"This could be the best week of their year..."

As the first week of camp draws to an end I sit with my face painted like a clown.
This week has been amazing. I have met so many kids who have great hearts and huge smiles. Though language has been a barrier at times, I've learned that by just spending time with them, participating in activities, saying hello, and smiling at them means so much.
This week I traveled with one team to different activities. It was a great way for us to get to know each other. I had one child in particular who would lead me, even though at times I was clear in the directions.
My camp director Eric said this in our staff meeting this afternoon. "For many of these kids, this could be the best week of their year. They will have the most fun, they will have the best food, and they will have the best support from their leaders." This comment came straight from his heart drawing tears to his eyes. Eric has been a youth pastor back in the states and has worked at this camp since its beginning in 2000. His passion for youth and the camp experience is huge.
This moment was powerful for me as I saw his heart and thought of the implications. There are a number of campers who have grown so much this week; asking questions about God and accepting Christ into their life. Unfortunately though, some campers will return to rough lifestyles. Maybe they live in poverty, are neglected or even abused. A chore for some leaders this week was removing lice from campers. World Vision sponsored a couple campers to attend this weeks camp. I think about the campers this week. How much they've grown and their trek home. While their road may be rough, hopefully they know they have God, and with God He is there along the way, no matter what. As I think about the negative situations for some campers, I'm comforted knowing this.