“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” Psalm 37:4-6
This month I am seeing the Father come through on this very promise in so many ways.
Camp has always been a huge part of my life. I spent fifteen summers at Camp Squanto, and for four of those years I got to be a part of the magic as a staff member. Camp is where I met Jesus. Camp is where I’ve made some of my very best friends. Camp is where I realized that learning about the Creator is FUN. Camp is where I feel most alive. Camp is where I feel that I am closest to being who God has created me to be. Basically… I LOVE camp.
This past summer I wasn’t able to return to camp because I needed to spend time preparing for the race, and I have to tell you, my heart absolutely broke. I was able to visit for a few days and it was the most difficult goodbye knowing that I may never get to experience camp like that again (although… I am really praying that Jesus would take ahold of my dream of being a Christian camp director 
). Although it is one of my deepest desires to serve the Lord through camping ministry I had to relinquish it in order to follow His lead.
This month, I’m so grateful I did.
Thailand had lead Team Hesed to an all girl’s home in a rural village northwest of Chiangmai. There are forty girls here aged 4-17, plus six full-time staff members. The property is a beautiful, sprawling plot of green fields complete with a pavilion, playground, volleyball court, and living quarters. BUT the BEST part about this placement is that the girls are off of school for the month of October which means that our ministry is… *drum roll*
KID’S CAMP!
Today was our first day of camp and it was the most “in my element” that I have felt in quite awhile. We sang songs, read bible stories, did some crafts, and obviously played capture the flag. Watching the girls run, play, giggle, and learn more about the Father filled my heart to the very brim. I can’t even explain to you how fully my soul is satisfied as I watch each girl interact with the Lord throughout the day. This is pretty much what I imagine heaven to be like.
It’s only the first week but, I’m willing to bet that my team will be struggling to get me to leave this place for Cambodia.
Abba required me to lay down the place most precious to me in order to pursue His plan. I was faithful to the best of my ability and now I am reaping the rewards of His insane goodness here in Thailand. He saw my sacrifice and He sees the depths of my heart. I always knew in my head that the promises of the Bible were for me just as much as they were for people then, but now the Lord is teaching me to know that with my heart too.
His way is better and I would choose it a hundred times over.
Next time you hear from me I’ll likely be gushing about one, or two, or forty of these sweet sweet girls.
Love,
Kristen
P.S. THANK YOU Mom, Dad, Nana, and Grampy for getting me to camp all those years, and especially for supporting my decision to work there even though it meant I was getting paid approximately $20/day. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it! I love and miss you all so much!
