The Start of Camp . . .

Well, it's Thursday and we are almost done with our first week of camp. The Leadership Camp has been overall pretty dang good. Quite honestly today was a little challenging; the kids are starting to try us more and more as they get comfortable. However, there are definitely some kids who are really excelling. We are in the process if sewing seeds, rather than seeing the harvest . . . I'm completely at peace with that considering I work with age group throughout the year. One of my favorite times during the camp is small group discussion. The kids are really starting to open up to me. We have committed to each other and ourselves that small group time is a safe place, a real place where we can be raw with one another.

Yesterday we went to the ropes course. We prayed for sunshine, knowing a forecast of strong rain was expected. We had people praying for sun throughout the day. IT POURED! Ha! But God is sooo good and His plans are better than ours. Our kids responded in an unbelievable way. We were drenched the whole time and freezing cold, but our kids loved it. It is such a blessing to see and work with underprivileged kids who don't ever get to do the things we are doing through this camp. Their excitement and joy is pure and genuine. I cannot wait to go camping next Thursday and Friday. It will definitely be trying for our kids, but worth the trip.

God really spoke to me heart today. We have one kid in our camp that is completely defiant and disrespectful. My flesh wants to definitely get in his face and tell him a piece of my mind. (that was G rated for you). Throughout prayer today God spoke to me and said "see Him through my eyes." This is something I have prayed for numerous times for students I work with; without a doubt this may be my biggest challenge. I have also found myself getting impatient. If I am being real with ya'll, it is extremely hard to take a back seat and let others teach when you come from that background. I am asking for prayer in this area. I do not ever want to disrespect another person or step on others toes, I am here to grow just as everyone else. In saying that I need to learn how to approach people or bring issues to the table that need to be addressed. I feel as though I am just babbling here, but bottom line is I need some prayer in that area. Hey, I know the Holy Spirit will lead you in the direction you need to pray for me. Thank you ahead of time.

And that's it. I can't believe 3 weeks is already almost up. I am looking forward to God continuing to blow me away over the remaining weeks. Brokenness and restoration. I ask for it! I love ya'll and miss ya'll. Until next time, love deeply.