I was just thinking to myself today. I thought “Self, what would your life be like if you had never gone to New Jersey camp?” And a few obvious things popped up:

1. I would have never realized how cool the DR is

2. Never known how to say “sandal” or “eat my boogers” (thank you Brigham) in spanish

3. Never played battle ball, which I think should be made into an Olympic sport

4. Never learned that in life and war games the girls always win

5. Never known that if you want anyone to start screaming, all you have to do is say “Gardner Hall”

But most importantly of all

I would have never fallen in love with so many people that LOVE to follow God’s word, which is so clearly seen through your actions. I have seen a difference, a maturity, in all of you over the years that shows God’s power to be able to change hearts and save souls. I can not tell you how many times I think of you campers, and you counselors too, throughout my day and pray that God protect and guide you.

Thank you

Anthony for your never ending positive attitude and encouragement,

Genesis for your unfailing devotion and helpful conversation,

Bill for your zeal,

Deanna for your enthusiasm,

Kelvin for choosing to do what’s right and making others feel comfortable and loved around you,

Carol for your insightful reflectiveness and confidence in God,

Gary for always being caring and willing to help others,

Miriam for really searching for your own faith and then doing so much good along the way,

Kevin for being a man that your younger brothers can look up to and respect,

Dorca for not backing down when faced with difficulties but also for having one of the most considerate, tender hearts that I’ve ever known and for being a good friend to me when I needed one,

Priscila for using your efficiency and kindness in a way that would make not only me but God very proud,

Beto for your hugs and sincerity,

Glenda for your daily reminders of God’s love,

Emily for your constant hard work,

Roger for your example and love for the word,

Leah for keeping me humble and strengthening me every time I see you,

Marcos for making me laugh and being always ready to help,

Taisha for not ignoring your conscience like everyone in this world is telling you to and for praying with me (it means alot),

German for talking to me

Tim for helping me find my way, for loving “your kids”, and for making a camp video with one rockin soundtrack,

The Halls for giving up so much because of the love and hope that is in them

The Buntings for being so hospitable, warm, and loving,

Esther and Brigham for being an example in purity and love,

Carlos for trying hard to be a good person and just for being “awesome”,

Nichelle for seeing this life for what it is, longing for something better, and praying to God, even through your poetry and trying really hard to be good. I think that you can do so many things for God’s glory with an attitude like that!

For all of you that I have left out because there are too many to thank individually, thank you for sharing your lives with me over the past 3 years, even if only for days at a time. You will never know what an impact you can have.

And finally (I know this has been ridiculously long so just bear with me)

Thank you to God for creating us and for giving us your word to live by.

Thank you Jesus for all that you have done and are doing.

He knows you and loves you very much. Even the 2 year olds that I’m teaching can tell you that, but what they don’t know yet, is that when they grow up, they can decide for themselves, like some of you have, to serve him and be bound to a law of liberty, that truly does set us free.

I hope that you all have a great day and are reading and praying daily. I hope that I’ll get to see you sooner than later. (so don’t grow too much…it depresses me:)

Love

Jess