I'm not sure how much time was spent in preparation for this first day of camp, but it definitely seems like we could have prepared for the next 2 years, and we would still not be quite perfectly ready. But, strangely, that's okay. Because this camp, as I'm seeing more each day, is not about preparation, perfection, and planning. But truly, this camp is about anticipation, satisfaction, and dependence. Anticipating God to move. Being satisfied in His presence. And completely depending upon Him for everything.
So, enough about my reflections, here's the plot and the stories from the day (condensed of course). At the start of the morning, we maybe had about 9 kids wake up and come at 9 am (much less than the 20-25 at 2pm last week). I saw that as God easing us into the day. A brief welcome and camp introduction took place and then we split off into devotion groups--those who really wanted to learn, and those who unfortunately did not. So, I was leading the group of the kids who struggle to pay attention and who maybe have some mild behavior issues. Due to the time of day, there was only 1 kid in my group for the morning--Steven. The 11-year-old boy could probably out cuss a sailor and dominate a cheetah in a footrace. Seriously, you've got to meet him. But as you see the brokenness in his behavior, it's really only a small scratch on the surface of the brokenness in his life. We began devotion in prayer. He was slow to mention any prayer requests, but once he started naming things, it's almost like they didn't stop. Normally, in a group of 10 people or so, it's hard to remember what everyone said. And the prayer might include, "God you've heard everything we've mentioned…" But I found myself praying for Steven, his family (cousins, uncles, aunts, etc.), and other stuff and forgetting all that he had said. That typically doesn't happen when you only have to pray for 1 person…but it did. The devotion itself was so rich in God's word. I started to see that as I asked Steven, "Who's Jesus?" he began by saying something about the cross, dying, and our sins. But when I asked, "What does that mean?" and, "What happened after his death?" he was unable to supply an answer. Sadly, that is the case for almost all of these kids. They've heard the name Jesus. They know His name and have been taught the one liner about Him. But they haven't got a clue about who He truly is, and much less how to begin to have a relationship with Him. We only have room for growth.
The day definitely had it's struggles. Going back and forth from my wit's end was interesting. Understand, when I talk about the struggles with the kids, it's not to down them, or to vent, but rather to shed a little bit of understanding on the reader. You will understand more about their victories and triumphs when you see more clearly of where they are currently at. So, when I say struggles…cussing fits, reprimanding a guy from hitting a girl, 2 attempted flees, quite a bit of yelling, a fair amount of poor listening, an angry neighbor, some harsh language, and just general misbehavior. I could go into detail, but I choose not to, because the only way to understand it better than that description is to be there in real life and experience it. But I mention the struggles, because when there's a struggle, there's also a lesson.
Today's biggest lesson was learned by none other than Steven (see how I'm already growing attached). After having an altercation with another girl his age (which ultimately lead in her attempted flight from camp), Steven and I had a, you could say, Pow-Wow. He'd already had about 4 or 5 last straw moments during the day, so this talk was the "get it right or go home moment." But, unlike the other brief talks, I believe there was some success in this one. A lover of a good conversation, Steven often struggles most with saying the wrong things (put nicely). These poor choice of words often get him into a scuffle or verbal brawl of some sort (such was the case today). In light of our Pow-Wow, however, by the end, he was confessing that he would no longer talk back to people, but he would instead, as he put it, "let them disrespect me to my face and do nothing about. Then just walk away." For him to say that, or for anyone of his peer's to say that for that matter, is essentially a slam dunk of a victory in my eyes. I'd explained to Him in devotion (and during the Pow-Wow) about how Jesus was treated when He was crucified, and how He responded with silence and forgiveness. Professing that he would do likewise, Steven was reinstated into the kickball roster for the rest of the afternoon. He had about an hour of great behavior and avoided many altercations that would have typically resulted in a meltdown. Eventually, he got into a brawl of some sort with that same girl, which spread to the other yard, which lead to the angry neighbor. However, as Emily so wisely provided her adage, "You've got to appreciate and look for the small things this summer." Steven's hour of positive behavior may be small, but in his world and in my eyes…it's huge.
Tomorrow we're going to an indoor rock wall. And guess what, it's free! Another non-profit called GOAT (Great Outdoor Adventure Trips) is taking care of us quite splendidly. Also, later this summer, they're taking us on a 3 day overnight backpacking trip, and also on a white-water rafting trip (free as well). They're awesome and if you're looking to donate or support another non-profit besides KBCT (our organization), please consider helping out GOAT. They're link is posted on the blog page towards the top left (I hope). I'm taking the camera tomorrow, so be looking forward to some awesome pictures later this week. Also, Friday, the YMCA is letting us use one of their pools for 2 hours fo' free!!! (a few of the God examples already taking place). Anyways, there's plenty more stories to tell, so if you're a family member or close friend, please call me and I'd love to tell you more. If you're just happening to stumble on this blog, comment asking for more and I'll do my best to share more about each day.
That's all for now folks.
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