Shelters

This past weekend was different than most. It began thursday night when I had to stay up most of the night finishing homework. Ok, so this isn't that different than most weekends, but the following days were effected by the lack of sleep I was experiencing due to this detail. Friday through Sunday was the Senior High retreat here at camp. Because I'm one of the older Kaleo students I became a shoe-in for a camp counselor position. And it's well understood that counselors do not get any sleep during these retreats. So, to say the least, I was feeling a bit worn by the end of the weekend. I'm still in the recovery process. Despite my lack of sleep and general awareness of life around me, the weekend was good. I've counseled for younger kids in the past and I've worked with senior high for the past year or so back home. However, I've never combined those forces to counsel for senior highers. I'm glad I had the experience. Especially since the majority of these students were unchurched. That creates a whole different level of dynamics. I don't know if I've just been out of the secular high school and college crowd for too long or what, but I think I've forgotten how desperately lost people are without God. It shook me. I wasn't expecting that.

This week is also a different than most. We're doing what is called a 24/7 week of prayer. Basically, there is a room set up and designated to be the prayer room. In this place there will always be at least one person praying at all times for one week, 24/7. There was a sign up sheet for all of us to choose a one hour slot for each day this week. It's already beginning to impact people on a divine level. I like this.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about what I'm going to do next year. Even now as I type there is growing collection of college and university web pages open in my browser. However, I really have no idea what I'm supposed to study. I want to have a sincere desire and passion for whatever it is I choose to study. And as of right now I'm stuck with a wimpy and rather directionally challenged list of ideas. Granted, I know that God has brought me to Kaleo and I have a tenacious peace about my present situation. So, I'm not really worried about the next step but rather excited about the unpredictability of where God will take me next.

Yesterday a small group of us decided to hike into the woods to build a shelter. It seemed like a worthy way to spend a sunny afternoon. Our appointed leader was none other than my fellow American, Benjamin Brainard. Ben is Eagle Scout and an expert in the ways of the land and survival situations. He was able to lead us well in this endeavor. The shelter may eventually crumble (though probably not because it's solid), but the memory will stand for a lifetime... :)