Camp Surprises

Well, it's been a crazy few days.  I don't even know where to begin.  As of Saturday (i.e. day before I move in / day of brother's party), I was switched to a slightly different position at camp.  Instead of being the traditional counselor, I am now co-directing the new program: the all summer day camp.

Oye.

So now my responsibilities have doubled as I not only have to care for the children, their needs and interests while they are here, but I am also coming up with lesson plans, creating a schedule for each day, back up plans in case of rain or other set backs (more on that soon), communicating our plans and needs to the other staff members, themes for each week, and take home material for the parents (thankfully with the help of 2 other people—soon to be reduced however...).  Needless to say, it's been a rather prayer-full last few days.

Very dependent on God.

Very experimental.

Very on our toes.

Very tired.

We came up with the majority of this week's schedule on Sunday night—it was the first time that all 3 of us had a chance to get together with our bosses and talk over our plans (and fill me in on what was going on!).  We expected about 4 kids the first day—not bad, we could start off easy and get into the grove of things.  Small, but totally do-able.

Monday morning came—pick up time is from 7-9, and by 7:30 we had our first child!  Yay!  Filled with excitement, some nerves and anticipation, we eagerly awaited the other children.

All of whom didn't show up.

Oye.

So we had a very different kind of day, but it went well overall.  We were able to delight in him and get used to our new schedule.

Today we doubled our number of campers: A grand total of two.

More fun, but now getting kinda discouraged...  but it will get better when more of the schools are out—we are expecting quite a few more in two weeks if not before then.

Only expecting two again tomorrow, and rain.  Well, pray for some creativity this week as we strive to show them how fun camp is despite some limitations :)

(oh, and I'm leading the lesson / "story time" tomorrow—extra prayer towards that would be much appreciated.  Pre-planned teaching isn't exactly a talent that I have really worked towards...)

No Stopping This Party

This past weekend was Blond Brother's Grad party, and to say the least, this place was pretty crazy!  I have never seen so many people try to smush themselves into our tiny backyard.  At one point I was quite literally stuck!  I had no room to move out of the walkway that I had inconveniently placed myself in!
Oh my.
But it was a lot of fun—great to see so many people that I love and care about, and so great to see my brother supported so much :)

Love you bud!

Shipshe, Italy, Parties and Camp

Oh my, it has been quite a week.
The annual girls trip to Shipshewana was this week, so Grandma, Mom, Sister and I packed up the car and met one of our Aunts and Cousins in Shipshe for Monday and Tuesday.  It was great to hang out with all of them, and to just share stories and laugh together!  But it was HOT.
I mean, smoking hot.
The first day we spent largely in the air conditioned shops around town, in the fabulous restaurants (yay Amish food!), and in our hotel room.  But the second day was spent at the flea market, and we cooked.
Really.
It was 97* when we got back into the car.
But it was fun anyway—we always get a good laugh over some of the things around the flea market, but the strangest thing we saw this time was people walking around with bundles of sticks.  Tons of people walking around the flea market with their little bundles of sticks.  Why? We haven't the slightest idea!  It was buzzar.  We're starting to get used to the little unbrella-hats, the Asian dollar–store booths full of junk, and the ... interesting clothing selections available.  But the sticks are beyond me.
As soon we came back, I was greeted by the lovely Hillary!  She was in Italy for a while and stayed with us for a few nights until her parents were able to come pick her up.  So that was great, we were able to catch up nicely :)
But no rest for long!  We are getting ready for Blond Brother's graduation on Saturday.  LOTS of cleaning to do for that.  And I leave for SBC on Sunday, so I need to start packing if I'm going to spend all of Saturday hosting.

This is one of those times when I wish I was the type of person who could pack quickly instead of needing to think everything through 10,000 times.

He's a Wit

I spent quite a bit of Tuesday evening in deep thought.  I really have been blessed in so many ways, but there is always a time when the reality of money (or lack-thereof) will cause me to muse—and not necessarily in a good way.  The frustrating part is when I have nothing to do in order to earn money, and have made endeavors to continue making money—like earlier this week for instance.  I had contacted all of my clients for my while-not-at-camp summer jobs, and did not get a single bite.  Nothing.
So after talking it over with mom, I took the college loans, the upcoming bills and all other fast approaching expenses and I told on them.  Yes, I told God on them—it's His battle to fight, not mine.  I spent that evening in prayer over the high priced demands on my life, and soon felt better about it.

The next morning (Wednesday) I checked my Arborshire Email to find some unread message—holding my breath, I secretly hopped that they were from my clients, but alas, they were not.  In fact, they were all from the school.
Bummer.
So I skimmed through the weekly announcements, few of which applied to me now that I am not on campus and clicked through other writings—only to stumble upon an Email from the Student Development office.  Oh, how nice.
I had received an unexpected grant for $1000!!!  "Please reply if you would like to accept."  Is this a trick question...?  Umm, yes, I would love to accept the grant!
I had filled out an application for the grant in April and had completely forgotten about it—I had no expectation of getting it, so after I wrote the essays and sent it in, in completely slipped my mind.

Yes God, you are very funny.  Letting me sit and think and think, just waiting for me to hand it over lock, stock and barrel before telling me about this.  So funny ;]

Check List — June.2.11

- Wake up late but still get out the door on time by taking the fastest shower evah: Check
- Road closed, take the long way—still make it: Check
- Work in June's garden: Check
- Take cans back and collect $$: Check
- Make dinner with mom: Check
- Save teenager bird: Check (more to come on that...)
- Do something nice for Sick Brother:  Check
- Rip thumb-nail on mysterious invisible object while trying to do something nice for Sick Brother...

Check

- Clean blood off what is left of thumb-nail, squeak out exclamations of pain, get laughed at by mom, apply medical tape: Check
- Finish doing something nice: Check