A few weeks ago I wrote about why I chose to spend a portion of my summer working at a summer camp. It was half way through the session and I felt like I was still figuring things out. Well, now since it has come to and end and we have all gone our different ways I know why I felt like I was being called to work there this summer. I've learned so much and here is a piece of that.
When we arrived we made a saying, it was "we want to leave here better than how when we arrived". I for sure think that happened. We all grew and made an impact in each other's lives in the short month we spent together. I feel like some of these people know me better than my best friends from home do.
So here we go, I learned how to love someone wholeheartedly and be patient. I worked with an amazing team in the kitchen. We were a little family... but family comes some drama. Two of us didn't necessarily get along with the other guy we worked with. I questioned if we'd ever see eye-to-eye or be on the same page. After prayer and opening up I learned how to be patient and how to love people wholeheartedly. We all couldn't have gotten along without supporting each other and uplifting one another during the hard times or long days.
Another thing I learned was to trust God's plan. He has a plan for everything and sometimes we get caught up in our daily life to stop and think about it. We all question why thing's happen to us but we never ask God what he has planned for us. I can assure you it's something amazing and beautiful.
Community, I think part of His plan was for me to work there this summer was to find community. I mean I have a community back at home and at college but I think he wanted me to find a good and solid community. A group of people who can help show one another how to have a daily walk with Christ.
Being cut off; one of the things camp does is take away our phones. They real that it takes away from the purpose of serving and that one would be too distracted with it. They're right. We rely on it so much for everything; our connection to the world, social media, text etc. But honestly we shouldn't.... Before going I could imagine having my phone but when leaving it was weird having it. We would get them back on turn ver but ehh, I wasn't a fan of getting it back. I went into camp stressed about some things and not having my phone took that stress away because I wasn't constantly on Instagram or checking texts or Snapchat.
Another is how to cook. I worked in the kitchen at the camp as a PM cook. We worked long hours (10:30 - 9pm) but it was amazing. From making ranch dressing to learning how make french fries and everything in between! I learned so much from working in the kitchen and I wouldn't trade it for the world. When I got back my family asked if I could cook for them now.... ha my reply was "sorry I only know how to cook for 300...." which is true so if anyone has a part for 300+ and needs a cook, hmu.
Lastly, YOU take God's breath away. He loves you more than anyone else can and you take his breath away.
So that's a little insight on what I learned while on Summer Staff. It was definitely one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. We became a family, I didn't know I could love so many people so fast. From hanging out in YaLoma to playing battle of Spotify songs in the Kitchen to praying for all the new campers coming and everything in between. I'll forever remember and treasure my time serving at Clearwater Cove. #BlessEm&BlessEm
P.S. thanks y'all for still loving me when I got double pink eye.
Rivers and Road's till I reach you <3.
