Thursday morning we woke up to the news that we should sleep in. Breakfast wouldn't be until 10:00 today because there had been a flash flood the night before and part of camp was underwater. Our power was off and the water wasn't working in the bathroom. We weren't sure what to expect when we went outside.
The whole lake had flooded. The creek running into it was a raging stream at this point which had washed out a bridge and was pouring out water. The volleyball courts were now a pool, the walkway to the slides was gone and the water was full of mulch, sticks and other debris. All of the campers just stood watching the lake.
We ate a breakfast of cereal and fruit inside. The camp director told us that everyone was safe and that though they were working to fix everything, they didn't know when that would happen. Thankfully the people who had been in danger that morning were all okay and totally taken care of by God's safety.
All of camp had free time in the morning because so much of the camp was closed and the staff was running around taking care of things. Hannah, the girls and I hung out in the meeting room and played Fishbowl and Psychiatrist, two of my favorite games.
Today was also awesome because it was LIBBY'S BIRTHDAY! I've been friends with Libby for three years and was so glad we got to celebrate with her today. The flood definitely made it a birthday she'll never forget.
A ton of our girls broke out their jerseys today. We're really into matching around here.
A lot of the morning we got to spend just hanging out and talking with friends. Not a bad way to spend the day at all.
I got to do my one on one talk with Sophia Lipka. She goes to Cathedral and just started coming to Young Life last semester. I was so glad I got the opportunity to get to know her better.
The storm brought out the crafty side of Chad, Jacob, Haleigh, Brian and Nick. They all worked on friendship bracelets from the craft barn.
After lunch we all headed to the Club room. Even without electricity, the camp managed to pull together enough generators to put on the party. Everyone was excited to be doing something all together.
One of HSE's strengths is waiting outside the Club room every single time. Today we played the scenario game and took lots of pictures while we waited.
Even without all the videos and air conditioning and bright lights, Club was still awesome today.
We had Cabin Time after club and then took a group nap because we were all so exhausted. I hadn't had caffeine all day either so the sleep helped my headache. When we woke back up we had power again which was an awesome surprise.
Dinner was delicious and ended with a Big Brownie-- a pan of warm brownie topped with vanilla ice-cream. We all dug in at once and ate every single morsel.
They pulled leaders and kids up on stage for a game at the end of dinner. They boys had to use pitchers to fill their leader's sweatpants up with ice. Whichever leader's pants weighed more at the end of the time won. They could barely walk they were so heavy.
I'm so thankful for all of the kids that got to come on the trip this week. It's incredible how many people have gotten involved with HSE Young Life in the past year. Natalie, Pidgeon and Audrey might not be in my cabin this week, but they are each such incredible girls and I love that we get to share this whole experience. They've been some of the main characters of YL back at home and I can't imagine them not being here.
Tonight camp was full of kids just playing everywhere. It wasn't about the fun of the blob or zip line or slides or high ropes course. We were just having a blast outside together. Sometimes we forget that life to the full can be as simple as that.
It's so cool to see the guys breaking out of their regular friend groups and hanging out this week. They've been having awesome cabin time conversations and growing so much in their relationships with God and one another.
I just love Hannah Blachly. It's been such a gift to get to lead at camp with her for two summers in a row. She continually inspires and encourages me in my own walk with Christ. Just a sophomore in college, she is already doing big things in the world and loving the people around her well. She's one of those people that I hope I'm friends with forever.
Somehow I barely saw Nina and Ella today. Thankfully we found each other right before Club tonight.
We were stoked to be back in the Club room tonight with AC, power and WORKING BATHROOMS! It was great to have everything back up.
At the end of Club tonight Crock invited everyone to go find a space in camp by themselves. For the next twenty minutes we would each sit and pray or think or respond to what we've been hearing in the club talks all week long. It was pitch black outside but the stars were shining brilliantly.
The work crew started singing a worship song to signal the end of the twenty minutes. Next everyone went back inside the club room for a concert from Sam, the special musician of the week. I sat outside talking with Hannah about life and these girls and Young Life and God's plans. It was one of my most honest and vulnerable conversations of the summer.
Back in the cabin everyone was hyper and somehow Abby, a leader and hair stylist, ended up giving me a haircut. It just seemed like the perfect opportunity. Before long three other girls got their hair cut too.
We went to bed after midnight with the usual routine of hugs and a bed time story from Cold Tangerines. We only have one full day left at camp, time is flying.
No comments:
Post a Comment