Feeling the Territorial Vibe

Well, I've been at Territorial now for 3 full days...and I'm alive and praising the Lord!!

It has been a real process of feeling like I fit in, in a really uncomfortable atmosphere, and being brave and pushing my boundaries. But God is good!

I have been absolutely loving my drama main stream. This morning we filmed from a script we've been rehearsing. This was my first time being filmed in anything like this, and I was really nervous. But I ended up having so much fun, and really learning a lot.

Tonight I experienced one of the coolest things I've ever been blessed to be apart of!

The evening program was coming to an end, and the camp was dismissed from the auditorium, after one last song was sung. But praise the Lord the Holy Spirit wasn't ready to let it end! A totally random praise and worship fest just let loose! People were just grabbing any percussion instruments that were around to hit and make music onto the Lord. Everyone else just clapped their hands, stomped their feet, and used their voices to shout praises to our Father in Heaven! Joel started reading scripture into the microphone, as the rhythm of the spirit just flowed and moved through the building...and how the people danced!! I have never felt so free! It was truly an incredible experience, where everyone just felt the total freedom and abandonment that you get when you lose yourself in the Lord! AMEN!

I'm pretty tired right now, so I think this is about all I'm going to write for this post. But know that amazing things are happening at Territorial, and God has claimed this camp as holy ground! Continue to pray for all that is going on as the week continues.

God is good!

Facing the Music Camp Fear

I have a confession.

I am utterly and completely petrified of Salvation Army Music Camps.

I attended Junior Music Camp at Jacksons Point when I was 7, but haven't attended one since then. I didn't have the greatest week at camp, and was left with a lot of sore feelings about the competitive and snobby nature of a lot of the campers I attended Junior with.

For one reason or another, I decided to attend Territorial at Jacksons Point this year. So in three short days (gulp) I am going to be a camper at the Territorial School of Music and Gospel Arts. I am starting to get a bit excited about the fact that I get to be a camper again for the first time in a long time...but honestly, I am also scared to death.

There is nothing outstanding about me in terms of anything musically or artistically in any way shape or form. I am not known in any parts of the Salvation Army for any kind of musical or dramatic talent. I am about to begin a camp where people attending are just bursting with talent and abilities and every bone in them is an artistically creative one. Not only that, the majority of people who are my friends who are also attending, are right up there in the talent spectrum, and a lot of them are fairly well known or heard of in music circles. To say that I'm feeling intimidated is an understatement.

I'm scared about a lot.

About looking like a fool and not doing well in the drama stream. About friends who I normally have a lot in common with and hang out with, switching into that music camp mode and no longer having time for me. About not fitting in with a lot of talented people. About having to feel like I have to impress people or act a certain way in order to fit in.

Chances are, at the end of next week, I'll look back on these fears and think they were silly. But some hurts run deep, and in looking at diving head first into something that I've spent my life staying far away from in my Salvation Army involvement....this is a big step.

I'm doing my best to stay open minded, non-judgmental, and to trust it all to God. I want to have an amazing week where I can hear the Lord and draw closer to Him in a whole variety of aspects.

So I guess...here goes nothing...

Why I Love My Cabin Leaders...

I love my cabin leaders because they were my absolute strength this summer. Honestly, I wouldn’t have accomplished what I did, or survived these two months without the impact that each of you made in my lives. I really don’t know how to put into words of how proud I am of each of you, as God has done a miracle in some way in each of your lives. Never doubt that God has his hand on your lives, and that through His strength, all things are possible. I love you all so much!

I LOVE….

KANGA: …because you give me that extra bit of support, always when I seem to need it the most, and you live your life so selflessly…
SNOOZE: …because you always have such a beautiful smile on your face, and you care so genuinely about everyone around you…
LILO: …because nothing seems to get you down, and you remain positive about everything…
CAPIZZIO: …because you always brighten my day with your random antics, and God is such an incredible vivid part of everything you do…
CHIP: …because you see life in such a simplistically beautiful way, and you care so much about the people around you…
PADDINGTON: …because you have such a beautiful and pure heart, and have such a genuine love for the kids that you work with…
CINDERELLA: …because you care so much about all the kids you come into contact with, and you have grown into such an incredible woman of God…
GYPSY: …because you have such a real passion for loving the unloved, and you care so deeply about ministering to others…
TWIX: …because simply being at camp is all the motivation you need to keep going, and you show love so incredibly to all the kids you meet…
SNOWFLAKE: …because you are so strong spirited and won’t let obstacles get you down, and are willing to dive head first into new situations…
TICKLES: …because you’re just a huge softy with an enormous heart, and you are always making sure that I’m in a good mood…
PEPPI: …because you are always there with a hug and a smile when I need it most, and you just have fun with life no matter what comes your way…
NITRO: …because you continually strive to do so well, and you make such an impact in so many campers lives…
FLAME: …because you are continually seeking after God, and you care so much about all those around you…
SPIDEY: …because you’re so patient at teaching me how to play guitar, and you are so full of God’s love for everyone you meet, especially your campers…
G-FUNK: …because you’re absolutely hilarious and always keep me laughing, and you have a real genuine passion and love for all those hard to love kids…
SOUTHPAW: …because you kept persevering, and are always striving to do better…
WOODSTOCK: …because you’re an incredible man of God and demonstrate that so vividly to your campers, and are always there to make sure I’m doing alright…

A Campfire Moment

I have had to unfortunately spend the better part of today in bed sleeping, as I'm sick again (round 3), and trying desperately to get healthy again.

But, I was able to make it to camp fire tonight, and I just wanted to share the highlight of my day.

I have been encouraging a lot of my cabin leaders to step out and take initiative in areas that they were timid about at the beginning of the summer. I have been telling Paddington to do devotions at campfire for the last couple of weeks, but she's been a bit nervous about it. But, I was delighted tonight to see her get up in front of the camp to lead them.

She spoke so incredibly well, it just melted my heart to see her up in front of 110 kids, passionately telling them about several Bible stories of God going miraculous things...using something small, and turning it into something huge.

She concluded with telling that campers that it doesn't matter that they're young, God can still use whatever talents and abilities that they have to do great wonders. As she was concluding her devotion, little adorable 7 year old Kurtis that I had sitting on my lap, just began to beam ear to ear. Although the rest of his cabin was a bit restless and having difficulties sitting still, Kurtis gave Paddington his full attention and just soaked up every beautiful word that she said. At the end, I asked him if he liked the story and he just smiled at me and let out an enthusiastic "yah!"

Through Paddingtons braveness to lead a devotion (that she did an absolutely fantastic job at I might add..) I know that she reached at least one little camper. Love it.

Just two weeks left...

To be honest, I didn't start off this camp week with much optimism.

I had a bit of a bad day yesterday, and it didn't look like week number seven was starting off too well. I found out that my roommate, and closest friend at camp, was given doctors orders to take the next two weeks off from work, and get some rest. As much as I hated to hear that my biggest strength this summer was leaving me, I was relieved to hear that she would be getting some much needed (and deserved) time off. Among a series of other small instances that occurred yesterday, the other big one was having to deal a camper from cabin seven late last night. I spent almost an hour with him, until nearly 11:00pm, trying to calm him down and get him to stop lashing out at his cabin leaders and fellow campers. By the time we got him to bed, it didn't feel like much was resolved and things weren't looking good for him remaining at camp for the week.

I went to bed last night feeling pretty broken. All of a sudden the quick pace that this summer has been moving on, seemed to come to a halt, and I was unsure of how exactly I was going to survive the rest of camp. It's been a hard summer in terms of having people around that I can talk to and bare my soul with, and finding encouragement and motivation to keep on. So, although my sister slept in my room with me last night, so that I didn't have to look at my roommates side of the room to find it completely empty...I was feeling pretty alone.

But then today happened.

My alarm woke me up (after having hit snooze twice..) with such a beautiful song, that has actually played through my head all day. Walking down the path to flag raising I remembered that I made the decision last week to come to God first about the struggles that come at me..so I uttered a prayer asking God to give me the strength to get through the next two weeks of camp, because I was at a loss as how I was going to get by.

At the beginning of breakfast, the wonderful Sara (LDP co-ordinator) called me over to talk, and asked how I was doing. I don't think she knows how much it meant but she asked if I would like to do something with her during the week, because she knew that I must be feeling pretty alone right now. That definitely put a smile on my face, and reminded me I still had support at the camp.

Several times throughout the day I had to go and talk to that camper from cabin 7, as he was having a horrible time listening and interacting with the other kids in his cabin. His cabin leaders were getting extremely frustrated, and were feeling at the end of their rope. Before it was time for dinner, this camper wandered into the office to ask for something that I had confiscated from him the night before. Before I realized it, 15 minutes had passed by, and I had the wonderful privledge of a beautiful, "normal", conversation with this energetic 8 year old. Ever since I met him last summer, I have never been able to engage him in any sort of coherent conversation that didn't consist of threats, name calling, and profanity. But here he was, hanging out with me in the office, telling me all about his family, school, and home life. After he left the office, I just sat there absolutely bewildered with a huge grin on my face. God is good, and definitely doing a work in this child's life!

The rest of the day passed by, with other small highlights along the way. But the evening ended with a spectacular sky show as the sun was setting. I think it was by far the most gorgeous sunset I've seen all summer. I wandered down to the lake and sat on the beach admiring God's handiwork, as others passing by in cars or by bikes, also stopping to gaze at the beautiful sky.

The final blessing I saw to end off the day, was after campfire as kids were getting ready for bed. My 3 year old cousin is staying up with my family at the conference centre this week, and Joseph often ends up with the camp program as nearly the entire staff knows and adores him. After campfire ended, Joseph began demanding that he get to sing a camp song with Spidey. So I found Spidey wandering around with is guitar, and the two of them spent the next 20 minutes or so singing and playing guitar together. It was an absolutely precious sight to see Joseph strumming the guitar, while him and Spidey sang "Jesus Loves Me" together. Love it.

I've been reminding my cabin leaders this week to not see it as a whole two more camps to have to suffer though before our summer is over, but instead that we only have two more weeks left to get to know kids...to get to make a difference in campers lives...and to get to show the love of God to children who never get to see it otherwise. I'm trying to keep that as my focus as well, as difficult situations arise over the next little while.

It's been a hard summer, for a number of reasons...but God has been that much more present because of that, and through being broken, has begun to make me stronger.

Just two weeks left...

Anyway

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;

Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

[Reportedly inscribed on the wall of Mother Teresa's children's home in Calcutta, and attributed to her. However, an article in the New York Times has since reported (March 8, 2002) that the original version of this poem was written by Kent M. Keith.]

Joshua 1:9

I recently recieved by far one of the coolest things I've ever gotton from a camper. It's just a little book made out of construction paper and crayon, but today when reading it, it totally touched my heart as it was exactly what I needed to hear. So I decided to share with you my little blessing.

Pouring Out

(Just as a warning…my well known rambling disease definitely comes out in this blog...and it’s a bit lengthy…but it was a well needed vent, so bear with me...)

Over the past few weeks I’ve really felt God bringing up some issues with me. Through various different circumstances He has really been trying to bring to light some issues within my heart and mind. Although I have been spending time talking through this issues with friends, or figuring out different ways of dealing with what is arising, I think I have done all but actually acknowledge the fact that I’m struggling, and that I do indeed need God right now in a huge way.

I have been learning some interesting things about myself over the course of this summer, and after hearing some God-breathed words spoken tonight by a fellow camp member at the youth bash, I have finally let some much needed things sink in.

I need to be honest and blunt about myself for a minute. I struggle in a very big way with something commonly referred to as “Emotional Fornication.” It’s a term that is often joked about, mostly by girls, when looking at how difficult our emotions can be to contain and trust to God. In looking at this in reference to me…

I have a deep and passionate desire to eventually find a guy who will love and care for me, the same I do for him (as most do)….but someone who I can also just pour myself out to. Someone with whom I can just let loose, and literally ramble about the most random ridiculous thoughts and ideas until I’m blue in the face. Someone who I can turn to in all those difficult times that arise, and can secretly admit to “I am weak, I am broken…and I don’t know how to be strong right now.”

I’ve realized over the past few weeks that I have been taking this desire that I have, and putting it into friendships that I shouldn’t have been. Having solid Christian friendships with people is something that has been new to me over the past few years, especially having close guy friends who are real Christians and support and strengthen me rather then bring me down. I think that when I enter into a solid Christian friendship with a guy, I tend to want to cling to that, and pour out whatever I can of myself as quickly as possible because I’m afraid that just as quickly as God has brought them into my life, he will surely take them out again. It isn’t always necessarily because I have feelings for them other then that of friendship (although that sometimes is the case…) but for one reason or another, I get emotionally attached and allow this person to become my emotional outlet and just pour out everything about who I am to them.

The past couple of weeks have been extremely up and down for me. I’m either just having a super amazing time with my campers and cabin leaders, or I’m feeling totally out of place and at an all time low as I think about the unknown of what is coming after this summer. Lately in my low times, I get thinking, “okay…all I need to do is just call/email/talk to this person and I will feel much better about things.” You know what? It’s not even just lately I’ve been doing that…this is a serious long time struggle that I never knew I had. There are a lot of things right now that are just beginning to just run rampid in my head. There is one issue that for one reason or another God has decided it’s time I deal with, that I have literally repressed and never uttered a word about since childhood (to myself, someone else, or God), that is just bursting to come out. There is another that I decided that I had been talking about too much to God over the past few months, so I would just stop praying about it…and now it’s beginning to break me down.

And what I’ve realized tonight is that I’ve put far too much into my earthly relationships…especially...ESPECIALLY…my friendships with guys. I have allowed that desire to want to be able to pour myself out to someone, to take the place of my relationship with God. Instead of seeking God out as the first person I want to talk to…as the strengthening conversation I need to have when things aren’t going well…as the person that I can cry in front of and admit that I’m not strong enough…I am looking for that in my earthly relationships. And as blessed and privileged as I am with the incredible Godly men that are keeping me going in my everyday life…they’re still just human, and those friendships have and will fail at one point or another. I need to trust God enough that when I come to Him, all things will be taken care of. I don’t always need the flattery, the compliments, or the emotional gratification that I may get from having a rambling or venting session with a guy in my life…God can and will provide so much more then that.

So…I’ve decided that as soon as I can possibly spare it, I’m setting aside a good chunk of time to have a rambling session with God, and to just pour out everything that I’ve been bottling up. And one day…God willing…I will have that beautiful soul in my life that I can rant and rave to until I’m blue in the face, who I know will stick around for a very long time and want to spend the rest of his life getting to know me. But…for right now…it’s definitely time to work on my relationship with God.

We're half way there....

We're just wrapping up week number four, and reaching the half way point. It's nearly the end of July already..crazy stuff. I don't know where the time has gone.

It's been a more challenging week for most, as we're beginning to break down spiritually, physically, and emotionally. There's been tensions and fights amoung co's, campers who are continually crying, bitterness amoung staff, and just an all round feeling of fatigue. I don't think it helped to have a very very gloomy day weather wise yesterday, as it seemed to just dampen everyone's spirits further.

But...on a more positive note. This afternoon, the sky cleared up (finally) and although it has remained cool, the glorious sun came out and just brightened up everything. I have had one of the best last evenings of camp that I can remember. It's crazy how just a little bit of sunshine can turn around everyone's day..staff and campers. (I finally had an evening without either of my two homesick boys coming into the office demanding that they were leaving that instant.)

And the highlight of the week..we had our first ever County Fair!! We decided that the traditional last night of Carnival was definitely dying and needed to be laid to rest (Rob's exact words were that it had died..and was buried with a very lovely tomb stone...and it was now time to move on..). So we kept what we liked, and re-vamped the evening program entirely. Earlier in the day Sara and I went to the Queensville Country store and bought some potato sacks (one of the funniest moments of my summer) so that we could run sack races. So, the evening consisted of things from the races, to Jello eating contests (which I had the privledge of running..and did I ever have the time of my life!) to arm wrestling competitions, to a random wide spread game of dodge ball. We even had one of the female cabin leaders walking around playing her violin, so that she could be a wandering fiddler to add to the atmosphere. A fantastic evening overly.

I have really enjoyed seeing how much my cabin leaders have grown and strengthened in the last four weeks...and so many don't even realize just how much God is using them. A fantastic moment tonight was when Brendon (Tickles) was sitting with one of the youngest campers (only 6) at the final camp fire and trying his very best to answer every single question that the little guy threw out at him. I snuck up and listened for a while, and some of the questions were very random, and quite difficult to answer...but Brendon didn't miss a beat, and I kept hearing him repeat over and over "it's because God loves you SO much!" Beautiful..I love it.

God has been good to this camp, and really been present for the first half of our summer. Things can only get better from here...bring it on.

At the end of the day...

At the end of the day...the sun will still set

No matter what struggles I face or obsticles get in my way

No matter what hurt I've felt or ache that pains my heart

No matter what words have been spoken or tears that have been cried

No matter what plans have been changed or promises that have been broken

At the end of the day...it's still just You and me God

He's still working on me

This song has been playing through my head ever since I woke up this morning...so I thought I would type it out.....

He's still working on me

To make me what I ought to be

It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars

The Sun and Earth and Jupiter and Mars

How loving and patient He must be

For He's still working on me

I guess we could all use that reminder every now and then.

Back to Square One

While I was having some prayer time yesterday, I realized something interesting.

Although the last year and a half has been quite a journey in all aspects of my life, and I think that I've grown a lot spiritually (as well as in other areas)....I realized today that I am back to square one in a sense.

Last March, God started specifically listing off to me what my struggles were, and what I needed to finally trust over to him. Now, over a year later...I'm finding that I'm facing the exact same struggles all over again, but now just in a different light.

I know that it's continual battle to surrender what makes us weak over to God and leave it all in His hands. I just don't think I had anticipated coming full circle and facing obstacles that would be in the same two categories that I struggled with over a year ago.

But God is good...just need to work up the courage to leave it at His feet all over again..

Two down...six more to go...

We are well into camp number three.

Last week was a bit of a challenge for some of the cabin leaders. Some interesting obsticles we came across were that we had a camper who refused to eat anything because her mom hadn't made it; a camper in the youngest girls cabin who frequently packed up her bags and decided she was leaving; a girl who chewed up the bedpost on her bunk with her "magic tooth" (literally took chunks out of the wood); and a male camper who had great difficulty keeping his shirt on and staying away from the oldest girls.

But, we survived another week and were left with loads of beautiful memories from the campers who came. A couple favourite moments from last week are:

- the same camper who sang "Jesus Loves Me" in front of the entire camp, told a staff member that his favourite part of camp was Bible (when he had literally never sat still through any of the Bible periods and we thought he wasn't listening..)

-having a surprise birthday party for a camper and seeing his face just light up at the sight of the cake with sparklers on it

-The smallest and youngest boy camper accepted Jesus into his heart and told a staff member "I can feel something surrounding my heart...that must be Jesus!"

-Having one of my cabin leaders pray for me during a mentoring session that was for him

-An athesist from the oldest boys cabin asked God into his life, and ran up and gave me a huge hug afterwards, just bursting with joy from the good news

-a female camper who had ended up in the office with me because she was bullying other kids in her cabin, ended up not only having a fantastic week at camp, but also made a lot of friends (which she told me she had never been very good at...)

This week the biggest concern has been about the health of staff. Many are feeling the fatigue and weariness that comes from constantly being on the go, and not getting enough sleep. Several staff members (including myself) are on meds for some form of cold, congestion, or infection...so please keep the camp staff in your prayers as we struggle to stay enthusiastic, strong, and positive...even if we have to fake it!

I am continually updating my "My Space" with camp pictures, so feel free to check those out. (Link is on the right)

Blessings!

"We do not lose heart..."

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

- 2 Cor. 4:16-18

Jesus Loves Me

Moment of the day.

We have a bunch of kids up from Regent Park this week at Wabana, which of course is absolutely awesome. One of the boys though has been having a bit of difficulty just with listening, and not wanting to participate in bible, or devotions or anything along those lines.

However, tonight at campfire....

While two of the cabin leaders were up at the front leading "Jesus Loves Me," this particular camper went up...stood between the two staff...put his arms around one of them...and began to softly sing along. It totally melted my heart as he completely humbled himself, shed the "tough guy" image, and sang Jesus loves me in front of 120 campers and 35 staff members.

God is working in his life. Amen

All I Can Say

I didn't notice You were standing here

I didn't know that That was You holding me

I didn't notice You were cry'n too

I didn't know that That was You washing my feet

And this is all that I can say right now, oh I know its not much.

But this is all that I can give, yeah thats my everything.

This is all that I can say right now, I know its not much.

But this is all that I can give, yeah thats my everything.

Survived Week One

Well, our first week of campers have gone home. We survived.

It feels like it's been a pretty smooth week, even though we had some hitches along the way. We had to send two kids home due to illness...we had a camper fall of her bunk and get a cast and 6 stiches...we had a camper with some kindof skin disease that we still can't figure out...and two of our night programs got rained out. BUT..the praises far out way the problems!

Praise God that...

...Roman began to listen, socialize and laugh by the end of the week...

...Daniel didn't end up in the office once, and is growing into such an incredible young man...

...Kritter has turned into quite the helpful camper and God is working through him in amazing ways...

...I talked to a 7 year old last night who's favourite thing to do is talk to God, and he couldn't get enough of praying...

...Kyle, a homesick camper that frowned, pouted, refused to talk, and hid under a hood for the first 3 days of camp, was laughing, smiling, and even in a tickle fight by the time camp finished...

...8 of the youngest girls in cabin one accepted Jesus into their hearts...

...my cabin leaders are becoming an amazing team working together to do God's ministry...

...in two days we get in camp number two, and we get to do this all over again...

In Need of Prayer

Yesterday morning I got a phone call from the supervisor at the placement that I was meant to start at for school in September. Not so good news.

Seems that they are no longer able to supervise a student, as they had a bad experience this previous year and would like a year off. So this leaves me without a placement.

In short I am left confused, shocked, and bit broken. Wasn't expecting this stumbling block at all, and was definitely feeling quite confident in my plans for September.

Both my placement teacher, and the head of my department are currently on holidays for the summer. I am waiting for the emergency support staff to get in touch with my teacher to pass on that I am in need of a new placement for the fall.

Placement is a huge part of the final year of my program, and without one, there is no point to the year. I am left back at square one of wondering, worrying, and attempting to trust it all to God while I wait to hear what is left for me, and what options are available for school in September.

I am attempting to be as patient as I can as I await a phone call from my teacher.

I know that God is still ahead of me, no matter what obstacles come up...waiting is just the hardest part.

The Calm After The Storm

Last night we had a massive thunder and lightening storm. It was accompanied with a huge downpour of rain, that was absolutely perfect to get some solid rain dancing in. I took this picture a few minutes after the storm had ceased and the clouds began to clear up. I am absolutely in love with sunsets and clouds, and thought that this made for a good picture. I am always impressed by the beautiful masterpieces that the Lord paints for us in the sky. Love it.

Moment at the Tether Ball Pole

Anyone who has ever heard any camp stories from me from last summer will have heard about my buddy Roman. In short..he is an extremely incredible kid, but he had a lot of difficulties staying with his cabin for any length of time, or even listening to anyone for that matter. But, we were still excited when we heard he was back this year as he is someone who genuinely just loves this camp, and really needs to see God's love that is demonstrated through the staff at Wabana.

Anyways, the first couple days were a bit rough this week, with Roman going wandering to the lake as well as Metro Road. But this morning I saw him in such a different light in quite the beautiful moment. I went over to where my good buddy Daniel was standing by the tether ball pole, and started chatting with him. Then shortly after Roman wandered over and sat on the grass, and just began chatting my ear off (this alone is huge as he doesn't relate to females too well, never mind actually engaging someone in a conversation). Then a few minutes later, another favourite camper of mine, Kritter (real name Kristofer), walked over and sat down beside Roman. Kritter has been coming to this camp for years and is well known amoung all the staff as he is mighty social and just an overal fantastic kid. I don't know if Kritter knows the kind of difficulties Roman has, but he immediately started up a conversation with Roman asking him all about what activities he was in that day, and high fived him when he found out they were both in Nature. I just stood and watched the conversation with a huge smile on my face. I was just so excited to not only see Roman talking to another kid (he usually avoids that and will sit with a frown on his face when other kids try to talk to him), but also that Kritter has turned into this incredible young man who is taking the initiative to engage kids younger then him who aren't very good at making friends.

Again, God continues to enlighten me and brighten up my day with these beautiful miracle moments. A continually much needed reminder about why it is I keep coming back to camp..

God is good.

Today's Little Miracles

First camp of the summer arrived today..and we have 108 energetic children lodging at our camp this week. Right up until the kids got off the bus, it still wasn't feeling like camp...still hadn't really hit that it was all starting. I'm not sure why it's taken so much to get into the camp "mode" this summer. If it's because I didn't have as much time this year to plan out everything...or because it's a much younger staff...or because I never anticipated that I'd be here for another year...or because I was just being too distracted by other things that I haven't let myself get into gear with the camp ministry.

About half an hour before the bus arrived this afternoon though, I knew I had to make a decision. Break down whatever crazy walls and barriers I had put up that was preventing me from being excited about this summer, and surrender every selfish and dumb thought to God....or continue how I've been the last 3 weeks just going through the motions and putting on a fake smile to everyone that I talk to. I decided I should go with the first option. I finally took a minute to stop, actually talk to God, and just let go. I know I'll have to do it probably every day as the summer progresses...but it's one day at a time. Today, I gave it all to God..I broke down the walls and I laid it all at the Lord's feet. Today I went through everything with God right beside me. Today I was strong, empowered by God and feeling confident. Today was good...and I know He is already at tomorrow, waiting for me to let go and have another incredible day with Him beside me.

I love these kids, and I've had such a great day seeing old faces, meeting tons of new and wonderful children, and just hanging out and being blessed by the presence of so many beautiful souls. I am absolutely bewildered by the size of twin girls who I had in my cabin my first couple of years here. I have memories of them sitting huddled together crying because they were homesick, as two very little precious girls. And now, I had them today come running off the bus and give me a huge hug...and they're nearly the same height as me! They've grown into two incredible young warriors for God..tall and strong...I love it.

My favourite memory of today is with my boy Daniel. Last summer he was a little scrawny of a kid, who had a lot of difficulties in his cabin and ended up spending a lot of time with me in the office. We ended up bonding because I found out he lives in my neighbourhood in good ol' East York. As soon as I saw him today he looked at me, and shouted "the trouble maker is back!" with a huge grin on his face. I was so excited to see him, and gave him a huge hug. He's still a bit of a scrawn..but has grown about a foot, and now wears very thugged out clothes. Anyways..today during Bible, Daniel was sitting at the back by himself, so I went and sat with him. When Ray (who was leading bible) began to read some scripture to the campers, Daniel looked at me and told me that he had some Bible books at home. So we talked about that for a bit, and he told me how that he now reads Bible stories when he needs to calm down, and his favourite is Noah's Ark. My heart just melted!! I shouldn't be surprised by such beautiful little miracles like that, but I was! I never expected something like that from Daniel. He then told me he wasn't allowed to bring his Bible to camp. So I went back to the office I found a kids translation of the old testament, marked out where Noah's Ark was in it, and took it to him at his cabin. He loved it and began flipping through it immediately. It absolutely made my day! To find out that a 11 year old willingly reads scripture when he knows he needs to calm down! In the old testament none the less! How many of us as Christian adults do that? Praise the Lord because he is working in Daniel! I love it...

The end of the day is definitely here. Just waiting for a few of the male cabins to get their campers settled, then it's off to bed. Actually feeling excited for tomorrow....

Blessings!

Summer Days

Staff Orientation is well underway.

I have to say, above anything else I might be feeling about this summer, I am extremely excited about my cabin leaders. God has definitely pulled together some incredible leaders to minister to these kids over the next two months. Its one of the youngest camp staff's I've seen...but also the most focused, spiritually strong, and energetic group I've ever seen pulled together!

I am struggling though with some personal issues. With being able to completely release this summer to God...with feeling apart of the leadership team and that I'm actually needed at this camp...with feeling a bit alone amongst a staff of 75...and as well as feeling drained from issues that are plaguing my heart and mind outside of camp stuff that I am having serious difficulty with just letting go (letting go is always the hardest part...)

So, for all of the above, please keep me in your prayers. I want desperately to be able to focus on the here and now...to be able to be used as God's servant to minister to my cabin leaders, and to the campers. I want to be able to let go of all the selfish personal issues of my heart, and have a clear mind and spirit to be able to handle all that will be thrown my way over this summer.

Campers come in 5 days...

Double Trouble

Happy Birthday to my beautiful twin sisters, Dionne and Donna, who have turned the big 21 today!!

You girls are truly incredible and add everything to my life! I honestly don't know where I would be if I hadn't had you by my side through everything! Thank you for being my best friends and closest companions through thick and thin! Love you two more then you'll ever know! I hope you both have a fantastic day!!

The Care Bear Countdown

Today I had my first adventure in Carealot.

You know..the place..in the clouds..with the Carebears. Well my 3 year old cousin, Joseph, has taken quite a liking to this quality childrens cartoon. In recent months he's even created "Beastly" (bad guy from the Carebears) as his invisible friend.

Anyways. Today at our family "Father's Day BBQ" at my Uncle Brad's house, Joseph and I took a trip to Carealot. We were just sitting on the porch steps, hanging out, when Joseph decided that the plastic tennis rackets we were holding, were now paddles. So..we began to paddle. I asked "where are we going?" and my cousin looked at me and said "No-Hearts castle!" (No-Heart is the ultimate bad guy on the Care Bears show, for any of you who were deprived as a child and missed out on this fantastic cartoon). We then proceeded to walk all around the back yard, continuing our paddling with our plastic rackets, until Joseph pointed up at my Uncles house and exclaimed "There it is! There's the castle!" So with the rest of the family sitting in the backyard watching us with confusion...Joseph and I crept up slowly to the house and went inside (we had to be very quiet and sneaky as all the bad guys were sleeping). Over the next 10 minutes or so we went to nearly every room in the house seeking out all of the bad guy crew, waking each of them up with some crazy yelling, streaming them with a "care bear stare" and then giving each other a high five with a hearty "good job!" This was definitely the highlight to my weekend, after a very long week up at camp.

Just wanted to also say, to my dad...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! You are a truly incredible man of God, and I am beyond blessed to have you as my dad! Thank you for everything you've given me in all aspects of my life throughout my 22 years, and for never giving up on me! I'm not sure how you've raised 4 kids like us, and lived to tell about it, but thank you for all the time, effort, energy and love you have poured into our lives! I LOVE YOU! Muah!

Only 6 more days until the camp staff comes up for orientation..yikes! Time is quickly going by, but as things are beginning to get organized and planned, I'm getting more and more excited for all that God is going to do this summer at camp!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my sanity while planning and getting ready for the summer! Please continue to pray for this camping ministry as it gets under way!

Blessings!

Action Alert

Last week more than 15,000 Canadians sent messages to Finance Minister Ralph Goodale prior to the G8 Finance Ministers Meeting on June 11th. Your efforts, along with those of people around the world, had an impact:

* The G8 Finance Ministers agreed on immediate 100% cancellation of debts for 18 of the poorest countries. It's a big step, but even more is needed to include more than 40 other impoverished countries.

* On June 13 a major committee of Parliament (Foreign Affairs) unanimously called on the government to achieve the internationally accepted aid target of 0.7% of GNI by 2015. The MPs also called for legislation ensuring Canada's aid is focused on ending poverty.

Please help NOW by contacting Prime Minister Paul Martin - before the G8 leaders meeting July 6 - to ensure that he hears tens of thousands of ordinary Canadians, MPs from all parties, and citizens worldwide calling for Canadian leadership. Progress has been made, but the Prime Minister needs to know that MORE MUST BE DONE!

Please send your message to Prime Minister Paul Martin today. Go to www.makepovertyhistory.ca and follow the three easy steps under "Click into Action".
Our next Action Alert will include ideas for July 1, the first global white band action day.

Start planning white band events for your Canada Day activities!

Thank you for taking action!

Liz Bernstein,
Campaign Coordinator and the Make Poverty History team
info@makepovertyhistory.ca
http://www.makepovertyhistory.ca

Caroline

Woke up to this song this morning (yay Christian radio Z 100.3)....today will be a better day..

Where do I begin?
There's so much I wanna say
To make it easier
Tomorrow's on its way
Do you believe I wanna take your painful memories?
I know you wanna run away
And I know that you can't see tomorrow

Caroline,
Let me wipe away your tears
And give you life
Make you feel beautiful again

Caroline,
Don't throw it all way
I'm here tonight
To take away your pain

Yesterday is gone
And everything that made you cry
Has fallen to the ground

I'm here to bring you home
I will alway take you back
You havent let me down
I know you wanna run away
And I know that you can't see tomorrow

Caroline,
Let me wipe away your tears
And give you life
Make you feel beautiful again
Caroline,
Don't throw it all away
I'm here tonight
To take away your pain

And when your feeling all alone
And you can't go on
Remember I am here
And when you think you've gone to far
I'll meet you where you are
My arms are open wide

Caroline,
Let me wipe away your tears
And give you life
Make you feel beautiful again
Caroline,
Don't throw it all away
I'm here tonight
To take away your pain

The Summer Job Begins

I haven't posted in a while, so I thought I'd write a quick one.

I got home safe and sound Sunday night from my travels out west.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful, and Dayla was just a gorgeous bride! I had an awesome time hanging out with good friends that I hadn't seen in ages, and it was such a privledge to be able to help with setting up, and then attending Dayla and Seth's wedding! All the pictures from the wedding and my Sask trip are up on my MSN Space so check those out! (link is on the right).

I am now up at camp, and already stressed out and feeling overwhelmed. Tonight was a long night, but I did have a wonderful surprise of chocolate milk and a bag of smart food to help cheer me up! (Thanks Ian!) I'm sure once things get a bit more organized and I feel more "in the loop" things will get easier. But please pray for me over the next 10 days leading up to the start of camp, as well as for the camp ministry itself!

Well, that's all for now as I should really head to bed as I'm sure tomorrow will be another busy day.

Blessings!

Apparently, I've been tagged....

The lovely Leslie Wiseman has tagged me...so here goes...

# of Books I own:

Wayyyy too many to count. I still have all my Fear Street and Nancy Drew books from when I was a kid!

Last Book I Bought:

Every Woman's Battle, Shannon Ethridge

Last Book I Read:

Shadowlands, William Nicholson

Books That Mean a Lot to Me:

-Bible
-LOTR, J.R.R Tolkien
-Chronicles of Narnia, C.S Lewis
-Searching for God Knows What, Donald Miller
-Laugh Again, Chuck Swindoll

Tag 5 More:

Donna Halsey

Jessica "Sparky" Hynes

Strong Bad the 2nd

Paul Banfield

Heather Princess

Email Ralph Goodale

"There is no time to lose.

On the June 10th and 11th G8 Finance Ministers will have their last meeting before the G8 leaders meet in July in Scotland.

It is vital that they take crucial steps to enable the G8 leaders to commit to 100% debt cancellation, more and better aid and trade justice.

Right now across the world people are e-mailing G8 Finance Ministers to tell them to seize the opportunities of 2005.

Please send your message to Canada's Finance Minister Ralph Goodale today. Go to: www.makepovertyhistory.ca and follow the three easy steps under "Click into Action".

Thanks very much for being part of this global action,

Liz Bernstein

Make Poverty History Campaigner and the Make Poverty History Campaign Team info@makepovertyhistory.ca"

Barefoot Dancing

Yesterday we had Brooke's birthday bbq, which was some fun times! It's always entertaining to see a baby enjoy her first piece of birthday cake! Then last night Chantelle and I went for a walk through Wascana park and watched the sunset on the Lake..it was gorgeous! I added pictures to my MSN Space from both activities.

Today the sun is shining..and it hasn't rained! Finally! So I decided to take Dakota for a walk while Chantelle was napping.

I noticed that Dakota does something funny when she goes on a walk. While she is walking on the pavement, Dakota trots along very proper like alongside me (always on the left side for some weird reason). But the moment that one of her little paws hit the grass...she reverts to her energetic puppy form and begins leaping, rolling, and running in circles. So, as it was obviously becoming impossible to keep Dakota on the cement path that we were walking on, I gave in. I kicked off the sandals, turned up the volume on my disc man, and spent the next hour running and dancing through a field with a very enthusiastic 3 month old puppy. There is just something about dancing barefoot in the sun with some great tunes going that brings a smile to your face and just brightens up your day. Not to mention that it was great being secluded in the middle of a large field, as no one (hopefully) could hear me singing horridly out of key along to my disc man.

My song pick of the day for my dancing excursion was "No one like you" by David Crowder Band..I love it!

You are more beautiful

Than anyone ever

Everyday You're the same

You never change, no never

Everywhere You are there

Earth or air, surrounding

I'm not alone, the heavens sing along

My God You're so outstanding

How could You be so good to me?

Eternally I believe...

Some days you just need to just stop walking along the proper road, kick off the shoes, and dance around barefoot in the grass....

Only 5 more days till the wedding!

Land of Living Skies

So, I figured I should update, since I haven't posted since arriving in Saskatchewan.

Travelling from Vancouver to Regina, I had the experience of riding in the smallest plane I've ever been on. It seated about 40 people, had only 2 seats on each side, and you had to walk outside and go up little stairs that unfolded from the plane in order to get to it. I was scared out of my mind, but I had a nice gentleman sitting beside me who gave me some reassurances that we would survive the flight....and we did!

It is absolutely fantastic to be in Saskatchewan again! I haven't been here since last Feb, and was desperately missing this province...along with one of my favourite people in life, Chantelle! I've been doing a lot of relaxing, and just hanging out, which is nice. Everything is a lot slower paced then Toronto, and I love it.

It's been raining every day since I got here, which kindof sucks. But the skies are still beautiful and once the storm clouds pass, I get to see that beautiful sky underneath.

I have finally gotten to meet beautiful Brooke, Chantelle's niece, who is turning 1 this weekend. I'll get to go to a birthday bbq for her, which should be awesome. I've also gotten to meet the cutest dog I've ever seen in my life...Chantelles new puppy, Dakota. (if you go to my MSN space you can see a few photos of both Brooke and Dakota!)

Well, we're about to head out as we're meeting up with a friend for lunch..and then tonight, meeting up with another buddy of mine for coffee. Should be another fabulous day of crusin around to country music, and only 9 more days until the wedding!

Blessings!

The Great Family Gathering

My time in British Columbia is rapidly drawing to a close.

Tonights celebrations for my Grandparents 50th anniversary were a huge success, and it was a well enjoyed time had by all. It was an incredible experience to have all 4 children of my grandparents, and as well to have all 10 grandchildren, in the same place at the same time...first time in 20 years that all the family has been able to be together. A lot of memories were shared, and beautiful words were spoken. It's such an inspiring and beautiful thought to think that my grandparents have been married for 50 years, and they still look at each other with as much love, respect, and friendship as they did when they were first married!

Here are some random highlights and favourite moments from my visit out to BC:

- Marissa (6yrs old) sitting on my lap...looking up at me with a sweet smile..then proudly announcing that she had just 'trumped' on me...and then falling into a fit of giggling as I looked at her with shock
- watching Caitlin (10 yrs old) build mount Fugi out of sand on the beach at White Rock
- laying down on Isabels (8 yrs old) bunk bed, and reading an inscription that she had written there.."I love Dogs..and God...and Horses"
- playing in the creek with all 4 girls and finding a whole coconut floating in the water
- Bradley attempting to sing "power of your love" with Di, Donna, and I
- going to Red Robin with all the older girl cousins "I'm going to steal a glass!"
- having a very inspiring conversation with my grandpa
- seeing my 4 cousins take part in a production of the Lion King
- My uncle enlisting his nieces into a child labour envelope ring
- Teaching Caitlin and Isabel to hang spoons off of their nose...and cheeks..and chin..
- Recieving random "I love you's" from my cousins
- Teaching Caitlin how to pose for a picture with her finger in her nose (my classiness continues :P)
- The twins being entertained by Bradleys antics
- My grandpa's simple, yet brilliant sense of humour - Donna: "Are you communicating with whales?" Papa: "Nope...monkeys..didn't you understand it?"
- Seeing my dad, his 2 brothers and his sister all in the same room with their parents for the first time in 20 years

Now, it's off to Saskatchewan!

Christ's Wisdom

Last night I was sitting on the back porch as the sun was setting, sitting on the swinging chair, and just reading through some passages in my Bible. I came across one in 1 Corinthians that I don't recall reading straight through before. It really struck me as such a beautiful passage of encouragement. Here it is, with my favourite parts bolded...

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent i will frustrate.'

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, god was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of god is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. he chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from god - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'

When I came to you brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about god. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

-1 Corinthians 1:18 - 2:5

What I love about this passage is just how it talks about those who weren't very smart, and those who weren't very influencial...and that God chose to use this people to "shame the wise." It's incredible what the power of the Holy Spirit can do in our lives, and to use us for the bettering of the Kingdom of Heaven if we are able to admit and realize our limitations, our weakness, and our very foolishness without the Lord.

"The weakness of God is stronger than man's strength" Amen! Our God is awesome and mighty, and beyond anything in this world! I love it!

The Majesty that is BC

Friday night already..the week is flying by.

Thursday I had one of the most beautiful and incredible experiences I've ever had in my life. Di and I got to go whale watching with my uncle David. We went out the Fraser River, onto the Strait of Georgia, and rode on a boat for 5 hours total. The weather was just gorgeous and there was a clear blue sky, so you could see a horizon of mountains in every direction.

We saw loads of bald eagles, perched on rock formations and trees on islands that we passed, as well as flying over head. After an hour or so of riding in the boat, we came across a large group of seals. Normally they are all out on the rocks, just bathing in the sun, but when we went by there was about 30 of them swimming in the water. They completely surrounded the boat, and as we cut off the engines, they curiously swam right up to us seeing what exactly was going on. It was so neat, and just such an incredible feeling to be surrounded by all these little heads bobbing in the water as the seals swam around us.

After a couple hours, we located one of three pods of whales that live in the area. It was so incredible to see them swimming by, in their natural habitat. A highlight for me was hearing them speak. The naturalist on board put a special microphone into the water that was hooked up to our p.a system, so that you could hear the whales communicating with each other. It was so cool. We even had one whale swim directly under our boat, and we could hear him making clicking sounds as we went by. It was so beautiful to be floating in the middle of this endless water, and all you can see in every direction are huge mountains tearing up the horizon, as a half dozen Orca whales swim all around you.

As we drove the hour back to the port, I stood at the back of the boat just basking in the sunshine, and taking in all the incredible landscape that we were passing by. I was (and still am) in just total awe and wonder and what I've seen. God is just so majestic...it's astounding and absolutely mind boggling. He is just such a mighty and great Lord...how people can doubt the wondrous works of an almighty creator is beyond me.

I am having a wonderful time out here, which is always the case whenever I visit. It's great spending time with my younger cousins, and just enjoying the fellowship of all my family out here. And of course, just spending lots of time reflecting and listening to God as I am away from all the hussle and bussle of Toronto. It's been interesting..but God is good, and is and will continue to take care of me. He's also been reminding me of just how much I have to be thankful for. From my incredible family (both in Toronto and out here), to just realizing all the amazing people I have in my life and the great friendships that I am privledged to have. I am blessed beyond anything I deserve to know the people that I do, and to have the love and friendships that are in my life.

Tomorrow a whole bunch of the family is heading down to White Rock for the afternoon, so that should be another wonderful day spent in this beautiful BC weather. Only four more days and then it's off to my second home, Saskatchewan.

Blessings!

Beautiful British Columbia

Beautiful indeed!! The last two or three times that I've flown out to Vancouver, there has always been an overcast..but not this time! My sister Dionne and I got the full incredible view of all the mountains and hills as we flew into BC last night..absolutely breathtaking!! So, we have arrived safe and sound..and I have survived yet another plane trip. I think my nerves are starting to get a bit stronger when it comes to riding airplanes, but I doubt that I will ever be fully calm with the take off and landing bits (Di graciously held my hand during those parts...and even put up with me almost jumping out of my seat when the plane dipped). But they did show "In Good Company" which was awesome because I really wanted to see it (and I thought that the ending was fantastic the way it was!).

We got picked up from the airport by our Uncle David, who is also from Toronto and had arrived earlier that day. We got to ride in the lap of luxury as he had rented a spiffy Cadillac..including butt warmer seats...which despite the fact that it was 18 degrees outside, I most definitely used!

It's been 2.5 years since Di has been out here, so all the fam was very glad to see her beautiful face. We had a few quiet moments with our grandparents, and with our aunt, before the energetic bunch of cousins arrived home. The twins (who are now 6..holy geez) played shy for all of 30 seconds, and then resumed normal status and were climbing all over us. Isabel is now 8, and Caitlin is 10 (and nearly the same height as me! Good glory!), and it was really awesome to get to see them again. We got flooded with pretty cards and pictures of flowers that they had drawn for us as a welcome present. So, overall a fantastic arrival night I'd say.

This morning, it is another beautiful clear day outside, and Di and I are just taking our time to relax in our pj's and enjoy some holiday time. I think we're going to go for a walk in a bit to enjoy the sunshine. Donna and my dad head out here to join us tomorrow, and then my mom and Bradley come out on Friday.

Tomorrow, my Uncle David is taking Di and I whale watching!! I'm so pumped! I've been out here loads of times, but never have been able to go...should be really exciting!

Oh..on a random note (Dad, this is for you). A few minutes after arriving, I took Di out to the back porch that leads out from my Grandparents part of the house, as she hadn't seen the extended bedroom that has been built there. When I was here in September I stayed in that room, and had left (for the second time) my cell phone charger there (since Sept I've had to use a car charger..). Before my dad left us at the airport I asked him if my family had ever found it, but he said no. So, just to make sure, I climbed over the bed, and dug out the extension cord that was there, and guess what was still plugged in? Yup..my cell phone charger. Had a couple laughs over that...and it's good to have it back again...so long as it actually comes home to Ontario with me this time...

Blessings!

(P.S. Everyone..please feel free to email me, as I'll have access to a computer over the next 3 weeks while I'm away!)

"Guaranteed to fail, every time"

My sister and I were working on a poster for Salvo Uprising this weekend, and Donna came across a very funny article in an old EDGE magazine..and I thought that I would share it...(I would LOVE to hear a Christian guy actually use these..classic!)

15 Christian Pickup Lines

1. Yeah, I predicted David over Goliath
2. Can I pray with you?
3. You know Jesus? Me too!
4. I know a church where we could go and talk.
5. Do you need help carrying your Bible? It looks heavy.
6. Christians don't shake hands, Christians gotta hug. (Donnas favourite)
7. Oh you are cold? Ecclesiastes 4:11, "But how can one keep warm alone?"
8. What are you plans tonight? Feel like a Bible study?
9. The Bible says to give drink to those who are thirsty, and feed the hungry. How about dinner?
10. You don't have an accountability partner? Me neither.
11. You want to come over and watch the Ten Commandments tonight?
12. Is it a sin that you stole my heart?
13. Would you happen to know a Christian woman that I could love with all my heart and wait on hand and foot?
14. Nice Bracelet. What would Jesus date...er...I mean 'do'?
15. My friend told me to come and meet you. He said that you are a really nice person. I think you know Him. Jesus...yeah, that's His name (by far my favourite! so great!)

Multiplicity

My sister and I got into an interesting discussion today, and I thought I would post some of our ramblings on here that we were conversing about.

A totally random question that we came up with...is it possible to like more then one person at a time?

Discount when you're a kid, as getting crushes on multiple people quite often happen. But what about when you're older, and you have more of a sense of what liking someone means (well, hopefully you do..) and are able to have more depth to your thoughts about why you might like the person that you do.

So..can you "like" more then one person at a given time?

The thought that we had (keeping in mind it's just a random thought, and not directed towards anyone)...

If you claim to have feelings for both person 'a' and person 'b' (and maybe a 'c' as well..) then doesn't the mere fact that you "like" multiple people prove that you really don't have strong enough feelings for just one of them as you aren't able to focus yourself on just one person..and really then, don't actually like either of them? Sure, they both might be swell people, and you can see the potential...but are you really capable of having true, genuine feelings for more then one person at the same time? And if you answer 'yes' to that question...then how serious can you really be about these people if they aren't even worth being the the soul focus of your attention and emotion? Hmm...

I think maybe my sister and I are just mind boggled at the thought of liking more then one guy at the same time...as liking just one at a time is more then enough to stress out the mind and cripple the emotions (lol).

So, not sure if anyone has any thoughts regarding this issue..but if you do..comment away! I'd love to hear it!

Placement Update

I had my placement interview yesterday morning for school in September. To sum it up...it was an amazing interview.

Right from when I walked into the room, I felt calm, relaxed, and confident. The lady interviewing me was really nice, and easy to talk to. She was really impressed by my work experience with the Children's Aid and my previous placements, and loved to hear that I had spent a lot of time this year that I took off of school volunteering. She brought in one of the CYW's to meet me, and she as well was extremly nice, and was excited about the prospect of me being there in the fall.

I was able to pick which age group I wanted to work with, so I choose the 12-14 year olds. A lot of the program is based on relationship building and implementing therapeutic goals for each student who is at this day treatment centre. There is a lot of one-to-one work, which I'm really excited about, because I loved getting to know kids and working with them on their goals.

I also get to wear jeans and runners every day, and I'm only there from 8-4...I am so excited!

I left the interview absolutly pleased, and I'm actually a bit excited for school to start in the fall!

There are still a couple minor details to work out, but overal, things are looking really good!

Thank you to everyone who has kept me in their prayers over the past few months regarding school!

Blessings!

Little Pink Tricycle

I think that I have finally recovered from my jet leg and starting to feel a little bit more normal and like myself again. It's always hard to adjust back to everyday life after traveling and having a bit of an adventure..but there are plenty of things to keep me busy here at home and to be looking forward to as the summer approaches.

I have to share a highlight of my weekend. Sunday evening while we were packing up the van after the 614 service in Regent Park, there were several kids out playing on the bikes. One little girl, who I think was about 4 years old, rode her little pink tricycle up to me and asked if I wanted to see how fast she could ride her bike. I answered with "of course!" and spent the next 10 minutes or so watching her demonstrate all her fabulous skills that she had mastered on her tricycle. She also told me about her siblings, her favourite colour, what school she goes to, and several other important conversation pieces that occupy the mind of a four year old. As the van finished being packed up, I told my new friend I had to go and that it was nice to meet her. She said "wait!" and insisted that I couldn't leave until she sang a song to me. So she got off her bike, walked over to me, and as I kneeled down to her height, she proceeded to sing the "I love you" Barney song to me, which absolutely melted my heart! After the song was finished I said thanks, gave her a hug and waved goodbye. Gotta love random moments that make your heart smile!

Tomorrow morning at 9:30am I have my interview for my school placement for the fall. Things were hectic before going to England, for myself and the lady who is interviewing me, so it's had to be put off this late. I am nervous about it, as although it's not a paid position..it is a very official interview and definitely extremely important for my school year in September. Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare for this, and that I will appear calm, confident, and a right fit for this placement position!

Well, I'm just finishing up my shift at work..so that's about it for now...

Blessings!

Home

Well, I'm home safe and sound (though a little jet-lagged) from my trip to England. I had an absolutly incredible time, and I'm so glad that I went! I met some amazing people who I miss already, and hope will come and visit Canada some day! I heard a lot from God and learned a lot about myself, and some things that I need to work on. As well, attending UK Roots was just an all together fabulous experience!

I'll write more later, as I'm a little tired right now, but if you want to see my pix from my trip just CLICK HERE.

Cheers!

Update from England

Hello from Southport England!

Well, just because my sister bugged me about it, I thought I'd put up a quick post!

I arrived in England safe and sound Thursday afternoon! Yay! I had some difficulties on the plane ride over though..as there was about half an hour of turbulance...and I don't really do well with that as anyone who knows me will know. So I popped in my Passion Hymns Cd and totally put my attention on the book I was reading and was able to remain calm for the most part (even though I didn't have you holding my hand Donna!) And then I almost missed my connecting flight in London as the airport is so huge and it took me about an hour to get from one plane to the other and go through immigration and all that jazz. But alas..I survived both flights and arrived in Manchester no worse for the wear.

I have been having an absolutly incredible time!! Right since I got here God's been really close and just telling me lots, which is so awesome! It has been so great getting to see Chris again, and catch up. I have been meeting a lot of really incredible people, having a lot of laughs, and sharing some great experiences (and learning some great British lingo!) I am taking lots of pictures (even though Chris keeps making fun of me and calling me a tourist...but thats what I am!) and trying to write down and keep track of as many memories that I can!

Roots is pretty incredible I must say. I am really enjoying being apart of the create team with Chris, and helping with a venue that uses art and different forms of prayer to allow people to draw close to God. We were a little unsure of how people would respond to our stations we set up, but things have been going really well, and God is just present in our create tent..so amen!

This afternoon we have the Roots Big Picnic..where they will be gathering all 5000 participants together for a time of games and such. As well, we will be attempting to break a world record, to raise awareness about Human Trafficking. We will be trying to have the largest group of people breaking balloons at the same time (and it has to be within 10 seconds!). I'll let you know how that works out!

Well, I guess that'll do for an update! And I'll write again when I can!

Cheers