Last week I paused my workday to watch the public debriefing and final concerts of the teams that traveled as CTI Music Ministries to Mozambique, Guatemala and Honduras online.  It was inspiring to hear stories of their experiences, of ways God had worked in and thorough them, of how they were changed in the process of ministering to others.  It made me miss them and the CTI community more than I had anticipated, but also gave me a great satisfaction to see the completion of what I had taken part in.

Similarly, I thoroughly enjoyed my third year being involved with Teen Leadership Camp,  spending time with and providing a positive experience for at-risk foster teens in Orange County.  Showing up and getting to see kids from past years, and having them remember my name was pretty amazing.   Sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s happening with kids who are rather closed off and good at hiding what they’re feeling. Each year I have moments where I ask myself if the kids are being reached, if they’re being impacted, and each year I love hearing the stories that come out at the end.

I learned that I did have value,that God loved me and there is a purpose for all the bad things that have happened to me in life. – Tonya, age 16

Friday I got on the bus thinking…one more camp. When Sunday came I wanted to stay forever! -Chris,age15

Before I came to camp I thought I was the only one with problems, I have since learned that I am not the only one and people do love and care about me. – Rosa, age 14

Camp was the best experience of my life. I learned that team work is important, the ropes courses were awesome. I felt different about myself when I left. I can believe in myself because I am worthy! – Kelly, age 17

Here’s a photo of the counselors and staff for this year’s camp:

I think one of the ways my experiences this summer have stretched and are shaping me is with my desire to take advantage of opportunities in front of me to engage others.  Often unfamiliar situations with new people bring out my more introverted tendencies, but afterward I find myself wishing I had taken even more opportunities to talk with and pour into those around me.  Taking that first step to reach out to someone can be a meaningful gesture that can open doors to building trust and relationship, and is something I’m growing into :)