God's blessings

I arrived at Camp Gilead Sunday afternoon,  23rd of June. I came a little nervous and was uncertain of a lot of things, but I was also super excited and eager to serve in this way.

I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous about meeting everyone, I was nervous that I might not ever connect with any of them or make any real good friends with anyone. I tried to remind myself that all of that didn't matter, that I came here to serve, and counsel these kids who have such a huge need for Christ in their lives. But it was always in the back of my mind.

The first few days I felt a little awkward and I didn't exactly know how to talk to any of the other girls. I felt alone and uncomfortable and it became very discouraging.

I asked God to give a good attitude, and to help me to be thankful for even being here and serving in this way. And to give me a friend amongst the other girls, and to feel more comfortable around them, and to just be myself.

As the week wore on, I found myself becoming more enthusiastic and excited, and laughing with the other counselors, and finding that comfort zone. All the girls here are so thoughtful and encouraging, and they all made an effort to make me feel welcome and comfortable. I am so thankful for that, and that God helped me to come out of my shell and actually try and get to know everyone here. Its been a good week, overall. The speakers, the fellowship and crazy games. Everything came together perfectly and I just praise my Savior for giving me the privilege to be here this Summer.

God will never cease to provide and care for us, no matter what. He is all in all, the mighty King, Maker of everything. And my glory and my honor goes to Him.

Thank You, Jesus. For all you've done, are doing, and will do in my life.
You have blessed me beyond my understanding, I deserved nothing, and yet you bestow your amazing love one me. I will forever praise You.

Living by Example

You never really realize how close you are to something until its staring you in the eye.

On February 21st of this year, I found out that I would be serving as a counselor at Camp Gilead. Now, nearly 4 months have gone by.. but I feel as though it were yesterday.

I couldn't be more excited to be a part of something like this! I dreamed of becoming a counselor. I loved going to camp when I was younger, I loved all of my counselors and I looked up to them in a lot of ways. I admired their perserverence, that even when they were exhausted and tuggered out, they kept smiling and had a great attitude about everything. They would put the campers' needs before their own. They were witty and humorous, were never boring or lazy. They found the time to get to know you personally, and to pray for your specific needs or worries. Their main goal was to glorify the Savior, and to serve Him in whatever ways they could. This is what I strive for. This is what I pray that my example will be this Summer.

Thanks to the counselors who gave me the example I need.
Kaitlyn Ragan & Becca Anni

Excitement for Another Day.

Last week I graduated from High School. I had been waiting and waiting for that day for as long as I can remember. And it finally came. It came and then it was gone... as with all exciting things waited for, it seems to be over and done with as quickly as it comes.

Most of the time, when these exciting days come and go, I have nothing to look forward to afterwards. All the excitement and fun is over and now you just go back to doing the normal, boring routine.

I had expected it would be like this after my graduation day. But seeing as I leave for Camp Gilead in less than a month, gives me that excitement all over again. I am super excited to go be a counselor this Summer! And I can hardly wait.

24 days and counting! :D

Below is a picture of my Graduating class.

A New Beginning.

Earlier in the year, I went to a Bible Conference called TLC (Teen Leadership Conference)
During one of the sessions, they talked of a Summer Camp by the name of Camp Gilead.
I had heard of the camp in the previous years of the conference, but didn't give it much thought.

However, this year.. after hearing the Director of the camp talk about the different programs and activities, and stating that there was a need for Counselors, I instantly became interested.

After thinking long and hard about what it would be like to be a Camp Counselor. To be a companion to these kids, and to have an opportunity to teach them and lead them in the way they should go, the realization that I might be the person that leads a young child to Christ, or even to build a foundation for that. to build a relationship with them, and be able to talk and laugh and be silly. It would be such an amazing experience, and I almost immediately longed to be a part of something like that.

I began to pray. I prayed that I might be able to be a part of the Staff at Camp Gilead, and to become a counselor. I sent in my application, and continued to pray and trust God.

After a few weeks, I had an interview and received an E-mail stating that I had filled a spot for Counselor at Camp Gilead for Summer 2013.

At that moment, I couldn't be happier. I praised God, and thanked Him for this awesome opportunity He'd given me.

This blog will essentially be about my summer at Camp Gilead, my experiences, the good times along with the not so good times. The embarrassing moments (which I am sure will come, sooner or later in the course of the summer) and the amazing moments. The lessons I've learned and the friends I've made.


My Goal, and also the title of this blog is to be a Light in a World of Darkness. I pray that I will shine for Christ and show others the light that is in me. That others might see me, and see the light I carry, and long to live for Christ and glorify Him.


Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven