It was fun to actually go camping in a tent. I haven't done that in a long time! Jess was kind and shared her air mattress with me...and I think I slept better there than I do on my own mattress at home, it was ridiculous...but just the same I was ready to get back home to my bed. We had fun doing crafts, eating lots of junk food, talking and laughing, singing camp songs, taking a hike (while Emily and I didn't get the girls lost when we got separated from the big group, good job us!)...and just enjoying being together and away from real life. I needed that so badly. Camp could not have come at a better time for me. It was so refreshing to get away and relax and enjoy the outdoors and be with amazing girls that uplifted me so much. It was a great week!
The best part of the week was the night the Bishopric came up to visit. First, the girls got to totally embarrass them and make them do hilarious things...Bishop Lee ended up with pantyhose on his head, enough said. Second, Bishop gave a really spiritual message about choices and how the choices we make determine our consequences and our path in life. He related a story about a man in a hot air balloon that was stuck in the city because there was no wind. (This really happened and he witnessed it all) Finally at one point the balloon started moving and they followed it to this open area...but somehow the guy brought the balloon down in this area that was gated with barbed wire around the top. Multiple times if he would have let down his rope he could have been pulled to a safe place to land, but he let his pride get in the way and would not drop his line. He related this to our lives and how we need to "drop our line" and get help when needed...and that is not a weakness. This man's actions not only affected him, but also the people who paid him to give them a balloon ride, I'm sure it wasn't the funnest ride for them when the man would not drop the line for help. It was such a great lesson!
Then Bishop did one of the most amazing things I have ever seen done. Words cannot do it justice and as I've tried to relate it to people it is just not the same, but I will give it a try here for memories sake. Our theme for camp was "Extreme Home Makeover: Spiritual Edition." We were the "Girls on Fire Construction" and our camp leader, Cindi, had made us these construction hats. She wanted the Bishop to somehow replace the girls' hats with tiaras and left it to him on how to do that. He was completely inspired by the Spirit. He had all the girls line up and talked about how when we leave this life and meet face to face with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that they will know us by name. They will greet us personally and talk to us. It's not just going to be a, "Hey Aubrie! Good to see you!" He then proceeded to talk to each girl individually. He took off their construction hat (representing our life here on Earth and how it is our time to build and grow) showing that they have completed their probationary time on Earth and replaced it with a tiara/crown (representing how we are Daughters of God, Princesses/Queens in His Kingdom). Then he talked to them about their life here on Earth and some of the things that maybe they have dealt with and made it though, whatever applied to each girl. The Spirit was so incredibly strong. I haven't cried that much in a long time. We were crying and laughing all the the same time at moments. It was so neat to see the girls just radiating love for one another. They really lifted me up! Absolutely incredible. I just wish I could put a tiny part of what I felt into words. After Bishop finished we had a testimony meeting, which just increased the Spirit in our little camp. To hear these girls share their knowledge of the gospel and the testimonies that are growing was wonderful. It was so neat to hear some of these girls say how they now KNOW that they are a Daughter of God! Because they are! I'm just rambling now trying to put this all into words, but I need to stop. My words are not sufficient. I am just so grateful for this opportunity to be a part of these girls' lives. I love them with all of my heart.
The next day we packed up camp and headed home, after doing a "Singing" Testimony meeting with the Stake. It was great to hear girls share their testimony of a certain hymn and then to sing it all together. A great end to a great week! I love girls camp! Not going to lie though, I think I had the best shower of my life when I got home :)
Making Secret Sister gifts before camp...I had Lisa!
Snipe Hunting!!! Yes, that is toothpaste all over their faces...
Shelby and Kelsey
Morgan and Sierra
Aubrey, Ali, Makylee,Mary
Grace, Alyssa, Morgan, Shelby
Miss Shelby being her cute little self :)
