I heart camp.

This summer is a challenge. The dean of the camp that I counseled last week encouraged us to write down some of the stories so that we don't forget them and because story telling is part of life and of keeping faith alive. I agree with him, but I'm afraid the things that I have been learning and experiencing do not work well in story form. God has been moving and it's been incredible to see him break through to kids in the last few weeks.

This last camp, though. Man... I did not come back the same person at all. Some of it had to do with watching middle schoolers totally school me on what it means to be compassionate. Some of it had to do with feeling more at home at camp than I do in Milbank (even though I've lived here nearly a year.) Some of it has to do with finally connecting to other young leaders in the Dakotas Conference Methodist Church after a year of feeling like an outcast. Some of it has to do with my complacency in my own spiritual life and being challenged to step up in what I am leading students to do and think.

Over the last year one of the biggest hardships I faced was the feeling of being alone. This last week at camp put that in sharp relief. I was a part of a team of active Christians with different perspectives, passions and ideas for what God can do and does do in the world. Left on my own, my concept of God tends to shrink. I don't give him much credit or expect him to work. My attitude throughout the year had been - I'm going to try this and if something good comes of it, then great... if not - oh well. This week I realized that God can and will do amazing things with teenagers - if I trust Him. If I lead them to trust Him.

I am grateful for the camping ministry because it changed my life. I am who I am because of camp. Camp breaks down my walls and prepares me to listen to that still small voice of God. It is camp that provides that place set apart where my body and mind are trained to focus on God and to re-center my life around Him. It's not that camp is the only place to encounter God - it's just the most powerful memories I have of God so I am actually listening when I am there.

Like I said, not really stories. But they are truths and the truths about who I am and who I have been. As I look forward to this next year I pray that I am not the same person this time next summer as I am right now.

New Song

It isn't finished yet, but this is a song I've been working on today. I would like your feedback. The video is poor quality, but I only made it because I can't figure out how to upload just music to the blog yet...

Lyrics:

How can I turn my face, when the pain is all too real?

How can I let it go, when anger's all I feel?

I know He said I've got to love my enemy

Not sure if that's really possible for me

at least on my own without Him near me.

How can I open up after all that you've done?

How can I speak to you, when the words fail to come?

Summer Life

Summer life is...

Busy. I thought maybe it wouldn't be so hectic this summer without all my reguarly scheduled Sunday School and youth fellowship times, but that is so not the case. I have replaced a routine with chaotic scheduling and week-long camps. But I am also loving it! I just got back from my first week-long camp "Dare 2DV8". It's a 5th and 6th grade camp and I had a group of kids from the Milbank church go along. I would not trade those experiences for anything - I am so excited for these kids to participate in youth fellowship in a couple of years.

I also went camping with my family over the 4th. My grandma Henry turned 88 this year! Her birthday is on the 4th and that is lucky because she doesn't really like being celebrated. However, I spotted some tears this year as we sang happy birthday. She's just a big softy after all!

My dad bought a scooter (a razz) for me a couple of weeks ago. I just casually mentioned that I might like to own one someday and the next thing I know there is one in the garage. It's an older model, and it's seen some tough days, but it works and is almost in my price range. My parents are working with me on the payments. It's small enough that it doesn't have to be licensed, but it still goes about 20-25 mph. It's a baby blue color and at some point I'll have to put a picture of it online. Machelle calls it "barbie blue."

Otherwise, not much else to report. I am currently waging war against fruit flies in my apt. Their numbers are such that they should win, but I have discovered their great weakness: apple cider vinegar. Put a little dish soap in with the vinegar to break the surface tension and when they land for a drink, they drown. However, now my apartment smells like vinegar and I have these cups of what looks like nasty fly soup around my apartment.

That's all for now. Hope you're enjoying your summer!