This summer, I went to church camp. I never liked camp much growing up, so this was a bit of a stretch for me. Turns out, I'm glad I went! No, I'm not jumping up and down again to go back, but I got to spend time loving the kiddos God put in my path. That made it all worth it, and I learned a little something, too.
One day, I overheard camp faculty talking about how they were looking forward to sleeping in their own beds again. (There was no air conditioning in our cabins and the beds were old and squeaky, so I totally agreed.) Then I got to thinking. Oh, wait. When I leave camp, I'm not going back to my own bed. No, I'm going back to live with my host family. Then I thought about my room at home. I share it with my two sisters, but I'm gone most of the year at school. When I visit home from school and walk into my room, it feels weird. It doesn't quite feel like mine anymore. Life goes on in there without me. How about school? Uh, no. As much as I love living in the dorms, they do not belong to me. I'm moving on in another two years.
It's at times like these that old hymns come to mind: "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through..." You know, God reminded me I might just have to get used to this not feeling at home thing. I gave my life to Christ. I don't belong to this earthly kingdom. Rather, I belong to a heavenly one. Truly, could I ask to belong to anyone or anything better?
I have a home waiting for me, but 'til then, Here I am, Lord. Where shall I go next?
Update: I am back at home now (that is, my present, earthly home with my wonderful family). With my summer internship over, I'm catching up with my family and taking a few deep breaths before the next semester begins. I truly had a blessed time in Iowa, and I'm so grateful that God gave me the strength to go so far alone. He surrounded me with a loving church family, and gave me a safe place to grow and learn. Thank you, Lord!
P.S. In case you are wondering about the sock monkey, here's your explanation. My mentor and the children's minister at the church where I was serving this summer, was gone taking care of her parents. One of my friends had begun sending pictures of this sock monkey (a gift from said mentor) and sending them to her. At Overnighters camp, and later at VBS we took pictures of "Mr. Socks" to keep my mentor updated. In other words, Mr. Socks is our version of "Flat Stanley."
