A Fulfilling Week

Girls camp: what a whirl wind! I went as a leader and a cook which was quite busy but it was an amazing week! (By the way, teenage girls eat like a horse! Even the three meals and three snacks a day we had planned wasn't enough). I love the girls in my ward, every single one of them and they have become the highlight of my week whether it be at church or mutual. The first day of camp was a bit challenging, we had some cabin issues which made tempers flair and emotions fly wildly resulting in tears. After it was resolved the girls just wanted to go home. They had sour attitudes and were determined that it was going to be a terrible week just like last year, which was the reason they weren't too excited about going to begin with. But later in the evening Sister Harris' talk was beautifully given as she started by saying that girls camp is whatever you make it. That sunk in and by wednesday morning the girls were excited to wake up. That evening after dinner all the leaders dressed in white and hiked a little ways to a meadow where we stood beside a large picture of Christ and a rod. This was called the Destiny Walk. The girls were blindfolded and led on a trail through the mists of darkness while holding onto the rope or iron rod. Some gave in to the temptations, others resisted and walked on. Just before the meadow opens they removed the blindfolds and saw us leaders at the bottom of the meadow and at the end of the iron rod. We embraced them so tightly as the tears flowed from each leader and young woman. What an experience for those girls as they see that the vision of the tree of life really is real life. We really do have temptations that try to pry our hands from the rod and lead us to the great and spacious building. We really do have leaders and a Savior who are there waiting for us with open arms and a warm smile, who are here to help us and to guide us. It was a beautiful experience. Later that night we met as wards for devotionals and the girls wanted to play a game. We sat in a circle and one girls starts by choosing someone and says, "Jane, you are a beautiful daughter of God and I love you because..." We all went around the room a few times and I have never known anything to bring more unity and more love to our ward than this game. It was so touching so hear what the girls had to say about each other and about the leaders. It was so touching to feel the love and to feel the spirit that was in our cabin that night.

Thursday evening we were blessed to have our bishop and his adorable wife with us, they even brought brownies and ice cream sundaes to share! But the sweetest part of all was our testimony meeting. Again, another unifying night. Another cabin filled to the brim with love.

There was also yummy food, games, crafts, certification, hikes, service projects, and secret sisters. The girls said it was one of the best girls camp they've been to. I'm so proud of them for making the decision to come to camp even though they really didn't want to. I'm proud of them for changing their attitudes after a little dispute and being such great examples to the first year girls. I was privileged to teach the combined lesson on sunday about exaltation, where I made these glass jar lanterns for handouts (some with polka dots and other with flowers. I know it isn't a great picture but you get the idea and the girls loved them. I found the idea HERE), and at the end I tied it in to the Destiny Walk. I'm so thankful for my calling. I'm so thankful for these girls and for their parents. Truly, they are the teachers and I am the student as I learn so much from them everyday!