Why We Are Here

I was so tired last night that I accidentally did my post to the Trinidad 2011 blog. I cn'g copy and paste with this computer so yo u can read it there. So sorry!!

I will try to put in words what happened last night in my cabin. W went to the cabin after Say-So and were getting ready for bed. Elizabeth started crying and said she didn't want to go home. THis broke my heart becuase I have been doing her elaundry all week, because her parents sent her with two pairs of underwear and one bra for the week. I didn't get the feeling that she gets much attention at home and she isn't sure she will get to come back next year. Then Jalen who is autistic and severly ADHD started bawling. She isn't one to show emotion and rarely put a whole sentence together. She clung to us and said "I am sad because I do not want to go home." That was a huge effort for her to put that together. She also threw.. up this morning. I think these girls see Good's presence here and love just flows to them, aroudnd them in their cabin and all over them. AT Cross carry, one little girlwas crying about the cmpers who had died. We had a great alk about heaven and Jesus. She ocmpletly understood and has definiely asked Jesus into her heart. Jalen earilier in the week had been jumping around, suddenly stopped, got very still, looked at my earrings (which were crosses) and said "Jesus". We are here not only to take care of them, but the biggest reason is to tell them about Jesus and experience unconditional love(at least as close as we can get here on Earth) I have seen these anxious, hyper, in their own world girls blossom this week as God's love was given to them. They made friendships, had moments where we had real conversations, laughed together, prayed, and did things they had never done before. IT made me realize how improtant this ministry is at Camp Barnabas and how life-giving it is. God's love makes all the difference. IT's hard to explain what it does in your own heart while here, I think we all wish we oould live in a world where people treated us like we treat our campers. Your heart feels so free when you know people love you, are rooting for you, and want you to know Jesus. I don't know fi this makes any sense, butIT is why we are here.

I won't get to trave bakc with your kids today, james and I are heading on to Kanakuk. Thanks for being amazing parents who have taught their children to love others and do something about it. Iwon't get to see you today,but stop me later and I would love to tell you about our week and your child. We will be sharing in all three services on the 7th. THanks so much for sharing this journey with me. Now, I ahve to go do the hardest thing, I have to go say good-bye to my campers.

Trish