Quiero Ser Como Tú

I started my camping season experience on January 18th with Kids Camp. I was a counselor for the seven spirited girls of the team “Animosas.” It was a new opportunity for me to counsel at summer camp in general, but the opportunity was even more exciting since it was at the camp, “Buenas Nuevas” in Aucallama, Peru. We got all the children divided into their appropriate cabins and then the fun began. The girls in my cabin quickly became close friends, so close that they decided they wanted to push four bunk beds together to make a huge bed. I went along with their idea thinking that the eight of us would occupy one of the eight places made by the four beds together; however, my thinking was a bit off, as when it was time to go to bed, the seven girls all climbed up to the top bunks next to me. It was quite a night to be sure as the seven of them shared the other three and a half beds: arms and legs, feet and hands were sprawled in whichever way was most comfortable for the little girls who wriggled into the most awkward-looking positions to sleep.
It took the first couple of days to get used to the schedule of camp and what all was expected of me, but after those uncertain times, things became a bit more sure and enjoyable. The theme for the week was “Quiero ser como Tú” (I want to be like You). The lessons in chapel were how we could be more like Christ in our actions, words, and every day living. The speakers used different men in the Bible like Joseph and Paul to be examples to the children of how they could be more like Christ. It was a great week to be involved directly in the lives of my seven “Animosas,” as we were able to talk about the lessons and learn how to be more like Christ after the chapel sessions.
This particular week at camp, I was reminded that God is always here to help me during uncertain times. He gave strength when the morning came all too soon, He provided patience and love to continue working with my girls even if it seemed that they were not understanding, He provided a smile when the schedule changed or if something did not work out the way that I thought it was supposed to work out, and He allowed me to build friendships with people that I otherwise never would have met. Though the week was challenging, may God be praised for His goodness during the week of Kids Camp.