Prayer for Teen Camp Del Oro

It's really late, which is never a good time to blog, but i wanted to write down something that's been on my heart for a couple of weeks now (actually for quite a few months!).

I remember a night at camp last year bawling my eyes out. Mostly because some people were leaving and i had to say goodbye, but i also knew at that time everything was ending and i wouldn't be at another camp for a long time, if ever. IT was a sad time.

I also remember chatting with Cheryl about the prospect of not returning and remember how spirit crushing it felt at the time.

Leading up to camp this year, my spirit was heavy and burdened. I'd lay awake at night thinking about schedules and activities and about the returning campers that would be there and the ones i wouldn't even know yet. I'd think about the ins and outs of teen camp, the staff, what works, what doesn't work and it got to the point where i had to sit upright in bed and ask God to take this burden away from me just so i could sleep.

Not returning to teen camp, a second home to me and something which i considered close to my heart, was taunting my mind and obviously my spirit. I couldn't sleep, it was constantly the only thing racing through my mind and tearing up my heart.

God didn't answer my prayer straight away and even now that he actually has, there are still moments when i still allow myself to get caught up thinking about what might've been and what just isn't.

But i prayed so hard and so desperately to God that the right staff would be put there. I already knew most of the kids who would be there, but it was the whole staff that was causing my anguish what if no-one knew how to run the place. It's Teen Camp's 5th birthday this year and one which i won't be there to celebrate. I missed the opening of the first Teen Camp and was there for the three following years and now, here i am chilling in Sydney Australia, instead of complaining about the heat in CA working where i know God created me to work.

When i heard that Justin was on staff out there, it was like God removed my burden. Yes, i was still sad that i wasn't going to be there, yes i was still disappointed the relationship-building had come to an end - heck, i was even sad i wouldn't be at the bonding campfire breakfasts anymore but in that one piece of knowledge, i knew God had sealed his anointing on that place and it filled me with this indescribable joy and peace. The burden was gone. It was like God saying, don't worry about it anymore and since then i haven't worried about it. I've rejoiced knowing that God has his hand over the campers and over the staff.

It definitely doesn't mean i won't be praying for them, my goodness, that place is like my baby. Those campers are like my adopted children, of COURSE i won't stop praying for them, i miss them all so very much. But i know that the plans God has for that place and for all of those people at camp are plans that will prosper them and not harm them. They're plans that will give them a future and a hope. God will listen to their prayers, just as he has heard mine and when they seek him with all of their heart, like i did, they will find him, Christ Jesus.

That's my prayer.