This week's 2-day camp is Jr. High and High school. I spent all day yesterday in the kitchen cooking for 100+ people. It was about 95º outside and probably 115º in the kitchen! The kids had their own group to lead worship and it was excellent. It was the first time that the players AND leaders were all students. They divided up into groups for workshops, games, and preparations for Talent Night. They were allowed to prepare a skit, a coreography, a song or all three. It is such an excellent group to work with. There was so much enthusiasm and cooperation. The kids were soooo happy and enjoying themselves so much.
We had a student since 7th grade that has been a real handfull...now she is a senior. In almost every activity she is "the difficult one". More than once we sat around the "decision table" ready to kick her out, but someone would say..."let's just give her one more chance". Once she called Oscar an very bad name and was suspended. One year she was sent home from camp. The only problem was...her mom was not home and after contacting her, and not having anywhere else to go...she came to MY HOUSE! We talked, and talked, and talked and talked...way up till 3am. But, that was the year she broke down and we started a great friendship. She still is (often) a troublemaker, but I have learned how to get to her heart. Yesterday, I was busy in the kitchen and she came to tell me hi...BUT, she was soaking wet from the pool. She just wanted a reaction. I know she wanted me to get mad, but I just hugged her back...all wet and everything. I am amazed at the change in her attitude and life. I see her walls being broken down as she lets love flow in...and out.
School Camps are LOTS OF WORK, but when we see that little seed planted...even years before...growing into a "beautiful flower" or a "tall, strong tree". Then, it's worth the sweat,...the cost, the prayers, and the tears!
3 comments:
You are a good mentor for her, Karen!
I know your parenting experience is with boys- but God sends hungry and hurting girls into our lives for us to love and guide. I have several grown women(now) that still come back to me and ask for loving advice, they bring their fiances and children and ask for approval.
I will be praying for this girl and you- I love that you hugged her right back. It probably helped cool you down in that hot kitchen! LOL
Thanks for sharing this with us, Kar. I thought you were going to say that you went out to the pool with her and jumped in. :)
I also loved that you didn't "freak out". I do, too often. But I remember once spilling a whole bunch of sugar on the floor and Mom walking in and saying calmly, with a little smile, "Let me help you sweep that up." And I thought, "I need to remember this...."
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