Best Thing My Parent's Did for ME

When I was a teenager my mom found an add in a local newspaper about a Christian camp; I was from an area that did NOT promote camps and it was a new concept for us.  I went and there I fell in love with the idea of Jesus. I became a Christian and couldn't wait to go by back the next year.  I went two sessions the next summer! It was my place! I lovde feeling like I could be myself and it was an all the time spiritual high!  When I was in college, I was given the opportunity to spend three summers there.  This is where my parents come in! Normal parents encourage their kids to get good paying jobs during the summer to help support themselves in the fall semester.  My parents gave me the option to do mission work all summer and they would support me.  I learned so much working at Wyldewood. I learned lessons that I would have never been taught doing anything else.  I learned that the Bible is more than a rule book and how much deepr you can go into God's word.  I learned the art of hard work and no complaining(we were working for God).  I learned to accept people I would have never been friends with. I learned that Jesus is the answer. I learned lots and lots of praise songs! I learned I love kids so much! I learned children were my mission! I learned to listen. I learned prayer is ongoing and how to have "silent time" with God.  I learned to seek Godly counsel.  I could go on and on but, those were the main things I learned.  If my parents had not given me the gift of letting me spend 40 weeks on the mission field when it would have helped them out more to work in a "real"  job then  I would not have as strong of foundation in my faith.  I have long way to go with my walk with Christ but, I am so grateful for Wyldewood!

I didn't work at Wyldewood because I loved the Lord; I worked at Wyldewood because the Lord loved me.  It is a humble thought but, after reflection, I didn't know Jesus like I do now and it was divine intervention that I was there.  I was asked to do other jobs during the summer and God lead me to Wyldewood. My biggest regret was not being there the other two summers.

This last week camp had a roast to raise money for camp scholarships. I huge part of their camp is foster kids.  The roast was for the former director, Michael Lincoln.  He is now a county judge and the event was a hit! I thought it was going to be 20 old counselors talk about him...oh no! More like 200 with a senator there! HA! I saw campers that I didn't remember, counselors who when we saw each other we teared up because there is so much love from our days at camp! I saw people who also worked out at camp that I built special relationships with! No secret Margret the cook was one of my best friends through college! I would go visit her when I was in school and needed a break! During hte school year, I would babysit the directors's kids.  The huge amount of connections and love was overwhelming and I was sick Chad couldn't experience it!  I did not expect for it to be so full but, God knew I needed to be there.  I felt so honored, so the 7 hour round trip was totally worth it!  When Micheal took the mic. he did honor me in his speech with some of the kindest things I have ever been told.  It feels so good to be remembered for doing God's work, even when I felt like God was working on me!  Harry can start day camp this summer and I have the opportunity to volunteer! I really hope it works out because my heart is in the work Wyldewood does.  They spread Jesus and focus on sharing Christ's love with the campers!  Such a great ministry that I will always be a part of!

 My seat in the back with Michael speaking!