An Adventure Camp Story…
I sat on the deck at camp this summer with Isabella. She described to me her dread of returning home after camp. She articulated the anger and grief she was feeling as she had time to reflect on the dark realities of her home life. I had heard her describe before how in YFC spaces she feels known and understood. She feels seen. My internal response to this is one of joy mixed with sadness. When I hear her describe the life she experiences with us, I can point directly to Jesus. It’s not about YFC, or Braid, or Adventure Camp. It’s about Jesus, and the way he loves us, and how that transforms our communities. However, the sadness is real also as I know she has to walk back into this space that feels so dark. Upon returning from camp this summer, I have watched as Jesus is caring for her in the midst of darkness.
God gave her a teacher this year at school who is a follower of Jesus and who looked at Isabella and said, you and I both know Jesus, and I’m here in this building to let kids know they are loved by God. He has given her a mentor who is wrapping her in their family’s Sunday morning church routine. Even more than those very tangible things, I can see that He is speaking hope into her soul. As I type this, I find myself weeping as I reflect on the gift it is to be a part of this young girl’s story, all tangled up in the love of a good Father.
Angelina Holte
Campus Life North Side Coordinator