"Make it Happen"

Summer 2010. Something I will never forget. Working at Camp Longridge changed my life in so many different ways.
Before Summer, I just remember starting freshman year knowing I needed God, but instead running farther and farther in the opposite directions. Ive always grown up in a Christian home, where God was at times "thrown in my face." I attended private schools growing up, but never fully understood what being a Christian really meant until I was out on my own and God was no longer forced in my life. I remember starting college being so excited about all the new oppurtunities I would have as I grew up and got older. Freedom was what I was looking for.
I tried making God who I wanted Him to be and chose to have Him around only when I felt I needed Him. I remember one night I was on the computer looking at old pictures from a summer camp I went to when I was much younger. Just being spontaneous, I saw an application for future summer staffers. I decided to fill out the application rushing through it just to see if I would get a response. Luckily to my surprise, the next week I was asked to come in for an interview.
Taking the job at camp, was just what I needed and I think God knew that in order for me to place him fully in the center of my life. I had to get away from home and be clearly able to see God in a whole new way. Summer took off and Im sure some of the staff can testify we truly understood the meaning of hard work. Seeing little kids this summer eager to know God, really showed me so much. It gave me a new purpose and helped me to come back to my purpose. The purpose God puts us all on earth for, to serve Him and show people God's love.
I met some amazing people this summer.
AMY, you are one of the coolest people Ive ever met. You teach me so much. I love your spirit and how you are truly yourself, no matter how awkard it may be :) Im so thankful for all our talks!
ADDIE: my roomate! I learned so much about you this summer, top bunk activities and all haha. You put so much of yourself into everything you do, and you are such a good christian role model to everyone around you. I could not of asked for a better roomate for my first summer. Im so glad were friends! I love you!
NICOLE: girl, I had so much fun with you this summer, we have so much fun together and you made me laugh so much. You were the first person I met and you made me feel so welcome. Im sad that I havent seen you since the beach, but I hope this changes soon! Im gonna miss you drawing dinosaurs in the dirt this summer. I miss you!
BETSY:  Ive never met anyone like you before, your so sweet and genuine and I love being around you. It really is impossible to not smile when your around.You work so hard in everything you do and I love how visible God is in your life. Im so glad we have become so close!
KAYLA: Ive known you forever, but this summer definately made us have a whole new level of friends. Thanks for being so great! You already know how much I love you!
JIMMY: Little did I know, I would meet one of my very best friends this summer. I can truly count on you for anything. I love how close we are and you mean so much to me!!You love red team, making embarrassing moments with me, and I think your probably the most graceful person i know. Oh and thanks for hearing out all my jokes. Thank you for always being there for me!
KAITLYN: "Lay down, oh dang...whos at the door?" PICTURE TIME!
"Why is there leaders in the cabin? OH MAN, my phone came unplugged." PERFECT!
hahaha we have so many good times. Your a great friend and Im thankful I met you this summer!
WILL: best small group partner ever, your such a great guy, you make me laugh so much and im so thankful for such a great friend!!
JAMES: Im so glad you opened up this summer, I enjoyed leading a small group with you. Cant wait for another great summer!
CHAS: you write good poetry, the end. :)
H: So, you have a natural bumpit, mad skills to do anything at camp that needs to be done, your in love with an amazing man Rick! Your a crazy football fan, and camp would not be the same without you!
JASON: your an amazing drummer, I love to watch you play! I loved our trip to Scarowinds. Your a great guy and friend!
JUSTIN: first thing that came to mind, nice style. I love your old man pants. You crack me up. Your a great guitarist and singer. Im pretty sure you could be famous one day.
ALLISON: Enjoyed our car rides, even though you hated my tunes haha. Looking forward to another great summer!
ALLYSA: Girl, i hate how you have disappeared. I miss talking to you. We had so many good talks cleaning on fridays and during lake time. I miss you!
EVAN: you and nicole are perfect. Hands down!