The time is here. Tomorrow at 8 am I will arrive at work "ready" to begin my one week adventure in the woods with students. As I write this, I literally have to go pee because I am so excited/nervous. You know the urge to pee you had when you would hide during hide n' seek? You could have just gone to the bathroom three minutes before and yet somehow, our body manages to produce enough liquid between that time to make you wiggle in your hiding place.
But before I begin talking about this coming week let me share with you the events of the last few days! So remember when I left off with that silly, little, lonely wave metaphor? Well, it's still slightly relevant but I am beginning to feel more confident because God answered my prayers and introduced me to His moving and working Body here in Saranac Lake. About 30 minutes outside of town is Young Life Saranac Village, which is a beautiful summer camp I visited in high school. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit some of my Virginian friends who are there for the month helping out and while there met some amazing folks who live here year long. Apparently, there is indeed a small community of post college graduates (most who work at camp) that all seek deep community and fellowship. Hooray! For a minute there I was a bit worried it didn't exist. Right now, I am at one of their houses, doing my laundry and using their computer. I am so grateful to meet such genuinely kind friends and I am very much looking forward to learning more about them. Also, I was invited back to camp throughout my time off to help out in whatever capacity I am needed and being on the grounds of summer camp is always a familiar and comforting place for me.
Earlier today, I went ahead and bought a mini container of Nutella in preparation for my coming adventure. I've talked to many older staff here and although there is a lot of different words given, there is always one common piece of advice I hear: chocolate. "Bring chocolate". I'm not quite sure why this is so absolutely necessary but I trust their expertise in the field. While staring at the candy bar options in the grocery store I was forced to ignore my fleshly desires and instead use my rational judgement to make such a seemingly insignificant decision. You see, if I bought a Milky Way, it would be smushed minutes into it's placement in my "bear bag". But one bag of M&M's surely wouldn't suffice. Chocolate cookies take up too much room but Nutella, oh Nutella, you are so versatile. Within this small 8 oz container of Chocolatey goodness is an abundant number of delicious possibilities: chocolate tortilla wrap, chocolate pretzels, chocolate apple slices, chocolate beans and Lentils... the list is endless.
But I think it is more than simply chocolate that provides emotional release for these leaders. It is the fact that we can pull out something that reminds us that this current situation, no matter how horrible it may be, will not last forever and that one day we will find ourselves back with people, with community, in society. It is the fact that I can demonstrate some sense of control in my surroundings in a time where much seems out of control. And if anything, it reassures us that life is sweet even when it is wet and rainy and cold outside. So here I go, with my jar of Nutella and my short list of camping skills into the Adirondacks for my first week of my first real job as an "adult". All I have to say?
Bring. it. on.
Love, La Loba
Please send the Big Man some prayers for me over this coming week (for confidence, peace, and compassion).
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