Well, we hiked the 2 1/2 miles out of camp with all the campers yesterday afternoon. It was a much different hike than the one in. Kids were getting piggy back rides, holding hands of our team members, telling them about their families back home, what life is really like for them, shedding tears, laughing, giving high fives, taking pictures with their favorite people and the list goes on and on and on. They took their time going out because they were not ready to leave. They ran most of the way in but not hand in hand with the junior counselors.
The hugs, high fives and tears continued as we reached the busses that would take the kids back home. They waited until the last second possible to board the bus for the trip home, asking many of our team members if we could make the trip home with them (unfortunately we weren't able to do that). The bus windows went down and they hung out the windows, spending their last moments with some of their favorite people.
To watch the transformation of the kids as well as our junior counselors during the week has been amazing. Most of them were full of fear and lack of confidence when the week began. Now they were confident, full of smiles (some smiling and crying as well). The kids found a special place in their hearts and it hurt to let them go.
The busses finally pulled away and when they were out of sight we boarded the boat to take the trip back to camp. Many of the girls continued to share special moments and shed tears. The guys laughed about great times with their guys. It was an awesome afternoon! We have been blesssed!
Our team time together last night was sweet as each of us shared how God worked in and through us during the week. Ray and Lyn Fish joined our group as we reflected back on the week. We're grateful for being able to get an inside look into their life here at Echo Ranch Bible Camp.
We're are off to Juneau later today where we will visit a glacier and tomorrow go on a whale watch, then will make the trip home on Monday. See you all soon!
Carol
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It has been an honor to pray for you all. I'm glad there was a picture so I could even see the kids I don't know. God is faithful and it's awesome to hear of you all being open to allow Him to work through you. Praying for a safe trip home and that seeds planted will be nurtured to maturity.
ReplyDeleteSusan Tuten