Orientation is complete. Yesterday served as an excellent reminder as reality hit me. When the campers showed up, it finally hit me that I, along with about 49 other staff members, are responsible for these kids. For this week, I'm living in the La Quinta. Unfortunately, I will only have 2 days with the kids because I am at A&M. I'm excited to be registering for classes, but I want nothing more to be back in the piney woods with my campers. As Sunday began, Andy delegated Karly and I as the "sign greeters." Let me tell you, the summer sun never shines down brighter than at 2:30 when you are standing on burning asphalt waving at incoming campers. Though it was hot, I like to think that as Karly and I made fools of ourselves dancing and waving, that the kids got a good laugh and more importantly a good impression of Camp Deer Run. Surprisingly, only 2 cars stopped to ask if we were having car trouble. The first was a man and his very young son. Let me tell you, this man gave me the creeps. But, with a smile on my face I had the opportunity to share the mission of Camp Deer Run. So even though I was uncomfortable, maybe his small son will one day camp because they now know the story behind the sign. Besides this encounter, it was a pleasant and cheerful job. Several families got great joy by asking silly questions such as, "Where is Camp Running Deer?" and "Are you the ones handing out ice-cream?" and I like to think that we went along with their good-humor. The first night of silly songs was great. I had the chance to sit with several campers who were new to camp, and I can assure you that after some silly songs they will be back next year. The joy and excitement from the campers is contagious! I love the energy they bring, and I love how with their arrival the woods came to life. I am so blessed to be a member of the staff this year. This is my first year that the roles are reversed, and I now get to see the pure bliss and the joy-filled eyes of all the campers. In one day, it has become a drug. I feed off of their excitement, and I hope that they can do the same. I pray that our first session is successful, and I pray that I will return quickly. In other news, my baby sister is traveling to Europe tomorrow. 16 years old and she's flying to Europe! It seems unreal that she is old enough for a trip like this. I hope and I pray that they are safe, but most importantly I pray that she uses the trip as a way to share her strong faith. I hope that she can share God with several of her classmates and even some Europeans (not those sketchy vendors though!) I can say that after I traveled in Europe, my eyes were opened and were more appreciative of our country. I have never appreciated ice and ketchup more than when I returned from my 16-day adventure. If anyone is reading this, I ask that you life up a prayer for my sister and her friends. Also, pray for my mother's peace. As we are in C-Stat I know that tomorrow will be difficult as she isn't taking my sister to the airport, or giving her a final hug. She will definitely need some peace for these next 8 days. Well the Gambrel family has had many adventures this week, and I'm sure there will be more to come this summer. Count your blessings daily, and thank God continually.
In Him,
Katelyn Ann
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