Family, Friends, Camp & More Camp

Wow....what an incredible few weeks it's been!! I'll start at the beginning of the month:

Before the school holidays, my mum came up to see me. It was an awesome time - we visited family, explored the Nelson area a little bit, and had a relaxing time. If you're ever in the Atawhai area, you have to see the Founders Heritage Park...it's a cute little village (?not sure what you'd call it). It even got an aeroplane which you can explore. It's such a quaint little place.




Fast forward to the start of the school holidays, where I also was able to have a holiday. The family I work for were in Australia, so I made the trip down to Christchurch. A lot happened over that first weekend: Bonnie and David's engagement party, Jono's send off to the army, contra dancing, church, hanging out at the museum, and ten pin bowling. It was so cool catching up with everyone and having a nice, chill time before some of us when to camp. On the first Monday, I was able to see my brother, Josiah, play sport at the National Area School's Tournament. When I arrived (after finally finding a car park - it took forever!) I was so surprised as my sister, Naomi, was there. To say I was excited is an understatement. The following day, Naomi and I had lunch together, then it was off to camp number one. I was a cabin leader for this camp, and I really enjoyed getting to know the 10 girls and 1 co-leader the cabin. We had a great time doing crafts, air rifles, climbing wall, archery, games, and heaps of other activities. So many laughs and memories...then all of a sudden, it was onto camp number two. I was a floater at this camp - meaning I wasn't in charge of a cabin, but did a bit more behind the scenes. This camp was full of firsts - first time

being a floater, first time telling a Bible story for the children, and my first time being in charge of an activity. I was in charge (along with Abigail) of running team building, and I really enjoyed watching the way different cabin groups interacted. Camp soon came to an end - which in my opinion, came way too soon. I never want camps to end. Especially when you have an amazing group of people supporting you. Some of my highlights (there were so many!) from camp include: running team building, the morning devotions, telling the Lazarus story, the fancy dinner (coz who doesn't love a chance to dress up?!?), and being a part of the pop-up storybook skit. I got to be the evil step-mother in Cinderella, and I must say, it was probably the best impromptu acting I've ever done! 

One thing that has been going through my head since camp was a quote someone shared on the first day: God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. This has really challenged me (but also encouraged me), as often we feel inadequate to whatever God has called us to. So, quick shout out to whoever said that...it's really helped me whenever I feel insignificant and inexperienced to what God has called me to do, because I know that if God has called me to it, then He will bring me through it. 

That's pretty much it from me for now. Congrats on getting through it all. I'm sure another update will be on the way soon about settling back into routine after camp (trust me, I wish I didn't have to leave Christchurch - those people are seriously some of the coolest people I know!)

Anyway, stay awesome people! 

Esther x