"I Don't Know Why She Does This . . ."

“And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi,
Let me now go to the field,
and glean ears of corn after him

in whose sight I shall find grace.

And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.”       

Ruth 2:2 KJV

During morning worship on Sunday, June 16^th as Pastor Sue talked about me serving as a Counselor at Quaker Haven this week she made the comment: “I don’t know why she does this.” I wanted to shout out my answer, but didn’t OR couldn’t. Was it because I felt I had already talked enough a few minutes earlier OR was it because God wanted to share it here. I did, however, jot down the thoughts that were running through my head at that time and thought . . . hummmmmm; this would be an awesome post for the end of my week at Quaker Haven! So, here it is, and I know that Pastor Sue will be reading this.

Let me begin with the thoughts I jotted down that morning during worship . . .

First “I’m not as old as Betty” – you had to have been at Mooresville Friends for worship the week before to understand this; I’m not at Jr High Camp- our nights aren’t as late as theirs; I love going to camp; I loved being at Church Camp – I spent four years at Church Camp (not Quaker Haven) when I was this age as a camper . . . loved every minute of it; I love being up at Quaker Haven Camp – and if you’ve ever been here . . . you can understand this and I love the opportunity it gives me to share God’s creation, His love and His Word with our young Friends.



Now that camp is over, as I sit here and reflect back on the week . . .






Cabin 4 - "Adventure Camp" 2013

I look back at who the 10 girls and the CIT (Counselor In Training) were when they first stepped into our cabin Sunday afternoon and know that the 10 girls and the CIT that went home this afternoon have changed, they’ve grown - I've seen and heard it . . . and I told them so last night. They know that God loves them and cares for them and so do I. It’s like school teachers who say “Those are my kids!” even if it’s been 20 years since they were in their class . . . “These are MY GIRLS!”

I think back on conversations I had with campers, CIT's, Counselors, our session Directors and camp staff . . . before, during and after meals, as we’ve waited in lines, and during games both outside and in the Quack (aka - the gym!). Conversations and sharing while hiking around camp - seeing parts of camp that we don't normally get to see . . . and yes, I lead a group of 13 campers, a CIT and another Counselor in hikes 4 days this week around camp and we had so much fun hiking and talking! The conversations that just 'happened' during free time, hanging out in the cabin first thing in the morning as we woke up and got ready for the day and each evening as we got ready for bed and spent time reflecting on the days activities and during the campfire/popcorn popping/singing.

I think back on Chapel time, cabin devotions and sharing God’s Word and His love with the campers . . . their questions, concerns and the singing . . . lots of singing! Ugh, lots of very LOUD singing. The conversations and sharing of scriptures as we waited out the rain and thunderstorms that altered our scheduled several times. Our morning and evening cabin devotion time . . . and how the girls were so eager to read the short devotionals that I picked out of one of my books and the wonderful conversations and sharing that came from that. How much my girls enjoyed the silly little picture books that I read to them each evening, just before 'lights out' for them to reflect on as they drifted off to sleep and the conversations we'd have the next day about the story . . . and what they thought the hidden meaning of the story was.

And then there was . . . sitting on the floor in the front of the Chapel Thursday night, during the alter call, with MY girls, other campers, CIT's, Counselors and Directors as we talked with them and prayed with and for them . . . the emotions, the tears, lots of tears.

So, let’s go back to Pastor Sue’s comment “I don’t know why she does this.” Well, Pastor Sue, I do it because . . .

• I can;
• I enjoy it;
• The HUGS;
• The smiles;
• It just feels right;
• I get to make new Friends OR is it meet new Friends;
• I get to inspire the campers to be all they can be;
• It’s an opportunity to give encouragement to the campers, CIT’s, Counselors, Directors and Camp Staff . . . and be encouraged by them in the most unexpected ways;
• It’s a way to give back OR ‘pay it forward’ – the Church Camp experience. They may not remember my name, but they will remember some nugget from our time together;
• It’s an opportunity to share the love of God and His Word with our young Friends;
• It’s a warm fuzzy feeling deep down inside;
• OK, I’ll say it . . . it’s a Ministry!

And spending a week up at Quaker Haven Camp as a Counselor blesses me in so many ways . . . it refreshes me, it gives me new insights, it gives me time to renew my relationship with God.

And after another awesome week at Quaker Haven . . .

I’m feeling really Blessed!