Currently Reading HOLY BIBLE/ SCHOOL AND CHURCH EDITION- Regular Print see related

Camp Is a Wonderful Place

Holy Cats, its been awhile since I last wrote. I would say I was sorry, but I don't really care anyways.

Camp is amazing. Hard, but amazing.

Over the past three and a half weeks, I've learned about my past and have felt regrets about some of my actions, but I've also learned the true power of forgiveness and how we all truly have that second chance. I've learned that time is just a man-made issue that has no true meaning. 1969 or 2006, camp was still the same. The giggles are still on. I've learned not to pre-judge people because you do not know where they came from. A bossy, annoying child may not get any attention or love from home. A space-case child who has no attachments may be abused at home. A kid who fakes sick every night may be just trying to escape teasing from another child. Never judge a child by their actions. I've learned that at camp you make the truest friends, because they love you regardless--even if you are covered in firepit ash and swimmer's itch--they still love you. You don't have to wear nice clothes or make-up, or even shower for heaven's sake...you still are beautiful at camp. You become known not for your outside appearance, but for what you do for others. I've learned that little things do matter. There is no media at camp. You forget about all the wars and gas prices and the Paris Hiltons of the world and start focusing on the poison ivy problem in the woods or the spiders in the showers or the rubber consistency of the Salisbury steak. When those issues become your worst problems, a weight is thrown off your chest. Retreat to nature when you can. I've learned that everyone has a backstory--an amazing backstory worth a million best selling novels. Everyone has a saga worth telling. Sometimes, I've learned, questions should not be asked. Explanations are not necessary. The tone of the person’s voice is explanation enough. I've learned that you should always make the best of your past be the worst of your future. Keep going. Reveille will always play tomorrow. I’ve learned that Jesus should always be your flashlight. I've also learned the best way to live is to let it be. You don't have to know where you are going, but as long as you are passionate about the path you are on, it’s going to be ok. I've learned that in the end, I want to be with someone with whom I am always myself, and they in return can be themselves with me. I never want to stifle anyone, nor do I want to change myself just to not be alone anymore. I’ve learned that great conversation with a true friend should not be "taking turns" between one person’s interests and the other, but rather a homogenous mix of thought and word where each one gets lost in the others thoughts. I've learned that the most accomplished people are still lost. I’ve learned that admitting that you are lost is ok. I’ve learned that holding hands and singing Day is Done makes everything better.

The best gift I've ever gotten is this very Bible from my friend Drew.

Currently Watching The Land Before Time (Anniversary Edition) see related

Chris Treml told me today that the little girl who played "Duckie" in the movie The Land Before Time was brutally murdered at the age of 10, along with her mother, by her drunken father. I didn't believe him.

Until I went to Internet Movie Database and found out he was completely truthful.

How terrible. I don't even know where to begin. That movie always made me cry, and now it will probably make me bawl.