if's funny how much i resisted this weekend. i really didn't want to go. I wanted me time, to relax after a frustrating first week if school, to binge watch tv shows, to sleep as much as I could, to be alone. But... i'm really glad I went. Truthfully, I can't say this TEC was one of my favorites. It was fun (a lot of fun) but it's not up there on my list. It was hard, dirty dishwater smells like throw up (and i spent a whole day doing dishes, so i smelt like throw up too), my feet hurt from working in a kitchen for three days, and there's a lot in my head that i can't shake, no matter how hard I tried. I felt like it was one of the first TEC's i worked; i was quiet, reserved, anxious, and I felt shy and I wondered why i was there. The answer was people. Ten minutes after I got to camp, a woman who i look up too gave me a hug and congratulated my for my grades last semester, and we talked extensively about my future (which was nice). I received encouragement, exchanged laughs and stories, and learned more about people I've known for years than I did before. The real kicker here? That's not even what made the weekend great, or the work bearable. It was the people, again. But it wasn't how they interacted with me, or I them. It was me watching them work. Watching them laugh, sing, cry, dance, speak, and share. People I have known since they were young are blossoming into such exceptional people with bright futures ahead of them, and how they led the weekend, or teams, or gave talks; how they take on their roles beautifully and with such grace. It was seeing community and seeing such love and adoration from stranger to stranger. It was people, working and moving and loving fiercely. It was a movie I got to experience being filmed life. I can't say my faith is stronger now than how I left it friday evening, but it's coming in clearer. Insaw God moving through so many people this weekend. I saw people give themselves and their passions and talents to God to help keep this movement alive, and keep the weekend running. There were people sharing faith stories, and encouraging others, and praying for others, and Loving and serving God without fear or freeze. I saw passion. I saw the fire that made me first want to serve at TEC five years ago, after I made my weekend. TEC is truly, truly a blessing, and I'm glad I went. It was a blessing in disguise. I'm incredibly thankful for such a beautiful, wonder family that loves me unconditionally and shows me through actions AND words, how to be more in Christ's image; loving, passionate, devoted.
