I tell ya what, this weekend was fantastic! I should preface this by stating that every other time I've gone out to serve, I was there during their Autism/Developmentally Delayed Week. So on the Autism weeks, behavior is an issue with the campers, and it's a busy busy week. This weekend was SO different.
This weekend the primary disability was Cerebral Palsy. And, as you know, I have CP, so it was quite a cool weekend. I have a limp, and am the pickiest eater on the planet, but other than that, the CP doesn't hinder me. I walk without a walker, don't require a wheelchair, or assistance to do daily living skills. I live on my own, pay my own bills, etc. I am independent in every way possible.
This weekend, we had kids in our cabin with CP in wheelchairs and walkers. We had girls that required assistance to do toiletry and showering duties. (Which stretched me out of my comfort zone, I might add) I found myself blessed by it all. I have had moments when I've been frustrated with the limp...how it makes me stand out...or how I fall from time to time and feel embarrassed. After this past weekend, I realized how blessed I really am.
I don't think our campers have horrible lives...I really don't. They are wonderful kids who have awesome attitudes toward life. I learned a lot from each and every one of them. At the same time, some of those girls won't be able to live on their own like I do just because of their physical needs. I stood there last night and thought, "I am blessed more than I ever realized." I think we all take those things for granted. Even something as simple as being able to go to the restroom without help. I had never really thought about it before but it is something that I can do without thinking twice. Those kids have to ask for help every time. It doesn't bother them, it's just something I really thought a lot about the first night we were there. It's amazing what we take for granted.
We had 6 campers and CIA's (teens assigned to each camper), and each one was incredible. None of them had behavior problems, in fact they were all the most polite campers I have seen. It was a pleasant change from the other weeks I've been there. I didn't sleep in the cabins, but spent time there when the girls were there, and we had a lot of fun laughing and spending time together.
The schedule was the same as regular camp, so it was sort of busy but not too busy. We had a party friday night, followed by Wrap-up where we have music and a short teaching on being a Christian. That night, after a song in worship, I was pointed out by the worship leader, and was asked to come pray. I was amazed. I was there for the campers, and God was calling me out to pray. I went up and prayed. It was really really cool. It was one of those, "Okay, God, I get it, you are still with me." I was blessed.
Saturday we got up and Laura taught at our first activity of the day. She spoke on thinking on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, or praiseworthy. I found that very timely just due to what I've been through this month. I was blessed.
Our morning activity was supposed to be horseback riding, but due to rain we had indoor games instead. It was a hoot to watch the campers build a fort to be demolished later on, wrapping a CIA and camper together with Saran Wrap, and then making crafts. It was a lot of fun. I got to help Jodelynn make her craft. We were both covered with paint at times, so it was really fun. In the afternoon we decorated cookies, made volcanoes, and made goo. It was really fun.
At one point we went outside and did parachutes. I wasn't really needed because the kids were with their CIA's. And, one of the dogs who live at the camp, Toby, came up with a Duck Dogtoy. I went over to play with him, and he laid down to destroy it. I sat there and just pet him while he destroyed it. I wanted to keep the Duck Head to show the two boys who live there at camp with their family but Toby took the toy away. I picked up the other remains of the toy and carried them inside. Once we were back inside, the two boys came in and I shared the story of the duck. I started with, "Boys, I have sad, sad, news." They totally fell into my little story and they were all worried until I said, "The toy duck is dead." They just smiled. We had a moment of silence for the toy duck, and then the oldest one said, "Okay, that's enough for the duck!" I realize it looses a bit in translation but it really was a highlight for me. It is something I won't forget.
Last night we had a party centered around the "March Madness" theme where we had a maze for them to go through, hockey to play, bowling, and a relay race. I took pics of all of it, it was fun!
At one point, Godlygal came over and we talked. She and her family just moved to camp and I hadn't really gotten to talk to her yet. As it turns out, she wants to go to IHOP! I offerred to baby-sit her kids so she and her husband can go, but she said she wants to go with me! I can't believe it, another IHOP fan! I asked if Laura could go, and she said sure! That was awesome. Of course, the highlight of the night for me was during wrap-up when she got up to teach. I don't know if you've ever experienced a time when a sermon was for you, but the sermon last night spoke right to where I am at. Where I have been questioning God, and asking "Why" about several things in my life. In her sermon, she covered hope, perserverance, joy, and Jesus. It was REALLY good. I sat there and thought, "Okay God, I get it." Sometimes we need that, we need God to speak to us through others. I sat there blessed that God would do that for me. He holds the universe and stars in His hands, yet cares enough for me for a message to be said for me. I'm sure it was for others too, but it REALLY gripped me. God is sooo cool!
This morning was got up, ate breakfast, packed up, and said our good-byes. There are campers that I will never forget. Both Caleb's were special. I could go on and on. I tell ya what, you got to serve there and you wind up being ministered to and feel blessed. Amazing stuff.
I asked Laura if she needed help next month for the Barn-A-Break, and she said no. Ah well, I guess I will just look forward to Terms 6 and 7 this Summer when I get to go serve again.
You know, we're all blessed. It's just sometimes up to us to notice it.
Later!
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