"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a knowing God."

Filling out job apps, registering for online college classes, and dreaming of the endless possibilites of awesome roadtrips to take this summer has consumed my mind the past month. Until last week, I thought it'd be reality.

For reasons unknown to me, my class options were full and possible jobs weren't available
until fall. Not that there weren't other options, I just wasn't at peace. Also found out 3 weeks
ago that Grandpa has terminal lung cancer, so staying within a couple hours drive was a major consideration. Last night in my devos I was reminded of Gods certainty and perfect purpose amidst my uncertainty and doubt. Romans 8:28 brought to mind counseling at Barakel last summer. By far it was the most exhausting, yet entirely rewarding and worthwhile summers I have ever experienced. Week after week my campers would ask what it's like to be a counselor, or why I did it in the first place. Looking back, if it were for personal fulfillment I wouldn't have lasted a week-- it brings one past any physical or emotional strength (or will). If it were for the campers fulfillment, I may have quite after the first "counselor, I DON'T want to make my bed!" or vomit all over the floor. Counseling, i've found must be out of A desire to see and know Christ at an entirely new level. A level that HE epitomized by humbling Himself as He became a man and stooped to meet mankind's greatest need. Counseling must be an outpouring of CHRIST to every camper I have the privelege of meeting.

Seeing Christ's incredible strength made perfect as my wobbly knees constantly fell at His feet last summer was beautiful.. and by the grace of God, next week i'm headed up to counsel once again. I'd Appreciate your prayers as I lean on the ever faithful strength and sufficiency of Christ throughtout my 10 weeks at Barakel. Pray that my campers will see not I, but Christ and His love manifest as I counsel 60+ girls this summer. In Christ alone!

Emily

PS Oh!! and.. getting mail from outside the northern woods is fantastic. If you ever want to update me on your life/ how I can be praying for you, Camps address is: Camp Barakel PO Box 159 Fairview Mi, 48621 OR emails can be sent via campbarakel.org =] I'll try to keep this *periodically updated.