Bittersweet Feelings...

“Thank God for kids, there’s magic for a while

A special kind of sunshine in a smile

Do you ever stop to think or wonder why

The nearest thing to heaven is a child?”

Tonight was our kids’ Dessertfest (for those of you who are not familiar with this, the community is invited to an event were we serve desserts and then the kids perform some songs and skits that they have been learning all summer, and we speak a little bit about the Camp Adventure program).  Today I was thinking back to my own Dessertfest at the completion of my semester of training.  I remember crying while singing the lyrics above, from the song “Thank God for Kids”.  Tonight, watching a special few of the kids from my room do the sign language to Rascal Flatt’s “My Wish”, the tears came again.  I managed to get myself under control, but then while singing, “God Bless the USA”, two of the campers from my room ran all the way across the theater to stand by me and another counselor from my room, causing both of us to cry.  After tonight, I’m dreading Friday, when we actually have to say the final goodbyes, even more than I already was.  However, I know it is simply part of it, and one step closer to a happy reunion with Brad, my family, my friends, my crazy horse Miss Sugar, and the even crazier dog Bubba.  To call this thought bittersweet feels like an understatement.

This summer has been one of great personal growth, filled with my frustrations, but also many heartwarming moments with children and friends too.  Although moments this week have felt like the first week all over again when we couldn’t seem to get through to the campers, others are quick to remind me that many of the behavior issues are caused by children who are sad we are leaving, and don’t know any other mechanism for coping with the feelings.

I just wanted to share these few thoughts with you, and ask you again to keep me in your prayers during the next 4 days, and the next week too as classes start.  I emailed all of my professors today to give them a heads up that I will be in the process of adjusting to the time difference, and have heard back from two of them who seemed very understanding, which was a relief!

Here’s the last verse of the song I began with…

“When you get down on your knees tonight

And thank the Lord for His guiding light

Pray they turn out right

Thank God for kids”