This week has been exciting in ways I could have never expected. I will tell you of this excitement; however, I must first apologize for my lack of attentiveness to blogging. I realize you, my readers, are anxiously waiting, with bated breath, for detailed updates and my laziness has lost you sleep- haha. But in all seriousness, I am sorry for my lack of blogs this week- I have been ever consumed with work here at EL RANCHO.
I last left you with the account of my wonderful week as a camp counselor and the overflowing joy of the children. Now, as I sit alone at a laminate topped office desk, rain pouring on the dark windows, it is hard to imagine that my summer camp days have scarcely passed. This week EL RANCHO is hosting a large Christian conference and as of 2pm yesterday an upwards of 800 eager Kiwis have inhabited the grounds. During the conference, our teams will serve as the hospitality crew- cleaning bathrooms, cooking & serving food to the guests. Additionally, 5 members of our group, including myself, were given the opportunity to serve in an entirely different manner. Rob Namba, the executive director of EL RANCHO (who is awesome, btw) expressed the camps need for graphic design & marketing help. In a truly divine appointment fashion, we have numerous people on our team with these talents. Therefore, the last 4 days have been spent working on a rebranding initiative for EL RANCHO. We have been able to work together, and with the staff of EL RANCHO to create what is, in my opinion, a majorly improved brand image for the camp. I hope to post a before & after photo so you all can see the product of our work; but,I have to get permission from Rob first. Stay tuned for potential pictures to come!
For me, this project was completely unexpected. When I envisioned the ministry opportunities I would encounter on this trip, ironically, it never crossed my mind that I would use my business skills. I expected orphans, construction, cleaning, & teaching. I never expected business meetings, brainstorming, marketing, & long hours in front of the computer. But sitting here alone, starring at the cluttered desk top, I feel joy. There is no laughter of children, there is no waterslide, & there are no Kiwi co-leaders; yet, I am content. It has been cool to put my education to use & to see the product of those 4 laborious years turn into a blessing. It has also been interesting to learn that joy has two faces. I can feel it when I am surrounded by people in the sun & I can feel it when I am alone in the rain.
But the most interesting discovery is that perhaps this joy has nothing to do with my solitary state or the weather at all, but is, in fact, solely the product of Christ in me-encouraging me, loving me, & challenging me to love others. You know, just a thought.
