We just got back from visiting the camp that changed my life. I feel like a lot of who I am today was shaped during my time working at Camp For All   in college. Today they had a family day open to the public and we were so excited to go out there together as a family.

"   Camp For All is a unique, barrier free camp working in partnership with other non-profits to enrich the lives of children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs and their families throughout the year. "

 It has been described by many as "heaven on earth." That description seems accurate to me. I don't say this just because it's attractions are  ridiculously awesome but more importantly because of the love, acceptance, and joy that fills this place.

When I set out to work my first summer in 2003 I had high expectations that it would be a fun summer filled with new experiences. What I didn't know was that the Lord was going to use my time there to heal wounds from my childhood. I didn't know that he was going to bring out a child like spirit that wasn't afraid of judgment, that danced to be free, that sang "oh happy day" at the top of my lungs each and every day, to think beyond myself, to find joy in the small things and to build relationships that will forever be in my heart. I absolutely love the person that I found in myself when I worked here. I found JOY there. I said goodbye to built up anger and bitterness. I said hello to living each day grateful for the life that I have been given. I am forever changed by the stories and lives of the campers I met.I am forever grateful for the gift that God gave me when he brought me down that old dirt road one sunny day in March of 2003.









And for anybody that worked with me those two years you might remember that I played this song each and every day. In fact I couldn't start my morning without it. Minute 4:10 begins my favorite part of the song that I may have pretended to play the bongos.


I just love a good trip down memory lane;)