Girls' Camp Weekend 2014

Each year I always say that I am blessed as much as I bless in doing ministry. This year, this summer in particular, I must say that I know I was blessed much more than I blessed! These kids help keep me alive--they are so pure and genuine and such beautiful creations of the Master that I cannot help but be filled with joy when I am in their presence. In the wake of my recent sabbatical, I am still being "rebuilt" myself, so the kids with their unconditional love for me helped to restore my spirit just by showing me how to recapture the childlike joy of life that I may have lost. In the girls' weekend I sought to instill in them a strong sense of purpose, a strong grasp of God's love for them, an understanding of how each of our actions has ripples that go on for eternity (for the positive or the negative), and also to teach them some basic home-making skills. I accomplished all of that, but they in turn taught me how to laugh, how to frolic in the water, how to swing and slide and act silly, how to stay up late giggling and sharing our fears (oh, wait, they do that every year!), and how to have FUN! I taught them how to use a sewing machine, how to be sensitive to God's voice and visions in worship, and how to see His hand in every day life. It was a small, intimate group, but we were more relaxed and more focused on building relationship than following an "agenda." Something new for me....just another step on the journey God has me on! Thanks to everyone who has supported us through our changes, particularly to the Wooty Foundation for their generous donation which helped fund this weekend!