In The Summertime.

It's pretty unbelievable that we're already partway through summer but let's not dwell on that! Right now we are almost halfway through our first summer camp - 'Camp Youth for Christ' in partnership with Urban Promise who I have mentioned many a time. So far, though it has been busy and a lot of extra work for me, (as I am camp director) it has been full of greatness. It's lovely to see our kids respond to a new discipline/reward system but also to get them mingling with other kids in the city. We all join together every week (all 7 camps across the city) to go on joint field trips which the kids have loved.

I have to say, wearing shorts for 6 weeks filled me with nothing but dread alas, at the end of every day I can slip back into normality aka a dress. Life is full of sacrifices. The kids are learning all about the Fruits of the Spirit which are pretty huge life lessons for a younger audience. Teaching them about self control when they all want to play the X-Box at once is no easy task. Asking them to practice patience when traveling 2 hours to our field trip destination takes work. Getting them to speak kind words instead of hurtful ones requires constant intervention. But, in the end it will hopefully get through to them in some way that will shape their character for the future. Plus, it's just important for all the leaders to practice the same things! Many of my days are spent trying to ensure everything is running smoothly as well as disciplining the kids and checking all my staff are ok. One of these days, I might actually get to drink a full cup of tea. However, we are making some great memories and I am learning something new every single day.

Saying cheese for me in free time! 

In our opening program games...

Water fight! Very necessary in this heat!

I also just spent my first 4th July weekend in the States. Though I have to say, it didn't quite live up to my expectations, I FINALLY convinced my YFC family to go somewhere for breakfast. I was originally insistent upon Ihop but settled for an independent diner which kept everyone happy because I could eat pancakes and fresh strawberries and the guys could eat as much bacon and sausage as they jolly well wanted. Here we are:

I was feeling very joyful about this moment.

We then went to Rehoboth beach in time for the Germany vs France game whilst the rain was pouring but thankfully Germany won so the day was not ruined! However, we didn't really know what to do at the beach in the rain for 7 hours as we waited for the fireworks, (seeing as though my suggestions of sandcastle building, hole digging and fish n chip eating all well and truly bombed) we decided to head home. I accidentally fell asleep in the middle of a movie as keeps happening lately but woke up in time to go watch the fireworks at the Riverfront. I have to say, it was probably the best firework display I've ever seen - including London at New Years, mainly because no chaos ensued following the end of the display! There was a moment in the finale where the sky looked like it was covered in glitter..it was amazing. They really go all out for the 4th. So I enjoyed it in the end!

Though we all know time flies when you're having fun, there really is no slowing it down lately. We have just over a month left together and I may or may not be at a point already where I cry every time I talk or think about saying goodbye to my German family. Though some times have been tough for us and we are all feeling tired, it's very hard to imagine life here without them. Today, we had a team meeting where I received my usual feedback of; 'Sarah, some things to work on - first of all, cry less.' HA! I don't even argue with it anymore. I have no shame in saying I have cried twice today as I've talked about the guys leaving. It's going to be a long few weeks!!! It is going to be like University ending all over again, another era in life coming to a close. I am hopeful that we will make the most of our time together and go off with a high as we all embark on the next part of our adventures. As I spoke with Keenan about it earlier, he said to me; 'Sarah, they're not dying.' That helped, I think. 

Which brings me to my next point; I will be staying Stateside! I think I had told most people, but didn't make a big public statement about it until it was sure. I have been offered a full time position over here with Delaware Youth for Christ and am so excited about staying and helping to direct this Ministry forwards. I knew the moment I landed that life was never to be the same again and am filled with joy when I think about seeing these kids grow up and watching what they become. Even though I do miss a lot about England, I know I can make a life here, at least for the foreseeable future and can't wait to see what comes of this decision. As I mentioned earlier, these past six months have had ups and downs such as yesterday, when I found my first grey hair.  But, on days like today, when one of my kids arrives at camp with his usual handful of flowers for me and greets me with; 'Hi Ms Sarah! I love you,' I don't mind how many grey hairs it gives me, this is where I am supposed to be! 

England, I'll see you in the wintertime.