I was expecting it to be a swelteringly hot Georgia day, but to my surprise the cloud cover and even a small sprinkle of rain kept us nice and cool. It was the perfect weather for being out in the orchard! The kids laughed and delighted in it all, and went on a "treasure hunt" for the perfectly ripe peach. It was so much fun! In a culture that is laden with electronic devices (like ipods, iphones, and iPads) it is so nice to see a young person enjoy a simple pleasure! After walking the orchard, we sat at the picnic tables and ate fresh ice cream and discussed our Sunday "give back" adventure, singing at the Fellowship Home.
On Sunday, I escorted 11 of the kids (including 3 new kids) to volunteer at the Fellowship Home in Morven, GA. The girls have beautiful singing voices and love to share their gift with others, so they volunteered to sing to the residents. During an afternoon chapel service, the A.W.O. girls sang hymns such as "Melodies from Heaven," among others. They poured their hearts into it, and the Spirit moved in our midst! I believe everyone there was blessed!
On the way there, in the NCC van, I was privelaged to hear the girls practicing their songs. The spirit of God was so strong in their music that I got chill bumps and tears long before we ever arrived. I reflected then on how blessed I am to know these kids and I question who is more blessed by our relationship, me as a "guide" or them as the pure-hearted lovers of Christ. I might argue that I am far more blessed by our encounters than they!
Also on the weekend's journeys, I met several new kids, some who wanted to accompany me but who I did not have room for, and some who were able to come (because their friends let me know in advance). As I was somberly explaining why they would not be able to come to this year's camp, because the cabin was already reserved and we just didn't have funds for another cabin this late in the year, my heart grew quite heavy. On the drive home Sunday afternoon, I was overwhelmed and torn by the yearning in my heart to reach out to these kids, both "old" and new, yet faced with the reality of our limited funds. I prayed that night, asking God to guide and direct me in what to do. The next morning, I sought the Lord again, still struggling in my heart with the situation. I asked, "God, do I just tell them "No," they can't come this year, or do I trust that it is Your will for me to allow all children to come and trust that You will make a way?" I felt like He answered, "Don't I always make a way?" My heart leapt with joy! I immediately stepped out in faith, knowing we could not afford a second cabin, and called the campsite to reserve it anyway.
I then sent out a message to a few of our supporters asking for anyone who felt led by God to contribute to do so, and asking for prayer support as camp quickly approaches. Within five minutes (that is no exaggeration!!) of sending that message I received a reply promising a $300 donation. Do you see why I say I am overwhelmed by God's goodness?? In the space of a few days we have gone from having one 20-bed cabin to two! We still need funds, but I am walking blindly forward because I trust Him and know that He will provide!
Thank you, again, for your support and encouragement along the way, and a special thanks to NCC for the use of your van for this past weekend--so many children were blessed for it!
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