A little story and BIG Answer to Prayer!

As I shared the other day, I have been praying specifically and waiting expectantly for God's answer. God has promised to answer all of our prayers. It may not be in the way that we want, but His will is perfect and his response to us is far better than what we could ever ask. Well, I was expecting a reply, but I didn't expect that reply to come so soon. Only a week later, I have received the answer to some of my prayers (and it was far better than I imagined it would be!).

As you may know, this month is a month of decisions in my life. I was supposed to begin planning out the rest of my school until graduation (by Oct. 31) and decide about camp next summer (by Oct 14). I knew I had to do an internship (200 hours within the time of a semester), and that pretty much has to be done in a summer (it would be nearly impossible to complete with a full load of school work). I only have one summer (hopefully!) between now and my expected graduation date--so that leaves one option--do the internship next summer. That's fine, but I really wanted to work at camp!

At the end of this summer, I assumed it would be my last. I "retired" from my Head Wrangler position. Even if I was planning to go back to camp I know I'm a little burnt out from being at the barn. Don't get me wrong, it's one of the most fun, most wonderful places at camp, but the job is exhausting, mentally and physically! I felt like I had used all my ideas and energy the past two years. I did talk to our director and told him I would be willing to do another job at camp. Ever since I knew about camp, I KNEW I would NEVER want to be the Head JC (Junior Counselor) Girl. Working with high school girls in that way just wasn't my cup of tea. The last week or two of camp, God changed my heart on the issue. I sort of had the idea and started to want to do that job. After camp ended, there have been several neat opportunities to minister to girls in high school, including leading a Bible Study on Thursday nights. Also since camp ended, knowing about the internship/school thing, I have been trying to let go of camp and come to face the fact that I would probably not be there. This wasn't working out so well. I was praying that God would provide whatever I needed, including clarity and wisdom to make the right decision.

Last Thursday, I met with an academic advisor about the internship. I learned I could do my internship at camp without really changing the role of Head JC Girl at all! This got me so excited, I was so busy thinking up plans and ideas I couldn't pay attention in class for the rest of the day. As soon as I got home, I shared the ideas with my parents. They had already encouraged me to work at camp--even if that added a year to my school--so they liked the idea. The next morning I called Andy, our camp director, and he was good with the idea--told me to pray about it and let him know by October 14. After finalizing and getting the internship approved (they approved it on Saturday--a NO-SCHOOL day!!), I was totally sure that this is what I wanted to do.

In the past, I have had to make decisions about camp, and other things, and just trust God that He would work it all out. I've never really had such clarity in decision making before. After two months of struggling a lot with the issue, God provided for me to go back to camp, do a new job that I have become very passionate about, AND fulfill my internship responsibilities, getting school credit. This decision has brought so much excitement into my life! I felt like I was walking on air all of Saturday and even a little now--a week later! Learning a new job will be a challenge, but I can't wait for it! I can see how God has been preparing me even during camp last summer, and since then for what will, Lord willing, come next summer! God is good and delights to give good gifts to His children. This gift is being received with great joy!