Ahhhh. I am relaxing in front of the camp office, where I get the best web access. I can hear campers and teens singing songs (Amazing Grace and I Have Decided plus the ever present I've Got a Mansion - camper favorite)
Today started COLD and dreary. It was looking to be a tough day, but the clouds have parted, no rain was to be seen, and it is quite nice. campers are swimming and doing crafts and relaxing.
Our team has been getting quite the compliments from the staff. I have had multiple BaYouCa staff members say how patient and great our teens are. They think we are doing GREAT!
The campers are starting to ask of all if we will come back next year. They are even praying for it! This is quite a compliment, as this is one of the highlights of their year, and they would love for us to continue to be a part of it.
I am not sure how I can best explain how proud I am of these teens. They are spending almost 22 hours out of the day in the presence of the campers. They sleep in the same cabins, help them get from place to place, assist in bathroom breaks, showers, seizures, changing for swimming and pool time, Bible time, etc.
This creates a very exhausting atmosphere. Physically, mentally, and spiritually this team being pushed. Yet, they are really shining.
The only breaks are for meal time and for team devotions at the end of the night. This devotional time we review our devos (which everybody is doing very well at) and then talk about our best moments from the day. Each team member shares something that was very special to them. It is a time that we all have enjoyed very much. With lots of smiles and almost some tears. They all will have quite a few stories to tell after this week!
Tonight will be quite a night. We have the BaYouCa county fair, which involves a bunch of booths that the campers will go to. Your teens will be doing all sorts of things including being in a dunk tank, dressing up as clowns (I am looking forward to photographing that) and running different fun events.
Next up will be the WORLD FAMOUS BaYouCa Chicken BBQ! I already had a little taste, and it lives up to the billing. They have been basting and BBQing the chicken for almost 2 1/2 hours! The whole camp smells WONDERFUL!
AND, after that we get to watch the BaYouCa Precious Jewels Talent Show! It is sure to be a bunch of skits that will have us in total laughter.
One teen commented that he doesn't think he has frowned in a few days, there is just so much to smile about, and so many people are hugging and having fun.
I am trying to compile all the photos from the teens, but it is already reaching up around 400, so I will be getting the memory cards tonight and trying to sort through the best of the best.
Those will be online soon...
Thanks again for all the prayers. Thank you to those who are caring for our kids! And thank you for the encouragement by comments and by email!
We love you guys!
3 comments:
Tonight it was Jenny's turn to pray, so Derek and Wes, you finally got "officially" mentioned in prayer -- along with Mandy, Katie, and Kelly B. (Yes, Ethan, you got special prayer from your little buddy, Jed. What did you do to merit such individual treatment? Or does Jed just know something about your week that we don't?) We are so proud of the whole group. The love of Christ you are demonstrating to these campers will have effects for eternity -- in the campers' hearts, in their families' lives, and in your own souls! To God be the glory. Thank you for sharing your hearts with them...and treasure up all that they are sharing with you. We're still praying! The Wilcox Gang
How thankful we are for Jen, the Griswolds, and you Pastor Dave for helping to provide this incredible opportunity for our teens. Our prayers have been constant. I know the teens are being stretched in ways they never imagined-- and blessed in ways they never imagined as well!
The Feldmann's
Friday morning -- Jedidiah refused to pray for the five girls that were next on our prayer list (no offense meant, ladies), so he prayed for Aaron, Phil, and Jesse last night. Sorry, Ethan, you lost out this time. :-) We're praying for strength to push through this last day of love and service. The song "This Will Be Your Defining Moment" by New Song keeps coming to our minds as we pray for you. God bless you all! The Wilcox Gang
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