Last Day of Camp!

Sad day…
Well, all good things must come to an end. Today we had to pack up and leave what had become our “mountain home”. Lots of “can’t we stay?” and “can we come back next year?” There is something in our makeup that realizes good things. Our kids can’t express it but what they were feeling was security: security in knowing that there is a creative God that cares for us, that there are adults that will get into the mess of life and walk through it as a guide, and the security of knowing that life can be different. I already am imagining missing getting to see these kids each day.

As we packed up and cleaned the cabins, I was amazed at the work ethic of our kids. No complaining, everyone pitched in and left the camp in better condition than we found it. These kids are used to taking care of themselves. As we left the staff at El Porvenir made an effort to pull me aside and communicate that it was their favorite week of camp so far. They enjoyed our kids and put into words that they have not seen a group of kids that overcame obstacles and worked together to be successful like our kids. They said they wished all the groups were like our kids. I don’t take those compliments lightly. I too feel this way. These kids have a past that makes their present story more astonishing. It is what our staff believes….We are not just taking care of kids; we are creating change agents; kids that are going to impact the world.

We finished the day with one more surprise. White water rafting in Taos!

It was out of the way, added time to our day, and made for a return home after midnight; but isn’t that the way memories are made? I happened to be lucky enough to be in the lead guide raft, which meant I got to see all eight rafts go through the rapids. We would go through each rapid first then find an eddy in the river, and making sure the other rafts made it safely. What I saw was group after group rowing together, laughing, screaming and high-fiving each other as they navigated the rough water. I had a moment of clarity as I watched realizing that I was experiencing a vision The Children’s Home purpose. Much like getting into a raft for the first time our kids enter a journey on our campus. We get to help them navigate some rough water, often we act as a guide, helping them through circumstances. I am so very thankful to be a part of helping future generations navigate tough times in their life. Just like it was today on the river, it is a privilege to be in the boat with such wonderful kids. We’re back and ready to tackle the week after a wonderful camp experience.