We returned yesterday afternoon from Camp Bandina! Oh what a week it was! I attended Bandina last year by myself, as sort of my interview for this internship. So this year, I saw the other side of the camp. Steve is one of the directors of the camp, so as his intern, I helped him do all the dirty work that allows the camp to run as smoothly as it does. This year the theme was Illuminate. We talked about John 9 and the story of the blind man all week. In our lives as Christians we stay so blinded to what is going on in and around us. So this week we forced the kids to blind themselves and use everything to see, except their eyesight. The week was amazing. We baptized 17 kids....yes you read that right...17 KIDS!!!!!! And as awesome as that was, my brother was one of them. Words cannot express the feelings I felt with him making such an important, mature decision. Unfortunately, because of certain circumstances, I was unable to actually witness his baptism, which saddened me greatly, but when I was able to embrace him and tell him how happy it made me to see him grow in this capacity, the Lord showed me why I wasn't with him. After they came up from the river, He and I were able to have a very intimate, private moment together. And oh how special it was! Heath, you will never know the since of pride, love, and honor I felt to call you my brother in that moment!
Our kids grew so much, and made so many commitments to the Lord. It was such an honor to be apart of their lives, and the decisions that they made. I can't express the emotions that flood through my mind, as I am writing this. I can not believe the Lord saw such favor on me, to place me here this summer. To put me under the guidance of such a Godly man, who has become my best friend! Honestly....that is what is killing me the most! I love these kids soooo much!, but I don't know how I am going to deal with my everyday stuff without Steve's positive reinforcement that he offers me everyday!
So as for, what is in store for me in my last week in Houston....I am taking Steve and his family to the airport tomorrow morning for their family vacation in Colorado, my summer mom Margie leaves Tuesday for a Mary Kay conference, My Sister arrives Friday to help me pack and drive back, and I also will retrieve Steve and the family from the airport. While everyone is gone.....I have a few last touches to leave here on Houston (a little more painting to do, hanging some pictures in the youth room), and then of course, I have to pack up!
Sunday, the church is throwing a going away party. We have water balloons, sponge balls, and a bunch more water stuff!! And then of course, Jenn and I will pull out bright and early Monday morning.
So, once again I ask that you keep me in your prayers as I face this last week. I need my heart prepared for the day I wave goodbye. Please pray for our safe travel back. I love you all and will see you people in Alabama in a week or so!
Enjoy some pics from Bandina!
My sweet Lehman Family
Be blessed!, me.
