Camp and All The Feels

Gathered for morning announcements.

A few weeks ago Joe and I had the opportunity to lead a short term Mission Trip of Perimeter folks to Clarkston for a week to help at Friends of Refugees Summer Spectacular Camp.

When Joe and I decided to take on the responsibility of leading this trip we had to sort of assure the powers that be that we could pull this off. But there were several moments along the way when I questioned whether or not we were actually going to be able to do it. Johns Creek, where our church is, is very different from Clarkston. Johns Creek is an upscale, top of the line, efficient, and timely community. Clarkston is laid back, runs by a slower clock, and is not hyper organized. I love both places, but the enemy used these difference to whisper lies to my mind telling me that I am not good enough. That there was no way I was going to live up the exceptions of the team, that I'm just some kinda weirdo to care about this stuff any way- the team would just think I was nuts. That surely all of our plans for the team would be shot, and that our co-leaders in Clarkston would be disappointed in us.

 Self doubt is one of the insecurities that has recently been whispering in my ear for more then just the mission trip. I have recently applied to grad school to take classes online to get my MSW. My senior year of college was a really difficult time, and my anxiety was growing with no mercy. So every time I think back to the last time I was a student, I remember feeling anxious and miserable. So when I get overwhelmed (like when leading a mission trip) the enemy takes the opportunity to tell me, "Why did you think you could do this? You're not a planner. You're too young. You have no self discipline. You suck with details. You. Will. Fail. And if you can't even handle this, what makes you think you'll be able to handle gradschool and work? Forget it. Why are you even trying. By the way your laundry is waiting, your house is dirty, you need to call your family, and you haven't worked out in months."

But then, somewhere in the middle of the week, Jesus reminded me of a lesson He has taught me time and time and time again. That HE is all I need. That he loves me no matter what, and that he was going to take care of everything I needed. And so He did! The trip was a success, and the team was so kind, patient, flexible and awesome. I am so thankful to have been surrounded by such an encouraging group of people. I knew that Jesus was calling us to help with that trip... why would I question whether or not he will provide? Of course he did- more abundantly then I could have hoped.

Most of our time was spent at camp during the day, helping the camp counselors lead about 130 Clarkston kids through various lessons and activities. It was about a billion degrees, we were running off no sleep, and it was so, so fun. One of my favorite things about kids that don't come from wealth is that often they are so pleased with everything. Their expectations are so innocent, and if you have some sidewalk chalk, UNO cards, and a soccer ball you're pretty good to go. The campers are from many different countries, back grounds, and religions. One of the most memorable moments for me was with a sassy little 6 year old from Iraq. He and I were eating lunch together and we overheard someone say something about Christians. He turned to me and said, "Christians are bad. Muslims are good, and Christians are bad." I said, "Oh really? Hmm."  At that moment the camp director Emily walked by so I asked him, "Did you know Ms. Emily is Christian? There are a lot of people that work at camp that are Christians." He replied, "Really? Oh. Well... Then all the Christians at camp are good... but that's it."

And that's what its all about! I didn't have to say anything about Islam, or about theology, or backgrounds... I just got to say, "See that girl? She loves you... and she loves Jesus. What do you say about that?" I am really thankful for and proud of all the camp staff and interns that are living the image of Christ, breaking down one wall at a time. Correcting one myth at a time. Loving one kid at a time. Glory to God.

Here are some picture from our trip! Thank you so much to everyone who prayed for us, and made this trip possible.

Genius move by Joe - when you want to play a game but can't communicate with words... breath holding contest! 

Friends playing UNO... never knew there were so many variations to the rules.

This kid is going places.

On Tuesday night we did home visits which was really special cause Joe and I got to take some of the team to meet some friends we already had. This was especially fun because my mom got to come with us too. Family is such a HUGE part of their culture (they are from Pakistan) and bringing my mom to meet them was such a treat for everyone.

This is the team outside the Hindu temple in Lilburn. From left to right: Joe N., Stacey, Gina, Lily, Carter, Peter, Joy, Me, Gina, Davis, and Joe W.

Chance and Myself. Chance spoke only Kinyarwandan... and no, I did not know that was language until we met. Isn't she stunning?

Jalla, me, and Rihanna

Friend of Refugees Youth Director, Josh Smith, our team member Jean, and some friends getting ready for lunch (hence the hairnet fashion statement by Josh). 

These students in particular loved spending time with Joe. They do not speak Enlgish yet, but they both spoke French - thank God for Google Translate :)

Team picture at camp: Top Row Left to right: Peter, Jenny, Me, Joe N. Joe W. Tommy and Jacob. Second Row: Joy, Summer, Stacey, Lily, Jean, Gins, and Carter. Front: Davis

One of my personal favorite nights of the trip we were with Proskeneo Worship Institute at the Friends of Refugees Community Garden. PWI uses the arts to worship God and one of their goals is to create cross cultural worship experiences. So, we worshiped in different languages led by the students in the ministry. It was so great to be singing in different languages and have our neighbors walk by and join us in song as they went. The remaining photos are from that night together.