Week One

So because my emailing time took so long I am left with not much time to blog. I will do my very best to adequately sum up my time at Camp Vetca last week.

On my team there were two interns, two translators, and 6 kids all ranging from ages 6 to 14 (Yowzas)!! As some of you can sympothize, at Pine Cove last summer I made it through week one thinking I could do the summer on my own. Here, I lasted three hours thinking I could do this on my own. My Tuesday night (which was our first night with the kids at camp) I was so blinded by doubt that I could not see my reason for being here this summer.

By Wednesday night, however, my kids finally began to come around. The girls were the hardest to get through. They have been so hardened by the bad in this world that they didn't even want us female interns to hug them. They would tell us "I don't need your love".

In these groups of children, there is not one child that has not even been abused themselves or watched their friends being abused. It is the saddest thing in the world to see. Also, it is very hard to see and hear about all that is happening here and has happened here and not feel powerless. There is so much wrong that needs desparately to be right. It so hopeless and dark, but still there is light. There is light because so many of these kids know that no matter what pain they suffer here, their Heavenly Father supplies endless strength for their souls.

On the last night it is a tradition that Leaders pray over each of their campers. As I held each of the girls in my arms I prayed that the Lord would raise up a family for them that will love them unconditionally and lead them to the Throne of Christ. I prayed that exact prayer over a 13-year-old boy (not on my team), Bela, who I have bonded with since day one. I couldn't control my tears as I pleaded before the Lord on his behalf. At the end of my prayer he looked at me and said, "Don't worry about me; I'll be fine." My heart was overwhelmed. He has no doubt that the Lord will provide for his needs.

I pray that you would be burdened for the injustice these children face every day. Pray for families to be raised up for them; families that won't abuse them like so many have done before. Pray for the interns and myself as we try to break the bond of fear Satan has placed on these children. And pray for hope; that the children would see the Lord in even the most difficult times.

I'll be home in 21 days. Hope to see you soon. Feel free to email me if you get a chance. My email is cbras88@gmail.com.

Love you all so very much

Caitlin