(side note for all of these weeks: I have a co-counselor and for these weeks it was an amazing girl named Krystle)
Last week was "Special Week" a week dedicated to serving adults with intellectual disabilities. I had never before worked with closely with any age affected by these disabilities so I was definitely anxious for the week to come (would it be awkward? would I know how to act? how would I reach them mentally and more importantly spiritually?). Tons of questions raced through my mind but they were quickly forgotten! One my 7 wonderful campers arrived at Black Rock the love I have for them began to grow. It was not always easy to love these sometimes surprising ladies but reflecting back, I could not have selected a more amazing group. These women provided me with a combination of challenges that helped me grow immensely and rewarding moments that touched my heart. Having to care for grown women was an experience that taught me great patience and humility; two lessons that God knows I always need to work on!
This past week was was Jr. High week! Everyone (or almost everyone) I talk with about this age groups seems to only have negative things to say (middle school attitudes, sass, ect.) so I was also nervous for this week to begin as well! But lucky for me this week absolutely blew my mind, in the most amazing way possible! I had 9 girls in my cabin (8 of them going into 6th grade and 1 going into 8th) and I loved each one of them more than I thought would be possible after just a week together! And I'd like to think that they loved me right back! This week was not exempt from challenges though! While the majority of the week went smoothly there were a few bumps along the road. One of my girls was very unique and she accepted the title of being weird. While I'm not discouraging creativity and being different it was sometimes difficult to help this girl see that she should instead be seeking her identity in Christ and not the world. Another one of my girls was very passionate about everything! She loved talking and competition and was very knowledgeable in reagards to scripture and the Lord, but she would often pick on the "weird girl" I had previously mentioned. At camp we do not tolerate bullying of any kind; Black Rock is a safe haven from cruelty and absolutely none of our campers are to be made fun of. It was a challenge for me to have to constantly be on the look out for bullying and then impliment the proper discipline but I definitely grew through it! I can not only be the fun, cool counselor, but I can also protect and look our for my girls. There were a few other not so great happenings throughout the week but they were far outnumbered by the wonderful moments I had with my amazing girls. It was definitely bittersweet to have to say goodbye to them today; I don't know if I'll have another cabin as great as this past week, but I am also beyond excited for the rest of the summer!
The beautiful ladies of Cardinal B!!!
(minus Krystle)
If any of you reading would like to pray for me you can pray that the entire summer staff as well as all of the campers (this coming week (week 3) will be 4th and 5th graders) will be kept safe and also that we would all grow in our relationship with Christ! Thank you for all of the prayers and support that you have already sent my way! Love you all!
