During my final weekend in J-Bay, my team and I had the privilege of serving as camp counselors at a Bible Camp in town.
My team of six, as well as the other J-Bay team of 5 (Blondetourage) worked together to fill in as counselors for all the kids attending the camp. Each of us teamed up with one of the other World Racers and together we were given groups of 7 kids, to watch over and love on from Friday-Sunday.
We all had some apprehension about the weekend. We were totally unfamiliar with the camp; we had learned the name of the camp, but that was pretty much the extent of what we knew. We were each responsible for both boys and girls; this was new to me, as I had only ever counseled girls in America. Some of our campers were unable to speak/understand much if any English, which was going to be both beautiful and challenging.
All that said, the weekend was a complete success. I loved every second of it. Kids are incredible! They love purely and unconditionally. They listen closely, and take correction and encouragement to heart. When I left my summer of working at Bluewater Covenant Bible Camp in the states in 2013, I was pretty much certain I would never be able to counsel again, but God knew better.
During my weekend counseling with Chandler (a fellow racer from team Blondetourage), she and I got to know seven incredible 7-8 year olds. Those 5 boys and 2 girls stole my heart. We played superhero games, we sang the hilarious “Monkey” song, we talked about Jesus, and ate meals together. Those kids became like my own by the time Sunday rolled around.
God was evident in that place. There is something special about Christian camp programs. It is one of the safest places for kids to be themselves, make friends and learn about God. It was special to be able to be a part of that type of ministry again.
Tomorrow we leave Debrief. The time here has flown by me. I’ll be on the road to Zimbabwe by lunch time. So while you are all waking up in the states, I will be piled in a car or bus to Bulawayo.
I hope to post one more recap from Debrief tomorrow morning, if time permits.
If time does not permit it, know that I love you all and I am sending prayers your way.
Goodnight from South Africa,
Liesl
