This is my first year as an intern at Sonshine Day camp. I did not really know what to expect as I had heard that I will be stretched in my time in Kingston-Galloway. So before I had even begun I had decided early on to go in with full confidence and faith in God. As I have experienced a few weeks of camp with my team and the youth, my faith has been tested many times as I did not know exactly how to navigate conflicts between the children and my relationships with the youth. It is hard to see a child so upset during a fight or an incident such as name calling. I have had to truly rely on the Lord to guide me with wisdom on how to help resolve these fights and tend to the needs of both children whether it is consoling them or speaking the truth in love. As it says in John 15:5,
““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” ”
It breaks my heart as some of the experiences these kids go through, I believe no child should have to face, and amidst this I’m learning to respond in humility, letting God lead in and through me, and letting Him teach me. I am also encouraged to see children open up and trust me enough to call me a friend! It really softens my heart to see the kids supporting each other during upsetting moments or showing affection to each other. One of our littlest kids is five years old and I love how everyone wants to look out for her and take care of her - nothing warms my heart more than that.
God has given me endless grace and patience that I need for the youth and myself, for moments where they test my patience. By God’s grace, I have been able to remain patient and understanding. After all, I realize there is a lot more going on with them and their families than I know. As little human beings, they are so much more than their experiences with poverty and the effects of living in a community that has been negatively labeled by society. There is unseen hurt and brokenness underneath, but then again, we all experience this in our own way. As a leader, I pray that I can lead them to Jesus and unify us all in His gospel and mission. I pray the Lord can help the youth pick up the pieces of their hearts and see themselves as wholly, fully, and complete. I would be the utmost honoured for the Lord to use me in the slightest way to fulfill this mission.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blogpost.