June 9th

We were able to go down the zipline tonight and I realy feel like it was a wonderful illustration of how I feel about starting my first week as a counselor, and the rest of my summer here at camp.

I had been trained on how to put on the zipline equipment. I had seen it being built, and I knew it was perfectly safe. It had been built by a Master Engineer and I was surrounded by people who loved me. However, when I stood at the top of that platform, my toes hanging off the edge, nothing could have untied the knots in my stomach! But no turning back, onwards and upwards. So I stepped off....

All of the sudden I was flying! With the wind in my face I couldn't help but laugh. I didn't want it to end. But I was pulled to the landing platform, helped down and met with a thounderous round of applause. Yet it was nothing I had done. Was it not the Master Engineer who had built the tower, the cable that supported me, the rope that connected me, and the harness that cradled me? All I had to do was step off of that platform and trust. All I had to do was hold on tight for the experince of a lifetime!

God help me to remember this illustration of your love for the rest of my life.

The Earth is Flat....

but despite the lack of posts I have not yet fallen off the edge. Perhaps you are wondering where I have been for the past 3 months. Well let me tell you....

I have been in a place where a backpack is the perfect accessory for every outfit. Where instead of a wallet and a cell phone you bring a Bible and a wristband every where you go. A land of Egor buckets and flag belts, and a place where EVERYONE knows you. Modesty always trumps fashion and slushies are most definitely a major food group. You work 15 hour days without a paycheck and golf carts are the fastest mode of transportation. Prayer, reading, and time alone with God replace ipods, TV, and game systems. Cheagles exist, teachable moments abound, taxidermy is the decoration of choice, and a one-on-one is ALWAYS a private conversation in a public place.

I love this place. It goes by the name of Camp Barakel (a name found in the book of Job) and it means "where God has blessed". God most certainly blessed me there this summer and even more amazingly worked through me to bless the lives of the 80 some girls I had the joy of counseling.

The summer is now over and I am currently on a new adventure, but I feel that I first should chronicle my summer as a Camp Counselor. So please check back for fun stories, crazy situations and tales of Gods amazing love and grace.