STAFF --- for the first time :-)

This year's camp with the theme, “BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE” was very challenging. I was a camper for about three (3) times (year 2004, 2005 & 2007). I find it simple and lots of fun. But now, I’m already one of the staff. All I can say, ‘what a hard and difficult role’... waking up early in the morning, sleeping very late at night, washed dishes under the rain... it was an extreme experience... ‘One day’ feels like ‘one week’ for me...

I can now compare being a camper and being a staff... Being a staff was not really easy; you've got a great task. But, I enjoyed and learned many things on how to be the best I can be, for the reason that being a staff was my decision.

I love to serve, which was my first priority in life, to serve others and most especially to serve God. I cannot stop thinking about all the things that I've been through this year's camp. Learned our everyday lessons on how to be the best we can be. (Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, Socially, Occupationally and Spiritually)... This was very challenging yet very pleasurable. Meeting new people, serving new people, carve up a smile with new people; building new friendships... the greetings of every dorm when they passed by me makes my day bright… the smiles I received every day from campers & staff. It made me smile every time I learn by heart all those memories and wanted my tears roll down my cheeks. Kisses and hugs from friends, their corny jokes, the laughter, the aura… haaaaay! Okay! I will miss the temperature, cold water when taking a bath… hmmm… FREEZE!!! :D

It was marvelous to know that God works in you. He uses people to inspire you and encourage you in everything you do... Even though, you know that you’re very tired and can’t make things easily, but just a smile of anyone (campers & staff), all the pains and tiredness of what you feel will disappear. You can feel the love and care that they have for you, although they are busy and also tired, but still can afford to beam like there’s no tomorrow. I can also feel the pain that they’ve been through (cramps during their activities) because I’ve been there. YES! You cannot appreciate happiness if you’re not been through the pains... Just like life, LIFE is boring if you have no trials to overcome. That’s true!

One thing that it made me cry, was that even though you’re JUST A STAFF (not the highlight of the camp), but still they’re proud of you, remember you and thanking you for the help you offer, the effort to be a part of the successful camp. And the most important thing, the lessons that I’ve learned… and the people behind it… it’s the people (campers & staff – with God) who made the camp … ♥

So, with that, from now on, I will be joyful to serve God and His people... and make every effort to be the BEST I CAN BE! :)

I would say... The HARDEST, BEST and EXTREME CAMP EVER!

I will never ever, ever FORGET!!! :)

SATURDAY: my Special and favorite day, ever! ♥

SABBATH day!

I am so thankful and grateful to God for the whole entire week, He made us alive and allow us to do whatever we want and also very much thankful for the reason that HE made Sabbath day for us.

(Mark 2:27 -- And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.)

I am so excited for the Sabbath day, as always. I can feel the peacefulness of the world. I’m pleased to fellowship with the brethren, eating good foods, hearing God’s messages through His servants and of course, for studying His very words.

the SMILES that I can never ever forget...  

 the friendship... and the Sabbath day. :)

Although I am far from my biological family, but I am happy since I have still my family in Christ here around me. :)

Happy SABBATH... every Sabbath :)

A WOMAN'S QUESTION by Lena Lathrop

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the hand above?
A woman's heart, and a woman's life--
And a woman's wonderful love.

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win
With the reckless dash of a boy.

You have written my lesson of duty out,
Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bars of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart be as true as God's stars
And as pure as His heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts---
I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker, God,
Shall look upon as he did on the first
And say: "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose may fade
From this soft young cheeck one day;
Will you love me then, 'mid the falling leaves
As you did 'mong the blossoms of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and true,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way.



***Lena Lathrop