A Behind the Scenes Battle

Hi Friends!

I'm in the middle of another long week. Every week is long but very good. :) Last week was Jr. Variety Camp led by Tractor. I was originally supposed to help with worship, but after Sunday night's session (which I did help with) plans changed and I was in the kitchen every day from 7:30 in the morning to 2:00. Although I wasn't on the worship team, I did make powerpoints and help plan the songs, because the leader was extra busy.

Kitchen duty was very stretching for me. ;) Since it was my first time this summer, I had a lot to learn. The first day wasn't too bad. I helped make 80 PB&J sandwiches and did thousands of dishes...or so it seemed. Every time I turned around there were more dishes to do. About midweek, I was getting stuff ready for lunch outside at the picnic tables, and I felt like I couldn't go on. I sat down for a couple moments and sort of pouted to myself about how sore my feet were and how tired my legs and arms felt. Then I saw another girl who was in the kitchen with me and who had worked extra hours the last couple days. She leaped up the stairs back to the kitchen, skipping every other one. I had seen her earlier that day. She was dragging and quiet due to fatigue. Watching her quickly skip steps to go do another job was like a slap on the cheek for me. She was more tired than I was, a nd she kept going. She went the extra mile. She didn't complain. Her example stood me up and pushed me through the rest of the week. Like that moment, several times last week I never thought I could go on, but every time I forced myself to do it, I did.

This week is High School Adventure Camp. :) I've been in the kitchen the last couple days getting stuff ready for the Eco-challange and helping with meals. Yesterday another girl and I sorted through the costume closet which was a total wreck! I thought to myself, "If only they'd keep it clean, we wouldn't have to spend 4 hours cleaning this out." And then I recalled the hours I spent in my own closet cleaning it out because I never kept it clean. Wow! I have a lot to work on. ;)

All the campers are gone on a backpacking trip right now. It's quiet around here and meals haven't been difficult, so we're having a nice break this afternoon. Tomorrow is the Eco-challange that I've been telling you about. I'm not sure what all I'll be doing, but I do know it is going to be a long and good day. I let you know how it goes, if I get a chance this weekend.

On Monday morning I read in Isaiah 2:22, "Stop trusting in man who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?" I meditated over it for a couple minutes trying to figure out who I was trusting in. I couldn't name anyone at the time, but later that day it came back to my mind.

I was washing dishes in the kitchen, and above the sink there was a laminated sign that said, "Pray...for the campers, the staff, and anyone you want." I was somewhat frustrated because I wanted to be out with the campers reaching them face to face rather than in the kitchen. But when I saw that sign it hit me. I have the best job there is. :) I get to spend all day just praying for God to reach the heart of the campers. The counselors, the leaders, the worship team, none of them have hours upon hours to pray with hardly any distractions. I am blessed. And it also came to my mind that prayer is more powerful than being on the front lines of battle. Through prayer I can be in the kitchen and still impact the heart of a camper. "So who am I trusting in?" I asked myself again. I was trusting in myself. I was trusting in myself to impact campers, trusting in myself to change lives. I have just a breath running through me. Of what account am I? Being in the kitchen this week, I have been reminded that I am only able to make a difference through Christ's power not my own.

Tonight I'll be doing dishes again, but I'll be praying. :) If you can pray with me, I'd love to have prayer for tomorrows eco-challange, for energy and safety. Also prayer for a good night's sleep. I've been coughing a lot at night, because I have a tickle in my throat. And I'd really like to sleep well the rest of the week. :) If you could also pray that I cherish every moment that would be great. I don't want to let any memory slip by.

Thank you for praying for me. I'm thinking about you guys.

See you in a couple more weeks.

Louie