I don’t think there are enough words to describe how amazing Barnabas is. But my experience there has to do with the absence of words… I went to Camp Barnabas term 6 this year. I was in G1 and my camper’s name is Josie. She is hard of hearing and non-verbal, meaning she does not talk. Going into a girl's cabin this year I didn’t know what to expect. A lot of things were different. A lot of things were also harder. I had a lot of challenges. Josie could really frustrate me. Sometimes she wouldn’t listen, wouldn’t get out of bed, wouldn’t get dressed, or wouldn’t leave the pool. The last day I hit an emotional wall and broke down crying because I felt like I was failing her. I didn’t know what she wanted when she was upset and threw temper tantrums. It broke my heart because she couldn’t verbalize what she wanted or needed. When I broke down crying though she saw and started crying too. She didn’t know why I was crying, she just didn’t like seeing me upset. And that’s when I realized that she did love me and felt that I loved her. And that was my job coming to camp, to make her feel loved and help her have fun. And we did have a lot of fun. She was an adorable girl and made me laugh. She loved to dance and wear a clown wig everywhere we went. She touched my heart in a way I could never touch hers. She not only made me smile but also made me realize that sometimes words aren’t needed. Sometimes sitting quietly in the presence of the Lord is what we need to do. I love to talk and sometimes that causes me to miss what others have to say. What if I miss what God says sometimes? That’s one thing I don’t want to miss. He put this adorable girl as my camper to show me not only how blessed I am but also to teach me how not to talk. To sit in silence but still get to know someone and love them, to use actions because actions speak louder than words, and to listen because I don’t want to miss anything. Josie tested my patience but showed me I need to slow down and just rest in God’s peace at times. The girls in my cabin were so beautiful. Their hearts were amazing and it shined through. They never questioned why God made them the way they are. Why they are blind or can’t hear. They embrace it and trust God when He said “All beautiful you are my darling; there is no flaw in you.” (Song of Song 4:7) These girls inspired my heart and I can never be more grateful for being able to experience their beautiful hearts and genuine love for our cabin. I may have left Barnabas but my heart is forever there.
Josie and I :)
Christin... so beautiful..
Campers of G1 term 6
