I have come to the definite conclusion that Chicago stinks (as in smells bad, there is a stench, it reaks, etc.).

While running today I noticed that about every other block there is a different smell. And very rarely is it pleasing to the nose. In fact, they are mostly downright horrific - especially when you are running on a pretty hot day and gasping for air (as was the case for me).

The only scent that is good is the smell of chocolate from the local chocolate factory. But even that makes your stomach turn when you are physically spent.

My advice: run along the beach when it is not beating hot out.

i'm back at school.

but i don't think anyone reads these anymore.

Well, I'm home.

Camp is over. At least for me. I came home last weekend, but camp is still running for one more week yet. It was strange to leave a place that had completely consumed my life this summer. Most weeks I worked 12 hour days every day, and then some weeks I worked 24/7 with the overnight campers! I absolutely loved it though, and here are a few reasons why:

• Campfires. AT LEAST one every week.
• I learned the importance of physical exercise and activity.
• I was able to try new things: high ropes course for example.
• I learned how to catch and throw!!! (and play softball)
• Along with that I became more comfortable playing sports period. That's hard for me because I am so BAD at them! :)
• Swimming. every single day!
• I learned how to handle kids with asperger's, other forms of autism, and those punk jr. high boys.
• I had to think on my feet and plan spur-of-the-moment activities.
• I enjoyed loving and being loved by the kids.
• It was neat when the kids could teach ME something, because then they cared more when I taught them something.
• I grew to appreciate bugs.
• I became okay with being dirty/sweaty all day long.
• I made some amazing friends.
• Kids were drawn closer to the Lord!!

It was difficult at times though:

• It got tough to keep my energy up on those long days.
• Loving kids who annoyed me to death.
• At times it was challanging to respect all the different leaders that I was under.

The positives definitely outweigh the negatives...and even the negatives can be seen as positives because they taught me something. I'm glad I was able to work at camp this summer!

Two Conversations I'll Never Forget

Between me and a 15 year old mentally retarded boy:

"Are you enjoying camp?"

"Yes. ....*eyes go to the bracelet on my wrist*...I like your bracelet."

"Thank you."

"Where did you get it?"

"I made it."

"I like your ring, too."

"Thank you."

"Where did you get it?"

"My parents bought it for me when I turned 16."

*eyes travel to other hand* "I like that ring, too."

"Thank you."

"Where did you get it?"

"My brother bought it for me."

"Oh. ... So, you're not married?"

"No."

"So you can marry me?!"

Between me and my 10 year old camper after a chapel service on salvation and recommitment:

"So did you make any decisions at chapel tonight?"

"No."

"What do you think about Jesus Christ being our Savior?"

"I think He is real, but sometimes I doubt it."

*We talk for awhile about reasons that we can know God is real and Jesus' blood does in fact cover our sins*

"Do you think that His blood covered your sins?"

"Well, I thought since my family was Christian, that I was Christian too. Only lately have I figured out that that doesn't matter."

"So have you made that decision yet?"

"No, I haven't been ready."

"Do you think you will be ready some day soon?"

"Yes. That day is today."

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!