At camp our sleeping situation changed every night: (1)sleeping in our own tent, (2)having our packs ‘lost’ on an airline and sharing with a buddy, (3)night on a school bus, (4)hard core camping night (tarps as tents, dinner over the fire, bathroom: the great outdoors), (5) sleeping in our tents but without the use of the toilets (again, bathroom: great outdoors), (6) community tents (13 people per tent), (7) then the last night when we could use our own tent again but many opted just to share with someone to cut back on time.
… I explain all of that to share this: ‘luxury’ was redefined early in the week.
On the fifth night they told us we could use our own tents again but we just weren’t allowed to use the port-a-potties (aka bathroom was once again the great outdoors) we literally called it an ‘easy night’. We had the same reaction when they told us that were were sleeping in community tents the next night PLUS we could use the port-a-potties – that is a night of luxury right there!!! Easy peasy!
It was pretty funny on the second to last day when we got to go out with our teams and ‘make a memory’ – my team went to apple bees for a dinner/lunch…whatever you call the meal that you eat at 4pm haha!
Peaking back into civilization after not showering for a week and in clothes that were now in their 3rd day of use felt a little awkward. I felt like I was being rude. Silly, yes, but it was kinda like reverse culture shock (on a very small scale). I got excited when we were seated and realized that our bums had cushioned seats! We were overwhelmed by the menu options after a week of just eating whatever was placed before us. And after using the restroom I had to literally walk back in cause I forgot that flushing toilets was a thing.
Ive read a blog or two of girls who have gone on the field and had to allow Papa to redefine what ‘pretty’ meant…I could care less if I feel pretty or not but I do like to feel fresh and clean. 6-9 months ago I took showers literally everyday ..sometimes twice a day. Now when I’m at home I look forward to the times when I get to go 3-4 days without a shower (If you don’t sweat and don’t jump in a pile of dirt whats the point?) …At camp we (or at least I) sweat everyday …like my shirt was kinda wet y’all but I still went the week without taking one of those bucket showers they had available for us. Normally Id feel gross and be going nuts…however, I just didnt….(I did use baby wipes on the pits once and put on some fresh deodorant) …I didn’t feel clean but I also didn’t feel unclean. ….and to my knowledge I didn’t smell haha.
Many from college know me as the germaphobe … freshness/cleanliness/luxury are going to be redefined…they already are! That is amazing! Ive quit calling myself a germaphobe too cause I’m done speaking that over myself haha ill embrace the part in me that Papa made to be a little dirty and lovely at the same time! And I’m stoked about it!
