In case you didn't know this already, this last summer I worked at a camp for kids with chronic illnesses and disabilities. It was one of the most incredible experiences in my entire 20 years of living. I kept a blog throughout the entire summer, and if you ever get the chance to start from square one and read about each of my experiences, DO IT... it will rock your world.
http://www.lauren-nicolle.blogspot.com/ is the link, holla!
But anyways, this is the point i'm attempting to get to. Forgive me for being so wordy. Haha. I was reading the blog, randomly because I started thinking about all the kids I worked with last summer. I see their little faces plastered on the walls of my bedroom everyday, and I'm reminded of how blessed I am to have met them. Anyways, I came across a blog entry that I thought would be worth posting a second time, for my new readers.
I hope y'all enjoy it. Questions are welcome, and will be followed with answers. :)
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Camp Teen Challenge- June 9, 2009
Today was the second day of Camp Teen Challenge, working with teens with different visual impairments. Yesterday, I was able to feel everything out, and know where I stand as far as; what questions can I ask the kids, what can I say around them, etc… And today, I feel like, was more-so a day for me to get more personal with them. So I started with a simple and easy question, “So what exactly CAN you see?”And it was absolutely incredible the various responses I got from the kids.
Dominique was born premature and has always been blind. Although he cracks jokes about Jackie resembling a chimpmunk, he never actually has seen a chipmunk. So I asked him, “So if you have never been able to see a chipmunk, how do you know what it looks like?” And he simply told me, well- “When people describe it to me, or if I can feel it, I’m able to paint my own picture in my mind of what a chipmunk might look like.” Incredible, right?
Noah and Titus on the other hand, brothers, are slowly going blind, I think they are 8 and 13 or something. And it was absolutely heart wrenching to hear their answer when I asked them the same question. “The doctors say that I will eventually go blind.” Wow. Two very polar opposites, going from- never having seen in your life, to-being able to see the things God created, but having that ability taken away. Oh my goodness.
Noah and Titus on the other hand, brothers, are slowly going blind, I think they are 8 and 13 or something. And it was absolutely heart wrenching to hear their answer when I asked them the same question. “The doctors say that I will eventually go blind.” Wow. Two very polar opposites, going from- never having seen in your life, to-being able to see the things God created, but having that ability taken away. Oh my goodness.
I also worked at different stations today with the kids, I was really pumped up when I signed myself to help at the woodworking station. Cause we all know me, right? Hah. Well yeah, I met Pete and his wife, a very sweet and wise older couple teaching the woodworking stuff. Anyways, he got to talking to the kids, and then all of a sudden he starts telling his testimony. And he starts it off by saying, “Hey guys, I’m Pete, and I’m blind just like you.” What the heck? This guy was just carrying a conversation with me 5 minutes ago, and he was also using power tools, and I had NO idea he was blind. He goes on to tell the kids, “Look guys, there’s one path you can take in life, but at one point that path will fork, and you will have to make a decision, either you can sit around and do nothing with your life, or get up and try your hardest and succeed in everything you do. And I am not ashamed to talk about my faith; it’s because of my heavenly father that I am able to do the things I love in my life, even with a disability.” Welp, there’s when I lost it. I just started crying. I'm such a basketcase 24/7.
This is Pete working with one of the kids.
Seriously, I wish that I would just be able to stand up in the middle of a room, open wounded, and just talk about my God. But no, I’m terrified. Terrified of people judging me, calling me the goody two shoes church girl, treating me differently, or worrying that I might offend someone. I just really need to grow a set of balls, and lay my faith right on my sleeve. But man, it’s easier said than done…
All this to say: I had a friggin rough day. Haha. Emotionally I am a wreck, mentally I am not all there, and Physically- don’t even get me started. I work 14 hour days. Kitchen duty for me in the morning. It’s now 12 am, and I must be up at 6am. No need for sympathy, it’s not necessary. Because I LOVE my job. I love it. As hard as it is. I wouldn’t want to do anything else with my summer.
All this to say: I had a friggin rough day. Haha. Emotionally I am a wreck, mentally I am not all there, and Physically- don’t even get me started. I work 14 hour days. Kitchen duty for me in the morning. It’s now 12 am, and I must be up at 6am. No need for sympathy, it’s not necessary. Because I LOVE my job. I love it. As hard as it is. I wouldn’t want to do anything else with my summer.
I thank my God for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to receive all the beautiful things this life has to offer me.
Peace.
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Ahhh... it's so crazy to reflect on these life experiences. But I'm so proud of myself for making sure that I jotted them down. Seriously journal PEOPLE. Journal, Blog, write on little napkin squares, take pictures, and then scrapbook them, anything to help you remember these beautiful pieces to the puzzle called life.
Cause if you don't, you forget the most important things- for instance this smile, that has forever left a mark in my heart.
Love You Guys.
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