Roxbury Youth Camp (June 13-16)

            I have been looking forward to this opportunity since I knew I was hired for the position as the BIC intern and now it’s finally here! What a week it was! I must admit, Monday morning I was pretty apprehensive about the up-coming week. I didn’t exactly know what to expect and felt like maybe it was a mistake…until I got there. When I got to Roxbury I looked around for Penny Kipp who I was to be helping all week. It took me awhile to find her but when I did I was greeted with a warm smile and immediately felt welcomed. From there the week unfolded before me and I loved every minute of it. Throughout the course of the week I helped with crafts, games, and helped Penny with whatever needed done in preparation for the three sessions we had each day.  

            The thing that I learned looking back on this week is that even when we can’t see what’s ahead, if God is our guide, He will not let us down. Like I said earlier I was very apprehensive about this first week; coming in, not knowing anyone, meeting new people and new kids, and wondering if I would be qualified for the job. Looking back now I can see that God was absolutely with me every step of the way. Even though I felt like I had no clue what was happening God was holding my hand leading me when I couldn’t see.

            I also learned a great deal from the kids. There was a woman there who was originally from Kazakhstan. She and her children were there for the week to relax and have fun. There were other children there who were in foster homes or who were adopted. The ages of the children ranged from 4 to 12 and each one of them is made special. Each one has his or her unique personality, his or her own likes and dislikes, his or her own rhythm. Some of the kids were quiet, some loud; some were excited, some not so excited. The kids each came from a certain home, they represented a certain family, but they are all God’s children. The song How He Loves comes to mind when I think of my time with these kids. When talking to Olga, the mother from Kazakhstan, I asked her about her children, she openly talked about them and I could see the love she had for them and all I could think of was how much God must love his children. We can only understand human love, what it feels like to care so deeply for someone, but we cannot even being to wrap our heads around God’s love for us. I was blown away but that fact. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what color your skin is, or what rhythm you march to, God loves us each the same! What a great truth!

            I was blessed by my time at Roxbury Youth Camp. Penny was a huge encouragement to me. It’s so evident that she loves the Lord and that is proven by the work she puts into this camp and the love she shows to all she talks to. She gives it her all, she helps others even when it may be inconvenient for herself…she is a servant and I admire her for that!