Stories

One of the greatest ways I have experienced God during my internship has been through the Bible teaching over the past two weeks. Going into the lessons, I hoped the kids would enjoy them, but I never expected to be so encouraged by their eagerness to learn. Seeing even the youngest campers listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and get excited about God's Word reminded me of Jesus' words in Matthew 19:14, "Let the little children come to me... for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

While reading a historical fiction The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar, about a young woman working in Queen Esther’s palace, a moment that truly stuck with me was when Esther speaks with the palace cook and physician about approaching someone in a position of high power. It was terrifying and nerve-racking, yet they still had to do it because they were positioned exactly where they needed to be. This reminded me of Mordecai's powerful words to Esther, “ Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape... and who knows but that you have come to your Royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14).

How could I feel nostalgic for an era I was never part of?

As I was looking through all the blog posts of staff and friends from Sonshine Day Camps in the past, I found many pleasant surprises. I recognized so many familiar faces. I did not realize that some of them were part of the original generation of Jesse Ketchum.

As much as I try to deny it, I have a tendency to think I don’t need anyone, that total independence is strength. But if you know anything about camp, you know that it is anything but a solo mission. Each day requires teamwork, support from others, and a spirit sustained by God. Every summer, God teaches me something new about Himself or His mission, and this year, it seems to be this: You cannot do this on your own. And I’m not just talking about trips and lessons and camp days. I’m talking about life.