I just returned from a week of counseling a Teen Eagle Eye.
I feel like that one sentence should say it all, and to me it does, but it cannot do justice to the people and experiences I had in the last week. The fact that I've been going to Eagle Eye Summer Camps since I was 16 has nothing to do with it. Each year the experience is entirely new and changes me in a new way.
This year we had almost an entire crew of new participants. That in itself is such a blessing. To be able to watch as they discover what it is to truly live the week of Eagle Eye and encourage them along the way is a gift. Here are some of the things that happened this week:
- On Sunday, the first day of our 2-day hike, I led my group in circles all day and NEVER found a path! (I learned the next day that I'd been looking at an inferior map and all I needed was Br. Malachi to assist me and we were all good) On this day, I was able to watch the girls I was counseling as they continued on, uncomplaining, laughing and enjoying the day together, even though it didn't feel like we went anywhere productive.
- On Monday, the second day of the hike, we said mass outside as pictured above. There is something peacefully heart-wrenching about celebrating the sacrifice of the Mass in such a setting.
- On Tuesday I was asked to lead the choir for the rest of the week. This last minute addition, while entailing that I run back and forth from one place to another for the rest of the week, was a beautiful lesson in humility. I was blessed to lead a group of exceptionally skilled singers. And even though we quickly discovered that the songs that I picked were songs that most of them had never heard before, by the end of the week we found a healthy balance. I also found so much support from the other leaders of the camp. Whether it was Br. Gabriel Maria who would drop everything an offer to play guitar for us, or Shane who would help out when the kids didn't know a song as well as singing the Mass Parts with the basses. It was in the poverty of starting from scratch and still experiencing the generosity of others with their time and talents that I was humbled to be heading up a group of such beautiful souls.
- On Wednesday I was stuck in a stairwell with the entire contingent of teens during a tornado drill. Through the overwhelming raucous noise of all of them together in that small space I was able to discover the joy with which they approached life. They could have all been sullen and complaining, but together we discovered what it was to find joy in life.
- On Thursday we gathered for adoration in the evening with the sisters. As the sisters were in charge of the music that night I was able to relax and exalt in being in the presence of Christ. The peace of offering Him everything you have and allowing him to touch your heart brought me so much joy. I also was able to experience this blessed holy hour with my DEAR friend, Sarah Burke who came for Alumni Night... and to ask me to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. My joy was multiplied at the thought of sharing that day with her in that way.
- Friday we walked the stations of the cross. The teens took turns carrying a cross through the woodlands near the monastery. I was asked to lead the meditative songs as we walked together. I had to rely on Erin Mone, to lead me as we walked (as I had to look at the words) and so rejoiced in the trust I had in her. I also experienced a sacrifice of my own that night. Every time Erin would click on the flashlight so that I could see the words, all manner of insects and bugs began flocking to my arms. I ate several insects as well as blew a few out of my nose later. It was the sacrifice God was calling me to at that moment and while several times the sensations of them on my arms got the best of me, it was good to try to offer that in the spirit of the Stations.
- Saturday I was dumped into a pool by the loving campers. :D I know that sounds like it should have made me mad, but quite honestly I could feel their fun-loving affection for me in that moment. I also met a very young girl named Sarah, who prayed Vespers with us, asking every other minute "is it over?... Is that the last one?" SUCH JOY!!!
- Sunday was maybe the most powerful day for me. I'd spent the entire week pouring myself out for these campers and praying that their hearts would be touched and their lives changed. I made them a slideshow (as I've done several years in a row now) and as we watched it together, with their families, was blown away. About half way through the slide show, the beautiful voices of these young people joined in with the songs in the slideshow. I couldn't help the tears that slid down my face.
Pray that God prepares my heart for this new adventure!
No comments:
Post a Comment