Safe.

I've been at camp the past 6 days. Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya. On Stony Lake. AKA My safe place.

We (support staff) have talked a lot this week about how camp is a safe place... for some people, it is their only safe place. I have other safe places, but camp is by far the best one. You're free to be yourself here at camp... people here are more real. More accepting. More willing to lend a listening ear, a hug or a good laugh. I can run around like a fool half the day, be cranky for a little bit, or have a serious conversation. All of these things are part of who I am, and I am totally free to be me (ala Francesca Battistelli haha). Shower? Haven't in two days. Make-up? Ha. Scrubby gym shorts, t-shirts, and hair all a mess? Yep. But who cares. Cause it's camp. And people here love me anyways.

I go home in approximately 9 hours. And I don't want to leave. Don't get me wrong... I LOVE my parents and friends at home... but everything here at camp is so much more simple. Unfortunately, I'm growing up. I know that in the future, I won't be able to spend as much time here. I hate it. In my heart, I wish that camp could be year round. But in my head, I know that would make it less special. Camp is something I look forward to all year long. I've been coming here every summer for 12 years. I have literally grown up here. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Forget Campus View. THIS is my second home.

This week has been amazing. Laughing hysterically. Cooking. Dutch Blitz. Glozell. Swimming. Kayaking. Making new friends. A Swinger engagement. Spending time with God. Living life in it's most simple form. Being safe.

Father God,
Thank you for this time here at camp. To renew and be filled with You. To build relationships. To laugh and enjoy the little things. Thank your for this place. For making it as amazing as it is. My life wouldn't be the same without it, and I thank you for that.
Amen.