3

The little bit that I want to share about week three came on day 6. I have been able to see God moving in great ways through the 11 summer staff that work in the kitchen. They struggle through loving each other and the rest of the summer staff and rely on Christ to make this love possible. We all came together mid afternoon day 6 in the club room and were able to share what the Lord was showing each of us and where we still found struggle. I had to leave before we prayed for each other but I know that Christ was with them and their and my eyes are being cleared to a sharper image of who He is and who we are to Him.

1

I ended week one with a beer, two hot dogs, and an indie film about the 1976 paris judgement. 

I can't say this was the hardest week one I've ever had but I can say that it was probably my longest. I like to down play how tired I get and how long I am at work because for some reason I think I can hide it from people and help them to feel like their time in the kitchen is more fun and energetic. 

I think I was able to admit to being tired and frustrated at times because I have Tex and Julie working beside me. Julie's caring heart forces me to be open about what my heart wants to hide but what my voice and face are clearly saying. Tex in greater and lesser ways is a protector and though sometimes it frustrates me, always has my best interests in mind (and only really frustrates me because I don't want to believe what he tells me is true). Our summer staff and work crew are also wonderful. They work hard (though sometimes with a lack of focus) and find joy in what we ask them to do. It's encouraging and challenging to see the Lord work is these people. 

I don't really get contact with campers unless they are former work crew kids or leaders I know from previous summers and I don't really mind it. My desire for the summer is that I focus on serving the Lord and by limiting my time with campers I think I can better do this. Plus I just the weird chef with bright orange shoes. 

In my fatigued state I let myself give into sins I hate and try to fight my way out of, but continue to learn more deeply about grace and why God is wrathful and honestly his wrath (some for fear but mostly for its absolute truth) keeps drawing me closer. 

Week 2 begins today and I won't be at camp until day 3. I will hopefully drive work crew that day on their night off and get to love them in the process. 

the beginning

Today the first assign team arrives at camp. 

Tomorrow the work crew and summer staff.

And then Saturday the campers arrive. 

This is what we've been preparing for and praying for and working so hard for all year, since the last one ended. I goal is to sit down either the night of day six or the morning of day one and put into words the things I saw the Lord do and what He taught me during that week. It is so easy for me to keep going and look past the mighty presence and work of each day and lump it into the generic wonder of "summer". 

Today marks the beginning of summer, my 6th summer at camp, and I am most excited to see what the Lord has in-store.