and energy and self sacrafice and the grace of God grows others. The congregation thanked Tom, which is always a little awkward and uncomfortable, but it was also nice to know they notice not just his committment and efforts, but his committment and efforts only possible by the work of the Spirit in him, so it's a thanks to God.