Bravery

Sometimes bravery comes in very different forms... For me, I had to sum up all my courage to not cry or make a scene as we left Caitlin at Camp Cho-Yeh this afternoon for her first summer camp experience.

Now, I know in my head that she will be perfectly fine and have a terrific time. But my heart is screaming that I left my baby girl in the woods with a bunch of strangers!!! Okay, that is a bit irrational but completely true! Well, mostly true. Our nephew, Michael, is there as a counselor and her friend, Kailey, is there in the next bunk over but still, it is scary.

I am quiet certain that she is having the time of her life and I will spend a good portion of this week worrying and wondering about her. It's not that I don't know Cho-Yeh like the back of my hand, because I do. I went there many years as a camper, counselor, retreat leader, work crew, etc. In fact, I've probably spent some part of half the years of my life at Cho-Yeh. In many ways it was a "home-away-from-home" for a long time. I've stayed at every campsite there, helped put in part of the ropes course, cleared brush, painted, and all sorts of other projects over the years. Cho-Yeh helped me grow in my faith a tremendous amount and I hope it does the same for Caitlin. In fact, I know it will. God uses that little patch of piney woods in east Texas to do some amazing things in the lives of kids. Adults, too.

So, to Lauren and Allie (Caitlin's counselors), I pray blessings upon you and the sweet girl I have entrusted to you. Take care of her as I would and love her for all she is.