"did you turn on the light switch?"

Sometimes I feel like some of the things that happen in my life are impossible to express through words. This is my attempt to try.

An entire day of camp has come and gone, and I stand amazed at what God has done in a mere 24 hours.

We began with registration. I am the camp photographer, which means I get to take pictures of the church groups as they arrive and order prints for them to have. While in the company of one of my amazing team mates Jeremy, we roasted in the sun and the sand for 3 hours without sitting down. During this time of what you may think is torture, I got to know Jeremy better and hear his amazing testimony. I can honestly say that he is a genuine, kind, funny, all around good person. His spiritual maturity astounds me, and his way with kids is incredible. Even in the heat and sweat and sun, I enjoyed every minute of it and I am glad that the Lord let our paths cross.

After an opening celebration with music and songs and a totally awesome staff dance (which, by the way, I almost...no I did fall while running up the stage), we were dismissed to our bible studies.

I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting with a bible study group of my own for the first time, but I assure you, this was not what I had in mind.

I'm going to be completely honest here, my first bible study was terrible. The kids looked at me like I was crazy and had pure, putrid apathy for the games, illustrations and bible lesson that I attempted to teach to the kids. There was no excitement on their part, no fun, and no attempt to try. I left my room feeling hopeless, discouraged, shocked, and like I had lost control. While on the verge of tears from the frustration of the bible study, we had our first party. I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders because I was not expecting my bible study to be apathetic. Hyper, sure. Talkative, of course. Immature, that's a given. But apathetic? I was floored. I am a very passionate person, and I have poured out my heart getting ready to work at camp this summer- I have literally been waiting for this summer for ten years. I guess I just wasn't prepared to have a group of kids who aren't excited and don't want to be.

In hindsight, I can say this night of registration is one what I will never forget.

Because...

When we finished and had staff meeting, I had a sunburn, a headache, and a brick on my chest. I was not the only one to have a negative first impression of bible study. I was clearly upset, and my some of my amazing team members took time out of their night to pray with me and encourage me. Josh, Rich, and I prayed together, and our camp pastor Chris played with me as well. It was one of those moments where I felt God wrapping me in His arms.

The first day of camp went better than I expected it to go, especially with my pretenses from the previous night. Campers learned how they are adopted into the family of God during bible study and had some scalding-hot fun on the rec. field. My kids began to open up to me a little bit more and more. The apathy was dissolving around them. That same day, one of my fellow staffers JB wrote me a very sweet and encouraging note. I was, and still am, surrounded by God's love expressed through people who care about me.

The second day of camp went even better. The party games, I Can't Wait skits, rec. time, and everything else went well and I have to say, I had a blast. I have the best job in the world.

I've had the honor of getting to know Kimberly, our video producer, a lot better over the past few weeks and I can honestly say, she is a friend that I will have forever. Making videos every single night after a long day of camp is demanding,and Kimberly does a great job. With her company along with Bethany, Meagan, or Jordyn, you are in for a hilarious time.

Every single person on my team holds a special spot inside my heart. I again can't express enough how well our team fits together. I love them dearly, and the thought of leaving them when the summer is over makes me very sad indeed.

But perhaps the best part of my week so far was when Josh and I talked to a little boy as he became a Christian. This was the first time that I have ever really done something like this, and it blew me away. Josh was so knowledgeable and approachable with this little boy, and I was trying to take it all in. Literally right after that, a little girl from my bible study became a Christian. Is God good or what?!

So now, after registration, two full days of camp, a little sunburn, lots of laughs, and a great deal of drowsiness, I will say goodnight. Ignore the typos, I'm very sleepy. Love you all.

<3