Eucharisteo at CPV

Thank you to Natalie for this new amazing music (I've been so isolated that recommendations are always nice) 

It's been a long time, but I've been at Camp Paradise Valley working as a counselor in the middle of nowhere KY. Literally, it's an hour and a half from wal-mart and 45 minutes from the Family Dollar. And this is home. I love it. I love the people that I work with and for, the kids that come through here (although most are extremely challenging), and the place itself and the way that God has shown up here.

The first week I was in a cabin with 9 year olds and all six of the girls in that cabin got saved. It was such a blessing and inspiring way to start off the summer. After that I moved cabins and have had 12 year olds since. There are different challenges to deal with: more hardness and scars. But it was such a God-move. I feel like I can relate so much better to and with the older girls.

I will make sure to post pictures.

What may be the coolest thing about the summer is that I've been reading the book One Thousand Gifts and the author made a list of a thousand things she was thankful for and she talks about how it changed her heart, slowed down time, and opened her eyes to the true meaning of grace and all of the blessings that truly are. So that's what I've started doing. And it definitely works:

1. Children's laughter
2. The breeze between my toes and through my hair
11. An unexpected encouraging word
15. Meaning without words or sound
16. Sand angels
22. How to Train Your Dragon swim trunks
31. Memories of Mama rocking me
33. An arriving bus
42. Intercession
44. Strong hugs (both given and received)
45. Fireworks and a basketball court full of kids
48. The playful banter between 12 year olds with southern twangs
53. Staff snacks
54. A piece of quiet before bed

And I'm certain my list will grow in the next week. My heart aches with the thought of leaving in a week. I don't feel ready for the real world. Everything is so easy here with a community of people all with the same goal in mind. Oh my gracious it's so easy to be living in the middle of this beautiful valley surrounded by godly friends and mentors and loving on kids who can't help their hurts. But I'm so so so thankful for all of the lessons that I've learned and all of the beauty that I've encountered. I really hope that I don't forget, but also that I choose to implement it instead of complaining about missing it.