Move

It’s a linear concept we often overlook. When I think about movement, so many ways to move come to my mind. Worshipping the Lord, exercising, moving back to school, traveling, just “doing.” Movement is the concept that has been on my mind the past few weeks. As the summer draws to a close and I begin to think about my move back to school, I realize the shift that will begin to take place. I will be moving from a place I’ve grown to love to a place I haven’t been in four months. But no matter where I move, the Lord is ever-present and never changing. Though the world moves rapidly around me, my foundation is firm and constant. The Lord calls us to move, though, with the confidence that he is our rock, to make a difference and glorify Him through it all. In this post, I thought I would share with you about the different “moves” in my life.

One of the new ways I have learned to move is, don’t laugh, yoga.

I’ll admit, I was one of those people that used to mock and laugh at the people that practiced yoga. “Downward Dog” was never my idea of worship. I used to be self conscious about closing my eyes and letting the muscles of my face “soften around the eyes.” This summer my friend and roommate, Becky, introduced me to a new type of yoga. Contemplative Movement. Becky is a yoga instructor and outdoor-adventure-extraordinaire. She taught Contemplative Movement (the Christian version of yoga) at camp this summer and I decided to broaden my horizon and try it out. It was relaxing, strengthening, challenging, and meditative. We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But this is only one expression. Contemplative Prayer is considered to be a pure gift from God. It is the opening of mind and heart-our whole being- to God, beyond thoughts, words, and emotions.

The two main struggles I’ll admit to with yoga was having to wake up at 6:30 (let me tell ya.. tough.) and wandering thoughts during my time of contemplative prayer. Thoughts like, How am I doing? This peace is just great! What the heck was the name of that song I really liked? Just ordinary wanderings of the imagination. But the Lord does a good job of gently reeling me back in to the reason I’m doing contemplative movement in the first place: to glorify and worship Him through movement. I am now a proud yoga lover, not just because it makes me feel great, but because it is a newly discovered form of worship to my heavenly Father, who gave us the gift of movement.

The next “move” that has occurred while here at camp is simply physical activity. I felt very sedentary before I came to camp. Being here with all these amazing opportunities to get up and move has been awesome for me. I’ve been kayaking more times than I can count, rock climbing, practiced yoga, water skiing, hiking, cliff jumping and, I never thought I would say this, running. Scratch that, I meant jogging. Readers, if you know me at all, you know I don’t think running is the most fun form of exercise. I haven’t even run all that much since I’ve been here, but I think I’m getting that chemical in your body that makes you want to run. to move. It’s great! And I hope it stays!

The most obvious big move is the move back to school. Ah! Stress, stress, stress. A lot of unexpected things have happened this summer as far as what this coming year entails. The first big change is we’re getting a new roommate. Hannah, Alli, Kellie, Bethany, and I were going to be living in an apartment in JR this semester. We still are, but Bethany will be going to Liberty Univ. this semester. We knew there was a chance that she would leave in the future, but never expected it to be so soon. The Lord has a plan for everything, and because of that I’m very excited for Bethany. I know she had Christ in the center of her decision. The first time she told me about the news, I was a little saddened, only because I was looking forward to sharing a room with her and having late night pillow talks. It’s an adjustment I will have to live with , Bethany and I will just have to have our pillow talks over skype :)

Because Bethany will not be living with us, we have an extra spot. Honestly, I was hoping I could have some time to settle down into my room before someone else moved in, so we figured we wouldn’t make a big woop-di-do about it to housing. We found out last week, however, that we will be getting a new roommate. This means, depending on how much we “blend,” I will either be sharing a room with her or one of the other girls. It’s up in the air right now, but please keep the rooming situation in your prayers. Please pray for cohesion between us girls as this will be a new environment for us all as well as our new roommate. Since we all know each other, I can’t imagine how she feels about the “new girl.” I pray she does not feel that way as that will make for an uncomfortable atmosphere, and if you know me, I hate having people feel left out.

I’m always on the go. And so is my mind. I’ve already been thinking about what to do with my next summer. Work on a ranch in Colorado, pack fish in Alaska with my good friend Chelsea, work at an international camp overseas. The options are endless. But my summers are not. Time flies, and I’ve only got three summers left before I step into the real world of adults. But whatever I do, I’m always moving with my Father right next to me, and that gives me the confidence that “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Adventure is out there! Just move.

Carly Chase showed this video to me and I thought I would share it with you. It's pretty legit.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

The Civil Wars: My Father's Father

Camp + Cornuke + College

Conversations have been riveting in the first grade classroom this past week. We have been discussing such things as Justin “Beaver” and his girlfriend Selena “Mogez” (no lie, that’s what they think their names are). Several children’s guinea pigs have died, and if they had $10, they would buy and Ipod touch. Don’t worry; we talk about the Bible, too. In fact, several of the children asked Jesus into their heart the other day. You know, though, how when you were younger, you had to ask Jesus into your heart just about every week just to make sure you did it? But hey, once is all it takes and the rest are just for good measure ☺ The children have blessed me so much and I have learned much from their young, but explorative minds.

"Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14

"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:4

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6

I had the opportunity to listen to one of the chapel speakers, Bob Cornuke. He is, as best as I can explain it, Indiana Jones of the Bible. He is a former police investigator and SWAT member. He is an author, explorer, and biblical investigator with journeys including the search for Mt. Sinai, Noah’s ark, and Paul’s shipwreck. His talk was absolutely fascinating, leaving me with several moments of goosebumps. He is one of those men who leave you wanting to shout, THERE IS A GOD! His evidence is riveting and exciting. I, in fact, got to hold what is to believed to be a piece of the anchor from Paul’s shipwreck off the coast of Malta. It’s talks like these that make me want to get of my butt and travel to Saudi Arabia or Jerusalem. To walk where Jesus walked...

My sister Becky left camp yesterday to head back to Virginia. She worked at camp this past week and I can’t tell you how happy I was to see her. She loved catching up with her friends from last year and seeing the children she taught. Having my sister here for only a week reminded me of how much I freaking love my family. I already knew this, of course, but having kindred spirits such as Becky and Amy for sisters. Gosh, we’re a trio not to be trifled with. We feed off of each other’s quirkiness. I’ve loved being here at camp, but seeing my sister and talking to my parents makes me wish I had more than eight hours at home before I head off to school. Sigh, time never stops.

Only 18 more days for me here at camp. My how this summer seems to fly! Please pray for me as I am beginning to stress myself out because of the amount of time I have to prepare for school before I up and leave. I will get home, at the earliest, around 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, and leave for school around 6 a.m…the next day! Whew! I’m trying my utmost to not freak myself out, but I’m not being very successful at the moment. Please pray for patience, comfort, and a soothing heart during the transition from “camp” to “college.”

My lovely kindred spirits Hilary and Chelsea!

Rainy Day: English Tea and Amos Lee

I glanced out my window this morning to see an overcast sky and the ever-present possibility that there would be rain at CAMP-of-the-WOODS today. Much to everyone else’s doubt, I absolutely love rainy weather. Because I don’t have to work until 5:45, I have the whole afternoon to be nothing but lazy. Rainy days give me a reason to put on an over-sized shirt and sweats, heat up a lovely cup of tea, and listen to some of the most perfect mellow music.

I’m sitting in the lobby of Zeitfuss with a delicious cup of tea in the mug I painted in the Arts & Crafts Store at camp. The rain is falling outside the open window, making trickling pitter pats on the ground. There is a pleasant cool breeze coming through the window and Amos Lee is playing through my headphones. I LOVE RAINY DAYS.
Because Rainy Days invoke a desire to write or explore the Internet, I thought I might share my Rainy Day pleasures with you readers. These are things I crave when I hear the sound of rain and smell the precipitation coming:

o Stumble Upon. If you haven’t stumbled upon Stumble Upon yet, you are no college friend of mine.
o Amos Lee. or Avett Brothers. or Civil Wars. or Nickel Creek. Need I go on?
o Cups of Tea. Add cream and sugar, and it’s a match made in heaven.
o Psalms. I absolutely love reading scripture, especially Psalms on a rainy day. It puts me in the best moods. Who would’ve thought rainy days would lift my spirits?!
o Information Books on Ireland. My weakness. Especially if there are pictures.
o Chocolate and Cinnamon. Come on, now.
o Pride and Prejudice.
o Sweatshirt Blankets
o Mr. Darcy
o Fireplaces
o Wedding Pictures. Don’t ask why. It’s just a girl thing.
o Art Projects. Generally card making is my project of choice on days like these.

“You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.” [Psalm 68:9]

Happy Rainy Day Monday!

Pop quiz: How many times did I use the words, “Rainy Day?”

Monday's Memorable Moments; Third Edition

One week has snuck out. Another week has snuck up. I can’t believe I’ve already been here six weeks. How the days fly! Last week, Ravi Zacharias was here, so the numbers of the guests in the camp imploded. First day of CE (Christina Education) last week, forty-two 1st Graders arrived at our door! Shoot. Talk about a sea of six year-olds. Due to the shortage in teacher hands and craft projects, we had to close the doors at thirty 1st graders the rest of the week. They were all precious, specifically a little boy who stole my heart.

Andrew was adopted from South Korea when he was a baby. A smile permanently filled his face, causing his little eyes to practically disappear. Every time I saw him around camp, his little hand would wave incessantly and his smile would automatically jump from his face to mine, causing my eyes to practically disappear under my smile. My heart is forever Andrew’s.



In other news, I am so very, very…very stoked to see my shishter, Becky-boo, in less than a week! She has been praying for an opportunity to get up here to see her friends she made last year when she worked here and, of course she hoped on seeing her favorite middle sister. I’ve missed the time I’ve had with my sisters while I’ve been here, so I’m very glad I get to see her this summer! I may very well pee my pants when I see her…

Now, for the point of this post. Time for another installment of Mondays Memorable Moments.

1) Cliff Jumping. About three miles from camp lies Christine Falls, a magical spot and perfect place for cliff jumping. Chelsea, Danielle, Brea and I escaped from the camp to do a bit of cliff jumping. Next to the falls sets a rock resting 25 feet above the water. The key to jumping is landing right in the froth of the falls. As I jump, my stomach experiences what I think feels like zero gravity. When my body submerges under the froth, my hair swishes around my face as I try to figure out which way is “up.” When I emerge from the water, the current gently but swiftly ushers me to the other side of the river? Stream? Creek? Whatever. It’s a lot of fun.
2) Eating fish eyes. Yes. I went there. One day, while working in Purdy, Lance was telling us all the great things about fish heads as Brandon filleted the Salmon. Lance mentioned the fact that some people in this world actually enjoy eating the fish’s eyes. I was skeptical because I had never tried this delicacy. Brian said he would eat one if I did. Being the culinary adventurist that I am, I agreed. We steamed the fish head and scooped the eye directly out of the socket (I’m going graphic here, so bear with me). Lance suggested we dip it in soy sauce and lemon juice to reduce the fishiness of the peeper. On the count of three, Brian and I ate the eyes. There is a solid part of the eye that is best not eaten, so I spit that part out after I sucked the rest. It didn’t taste as bad with the soy and lemon, so we had to try it straight up, eating the second eye. The only way to describe the taste I succumbed to is…a concentrated fishy flavor with the consistency of Jello.
3) Hiked Chimney. On my day off, me and another staffer, Ryan, decided to tag along on one of the hikes led by the Rec staff for the guests. The hike is only about 1.7 miles up, but the rocks can be somewhat strenuous to climb. The view at the summit, although not completely breath-taking for me personally, was beautiful nonetheless. We read some scriptures at the top as we munched on our sandwiches and nutri-grain bars. The next part of the hike, we walked a little bit further to see Chimney rock. The last part of the hike was probably my favorite. Eagle Cave is a cave involving a very small entry in which you have to lie on your back and shimmy down the narrow crevasses until you enter the first big room in the cave. If you’re claustrophobic, this cave may not be the most ideal for you. I had been to Grand Caverns before, but this was nothing like it. This felt unexplored, mysterious, and awesome, even though many hikers had explored it before. Once we travelled into the chilly cave a bit more, we turned off our headlamps and listened to the silence. It was awesome. The way up was a bit more challenging since we were now climbing up the slick rocks. I felt much like Spiderman as far as my appearance climbing these rocks. Overall, the company was great, the cave was awesome, and a perfect way to spend my day off.





Happy Monday!

You Give and Take Away

I have not been looking forward to writing this post. Partly because of my difficulty to actually sit down and write and partly because I’m not going to enjoy writing about what I’m about to write.

Last week was not a normal weekend at Camp-of-the-Woods. Last Saturday was not a normal day. Regardless of the beautiful weather that weekend, a shadow seemed to have fallen all over the campus. I wish not to go into detail at this moment, but you should know that there has been pain, confusion, shock, and prayers throughout the camp over what happened on Saturday. One of the staff workers went kayaking with a friend and fell out of the kayak. Not knowing how to swim, he drowned. It was nightmarish to hear of this news at staff dinner that night. At that point they hadn’t found him, so they had no answers for us. They found his body on Tuesday, adding a bit more closer to this miserable ordeal. Prayers were and still are being continuously lifted for the Perez family and Pam, Anthony’s girlfriend, who was with him at the time of the accident. Please continue to pray for a peace and comfort for them as they cope for the loss of a loved one.

Multiple thoughts and feelings raced through my head when I found out about the accident. I didn’t want to talk about it. I didn’t want to think about it. I wanted to escape in my head to a world in which suffering never happens. I wanted to know answers, and yet I didn’t want to know. I hate the feeling you get in your stomach when you find out about accidents such as these. Every time you envision it, it’s like a rock is rolling around in your body and you just want to think it never happened and it’s just a dream. I wasn’t mad at God, but it broke my heart to think of a death like drowning happening to anyone.

The important thing that I had to remind myself of was God is a great God. He is working in situations even when we don’t understand why or how. Another important thing to remember is that God is working for the redemption of man. The world may be fallen and filled with sin, but we may rejoice in the fact that a loving God created us and is still working in us in order to make all things right.

We rejoice that Anthony’s life is in our Lord’s hands. He was a believer, so we have the comfort that he is with the Lord right now. It has been awesome to feel the closeness of God in times of pain and suffering. For God is still God, and God is still good.

Throughout this whole week, the lyrics to Blessed Be Your Name has consoled and uplifted me, and I pray it will do the same for you. Whatever you’re going through, in what feels to be the darkest hour of your life, blessed be the Lord’s name, who gives life to all. Praise the Lord.

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Monday's Memorable Moments

If you haven’t looked at you calendar today, it’s Monday! Not to mention the Fourth of July. Happy fourth to all! This week has been chock full of memories I will cherish. If I listed all the things that happened to me this week, you would never want to read my blog again because I will have then written a novel. That may just be because I’d go into to WAY too much detail. Nevertheless, Week One at camp was, for lack of better words, challenging, inspiring, exhausting, and memorable. Which leads me to another installment of Monday’s Memorable Moments.

The first grade classroom at the Jelinek Center was filled with eight spunky, intelligent, adorable, and hilarious children this past week. Compared to this week with thirty children averaging each day for Week Two, eight kids were a cinch. Here are some of the quotes I caught from the children while in the classroom:

• Me: Guess how old I am.
(Alison thinks long and hard and answers sincerely)
Alison:…36?
(…close)

• Miss Kate: Who knows what’s happening tonight?
(Josh raises his hand excitedly)
Josh: The carnival! The actual carnival is tonight!
(You probably had to be there for it. His inflection made it)

• Jason says to me: You look like Jesus’ queen.
(Not exactly sure what that means…but I’ll take it.)

• As I was standing outside the boys bathroom waiting for Zachary I heard,
Zachary: ew…Miss Kate?
Me: yes?
Zachary: It’s a poop turd.
(grrrreat)

• Kaitlyn: We had to put our cat to sleep because he kept peeing under the kitchen table.

I’ve been taking advantage of the glorious weather, enjoying frequent canoe and kayak trips with some great people. One that really stood out was one with my friends Hannah and Sharon. We kayaked by the shoreline, stuck our “chaco feet” out of the boat, and just shared a bit about our lives. It was super relaxing and a great way to share our lives with each other. I have yet to take a sailboat out, but it is a goal of mine for the summer.

Camp-of-the-Woods had their Fourth of July fireworks on July 2nd, oddly enough. Some of us girls decided to swim out to the dock in the lake to get the best seats in camp. And boy were they. Laying on the floating dock, oo-ing and ah-ing at the marvelous sight of explosive pyrotechnics. The booming sound of the fireworks surrounded the lake, adding to the magnificence of the whole experience. The lights from the fading sparks reflected on the water as they slowly floated back to the ground. I cherished every moment of it.

Just this evening concluded another memory that I will cherish here at camp. My friends Maddy, Chelsea, Brea, Hilary, and I took, yet again, another swim out to the dock to admire the stars, since the first time on the dock was such an enjoyable success. Author’s Note: New York has beautiful stars ha. Probably because Speculator is the closest town with not that many lights, so the stars are easily visible. We huddled close together on the swaying dock to keep our body temperatures at a favorable degree after climbing out of the “chillish” waters of Lake Pleasant. As we lay there, giddily squealing whenever we saw a shooting star, we discussed the mind-blowing aspects of stars and space. Ya know, the normal unanswerable questions that arise when gazing into outer space. It got me thinking about, of course, how big and powerful the God of the Universe really is. Job 25:5 says,

“If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in his eyes.”

Even something we think to be absolutely beautiful and bright in the sky, it doesn’t even compare to the greatness of God. Psalm 148:3 says,

“Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.”

Even the stars worship Him! All of creation should worship the God who made everything.

I would like to get some pictures posted so you all can see some of the faces and places I enjoy around camp. That will hopefully be coming soon. In the meantime, I highly suggest you take at least one night this week to grab a blanket, grab a friend, and go lay out under the stars. It's amazing the things you will think of.

Happy Fourth.