Where to Start

First of all I apologize that it has taken me so long to give an update. 

Like my title says I have no idea where to start and I think that’s why I put it off.  The first Camp we did in October was almost perfect, pretty much as perfect as one could get on earth.  I think I needed that because I had a lot of anxiety with the first camp in October and I was really worried that everything would go wrong and it would be a big flat fail and all the praying and anticipation for the past two years would be all for nothing and as soon as Camp Gozo started, that it would be all over after just one week.  But it wasn’t like that, it was awesome, everything, from the weather to the staff to the activities, really everything.

But this year it wasn’t perfect and I was a little discouraged if I am being honest.  The two days with the boys was a little discouraging.  They didn’t want to do anything; it was a fight to get them to participate in activities.  I was short staffed and it was tough.  I remember one point I was actually close to tears and then just at the right time I was standing beside on of the boys, and he made a comment, not to anyone in particular, he was just talking to himself but I just happened to be there just at the right time when he said to himself “this is the best vacation, I ever had in my entire life.”

The little girls camp started with one staff calling me the day before and telling me she couldn’t come and then when everyone got off the bus to my surprise two more staff didn’t show up so I was scrambling at the last minute to change cabins around and shuffling staff, really at the last minute cause I had no idea that the other two staff weren’t coming, and the weather was crappy and pretty much rained for two days straight so had to make up all new activities.  But when we were playing in the rain and hearing these little girls laughs, came just at the right time.  For supper we tied everyone’s hands together and they had to eat like that, and again at just the right time a little girl was laughing so hard, I am pretty sure that she peed a little and that brought joy to my heart.

For the teen girls again the weather was crappy except for one day.  I was crazy sick, I had a staff that refused to spend anytime with her cabin and came up with excuse after excuse of why not to sleep with them.  She was the one that complained the loudest, in front of her campers about what cabin she was in.  She was also caught talking badly with another camper about another camper.  But just at the right time to see one girl, who has hardened her heart to life, in tears in realization of the Fathers love for her came just at the right time.  To see the growth in my girls, they were the only ones that didn’t complain about their cabins or ask me to be switched.  One of my girls also handled a conflict really well by talking to her counselor instead of exploding in the situation, which really shows tremendous amount of growth.  Again all of this came just at the right time.  At a time when I was a little discouraged.

Then I got home and I think of the lives of these children.  I think of a little 8-year-old girl, whose mom hides cocaine in her shoe when, the go visit people in prison.  I think of the little 9-year-old boy whose father left and brother just died.  I think of another 10-year-old girl who is responsible for the care of younger siblings and younger cousins. I think of all these teenage girls who are so used to being rejected.  I think of these teenage girls who are in abusive relationships, I think of these teenage girls who have built brick walls around their hearts.  I think about them and I look back and see all the love they received.  I look back and see all the HEALTHY relationships that were formed.  I look back and I can see their smiles and I can hear their laughter.  I look back and I know that even though it wasn’t perfect, that I am learning and know things to do different for next year.  I look back and know that God wanted each and everyone of these little lives there.  I look back and know hearts and lives were changed.  I look back and I am so thankful that my heavenly Father loves me so much that He chose me to be part of this dream He has for His children in Colombia. 

When I was planning and praying for these camps, I was really shown how extravagant God is and how He wants to LAVISH His love on His children.  So even though it wasn’t perfect, even though there were moments of discouragement, even though there is some tweaking that needs to be done for future camps, I wouldn’t change a thing, because I learned so much and grew so much and know God left His finger print on these little hearts.

So with that being said, as Camp Gozo grows and expands here are some of the prayer points

11 >  For consistent staff.  One or two people that I can share responsibility with, because it is a lot of work doing all the prep by myself

22 >  Bibles, most to all our kids don’t have one

33 >  For a car, this is probably the biggest need that we need first.  It is complicated buying all the materials we need without a car and also to get all the materials out to camp before the campers arrive on public transportation and just incase we have an accident and need to take a child to the hospital (We had to take one boy for stitches but thankfully we could use the car that the owner of the place we rented had)

44 >  And last but not least, lad of our own, I know lots of people are already praying for this and talking with some of the other staff we are already coming up with ideas on how to set things up.

So thanks again for all your prayers and all your support.  Thanks for being part of Camp Gozo from a distance, I love my team of supports that is unseen and couldn’t ask for more.