loving a person is no small thing

God always gives me what i need to make it through whatever circumstances he places me in-
mosquitoes
heat
thunder
lightning
soaked sleeping bags
sickness
exhaustion
fear
loneliness

he provided-
friends
good attitudes
teasing
slapping games
hokey pokey in the rain
gentle wake-up calls
concerned questions
christmas on a mountain
life stories
worship
servant leaders
"campers"
accents
group pictures
smiling eyes
encouraging words

in spite of everything, this was one of the best weeks of my life. that may sound like an exaggeration, but it really isn't. this was one of the hardest, most beautiful weeks i've yet to experience.
my cup overflows.
my heart is brimming with the joy of true worship and the sorrow of knowing the ache of not being home yet.

the biggest blessing of this week were the ten people i spent it with-

cash, who became more dear to me than i ever could have imagined in a week's time. he's a good man.
my own dear martha, always loving on people
darek, what a servant, always willing to do whatever needed to be done
liz, caring and positive
steven, sweet, sensitive and caring
heather, perpetually optimistic and sunny
elizabeth, kind and genuine
j, spreading jokes, friendship and song
brent, fun, teasing and strong
rebekah, gentle, smiling and encouraging

aside from the beauty of the mountains, wildflowers, trees, streams and lake, i was able to get a true glimpse of the beauty of God's creation through these 10 image bearers. no matter the pain of this week coming to a close, i wouldn't change a thing. i hurt as i hugged cash good-bye today, and even as we split into staffs. but i don't regret loving these people.