This summer has been full of wonderful, unexpected blessings. I really needed this. And am so grateful to God for all He's done for me these last few weeks.
This week in particular was very special. From Monday-Thursday I went on a retreat with the middle schoolers I've been working with this summer. I had 2 girls the night before we left, both 6th graders, text me and ask if I could be the leader in their room. And I was. Each day started at 7:30am for breakfast and went non-stop til about 11:30 at night for bed! There was a climbing wall, a zip line, a "giant ladder and giant swing," archery, kickball, soccer, dodgeball, volleyball, 4 square, swimming, the list goes on! Needless to say it was a physically exhausting trip! While we were there we had 4 sessions together where we met to study the Bible together. Since we had 4 sessions and there are 4 chapters in Philippians, Andrew (the Middle School pastor) decided to study a chapter per session - and it was amazing. This age is SO crucial to have a solid foundation for your faith. The first night was just an intro to the week and the book of Philippians in general, so the girls in my room asked me that night if we could read Chapter 1 together and discuss it before we studied it more in depth the next day - 11 year olds!! :) I was so thrilled!!
Each day from lunch until dinner we had free time to do whatever. So Wednesday, our last day there, I wrote notes to the 2 girls that were in my room and just told them how much I have loved getting to know them, what blessings they have been to me, and encouraged to keep on seeking Christ in their lives. Well, I had no idea what the result of that would be. They read them as we were packing and getting ready for bed - and both of them completely broke down crying, because I am leaving them to go back to school in 10 short days. It was absolutely the saddest yet most unexpected part of the trip. I had no idea I had become so dear to them as they had become to me. I mean this was at least a half an hour of me trying to assure them that even though I may not be there physically, they can call me anytime, email me anytime, that I'll be sure to see them when I'm home, etc. These girls put their trust in me and came to love me just like I came to love them in these last couple months. I had no idea it would be so hard for them.
This job was kind of last minute and I had no idea if I'd get it or not. But all these little details kept working out so that it did! And I am so grateful. I knew I would enjoy this job a lot, but had no idea what God had in store. I felt so inadequate - all I knew was that I had leaders when I was younger who made tremendous impacts on me, and if I could impart a little knowledge and try to make some friendships with some kids, then that would be great!
These kids are dealing with a lot right now... middle school is just hard. But I was able to relate a lot to what they're going through. Lots of them go to public school so the world is right in their face at such a young age.
They get made fun of for their faith. Check.
They deal with temptations every day. Check.
They have friends who have hurt them. Check.
They want to show people the love of Christ, but it's hard, especially when you feel like you're the only Christian in your school. Check.
All these things I have dealt with at one point or another, and they know that. And I'm so glad that I was able to share my own experiences with them, and different lessons I've learned through those times. It has definitely been the most amazing and rewarding job I've ever had and I will never forget it. Or these beautiful girls I have come to love so much.
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