Update

Well, I will give you the short synopsis of Kadesh (which now seems forever ago!):

We talked about how we are enslaved by sin, but how God sets us free from that bondage by His mercy and grace. Freedom. Just the word is exhilarating. It was a profound thought to really grasp the fact that I have been set free, and not because of anything I have done-but because my Father loves me and desires for me to give everything to Him so I can have that incredible freedom. It was an incredible week-in more ways than one. I have equated youth ministry and summer together for so many summers, this summer just did not seem right. I still have that passion and I still love being around kids, so it was a very strange phenomenon for that not to happen this summer. Since I knew that I was not going to Rockcleft, then I received an e-mail recruiting me to be a group leader and knowing that I had some free time...I jumped on the opportunity!! I had also heard what an awesome curriculum this was, and of course I love Bob and Jan!! This was my first time to be at Kadesh in 12 years. I had kids that age that I was when I was a camper for my first time 12 years ago. Wierd. They were such a blessing-I had an incredible group and was paired with an awesome group leader; and it was really great to have sophomores since it was their first year. It is like having freshmen in the hall. Everything is so new-they are so formative, and they laugh at most of the stuff you say ;) It was like a shot in the arm for me-I really cannot imagine my summer without participating in Kadesh.

Never fear, I am still an Encounter girl, but I think I am hooked on Kadesh now, too ;) I cannot even describe how much at this point in time I needed to be a part of it and to have the group that I did. One of the kids I remember from Altamesa-he was 5 when I left!! Wow. Of course, I felt more blessed and felt like I learned more from the week than some of them did; but I guess that is how it works...

It was great to feel joy...to know that my passion is still alive and active...to encourage and be encouraged...to look people in the eye and tell them, "Christ died to set you free" and really mean it...and know they knew you meant it. That is powerful-more than I could have ever imagined.

I have been a part of some sort of camp experience since I was 7 (for those of you not so good in math, that is 21 years), and every year it never ceases to amaze me. I have been to camps from Whitney, TX to California to Ketchikan, AK and at every place I have found people who love God and people who are pursuing Him-that is just awesome. My mom used to say I should just go live at camp-sign me up!! ;) At times, I kind of feel like that here-I really love this job. I am so excited about this upcoming year-I work with awesome people, I have an incredible new staff and there are a lot of exciting things going on and possibilities and opportunities abound. We have been in RA training all week and the freshmen move in on Saturday!! Ahhhh...so much to do, therefore I will end here. Please pray for us as we begin this new year and as we have the awesome responsibility and task of corr...I mean forming these young minds!! :) Many blessings~