This is The Abundant Life

  Yesterday was our last day of camp with the kids. It was so bittersweet, and I'm surprised how legitimately sad I was to know that it was my last day with them. I once again did "cry control" throughout the day, and loved it (again). Not knowing where these kids come from, or go home to just makes me want to love on them more, and more. The kids also go better, and better with their volleyball skills within the 3 days we were working with them. Encouraging them was a lot of fun. I also legitimately got excited when they had a good volley going. Before lunch there was a little MVP ceremony, and a talk from the head coach guy that started the Run to Win camps. There were MVP's from each sport, for each day. I think it's really awesome to acknowledge the kids hard work, and good attitudes.
   Once we left the camp for the day we went back to our church site with our kids. I, of course, took my camera out, and had fun taking pictures of the kids while we all played around. A lot of them were asking if we'd see them again on Monday, and it was hard to say that we probably wouldn't be seeing them again ):. I fell in love with all the kids so quickly. Amber, and Deandr'e (the two staff people from our site) were pretty awesome too. We also stopped the car on our way back home to take pictures of Mt. Rainier because it looked UNBELIEVABLE. The pictures do not do it justice though.
   Once we got back home we ate, and then did more training for prison week next week. Last night we looked at what ex-offenders lives are like, working with the families, and rules/regulations we need to follow while we're working there. I'm SO excited to work with, and meet these women. I can't wait to hear their stories, and maybe influence them enough to find a new life in Christ.
    This morning my DNA group went to Tulley's Coffee to do our meeting there. It was SUCH a good talk. It was a Part II of the Change discussion we had the other night. It reminded me of why I became a Christian, and the beyond meaningful life that I can have in Christ. This trip has really been a defining point for me in figuring out my identity, and what kind of Christian I want to be. I'm starting to realize I can never stop growing in Him, and that it's okay if I slip away, and that I don't have to condemn myself every time it happens. I can always reconcile with God. It's just part of my journey.
    Today we're having a pretty chill day (being that it's the 4th of July). At 2 we're having a picnic, then we are going to a park to watch fireworks tonight!!! :D. I'm not sure what the plan is tomorrow, but at night the boys are throwing us a really adorable "sister appreciation dinner". We get to dress all formal, and it's going to be awesome. Our boys are so good to us!!