We headed out early that day and had no idea where we were
going. The only reason I knew anything beforehand was because I was one of the
drivers! J So, we all got in the two 15 passenger vans
and headed out! On our drive we enjoyed breakfast on the road made by our
lovely Camp Eagle staff and worked hard to help one another memorize scripture.
My van had a fun time singing and talking to one another during the 2.5 hour
drive. Once we got to our location, we were all super stoked to enjoy the water
and have some relaxing fun together!
We got out of the vans and went to explore all that we could
do in the area and quickly found things to enjoy! There were rope swings into
the water, tubes to float on; water “shoots” to slide on, and other fun rocks
to climb on for fun pictures! We all decided to pretty much just get changed
into our swim wear and jump in! It was fun to see everyone release a sigh of
relief and freedom from working so hard… and then just enjoy a day off.
I started out on the rope swings with a few of my close girl
friends. Swinging out and being dropped into the water was much easier than
walking into the chilly water myself! I swung in and plunged for the clear blue
water and instantly started having loads of fun! I ended up making my way down
to the “shoots” which were manmade cut outs in the rush of the river that would
shoot us down either solo or on a tube! These were a lot of fun and everyone in
my WA family ended up spending most of their time out in this area of the water
throughout the remainder of the day!
While we were away from camp, we were also able to use some
alone time to read the Word and focus on some time spent with the Lord. I was
super excited to spend this time alone from everyone out on the water. It was
the first time I was actually able to use my waterproof bible for purposeful
reasons… in the water. Usually, I am just thankful to have it in the rain, but
not this time. I chose to stay in the water, going down the shoots and floating
the river while reading some chapters in the Bible. What a beautiful sight it
was for me to experience. Growing closer to the Lord while also enjoying His
creation!
After our sack lunches (again made by our lovely Camp Eagle
staff), we enjoyed many more hours of recreational fun and laughter. The unity
among the group is always very encouraging when we are out on our trips. When
we are home, there are many days that most of us do not see each other at all.
So time spent together in San Marcos was a lot of fun and good for our group! A
few hours after our lunch and before we would be leaving for our dinner and
escape back to camp, we were flooded with rain! It was pouring like crazy and
just so much fun to be out there in the water or on the land in our swimsuits
dancing in the rain!
In all the confusion of the rain, most of us ended up under
a large pavilion area waiting for everyone else to join us for our WA brother’s
story (testimony). It is here when the Lord definitely showed us he had a much
different plan for the next hour. We were joined by some sweet men, who lived
as hippies out of their car, working to make money by building palm tree branch
flowers and playing the guitar. Cassidy was the guitarist’s name and Eleanor is
his best friend (guitar). It is in this setting that Cassidy shared his heart
and his music with my WA family.
I will tell you in another blog about a book I was reading
at this time, but for your understanding I will just explain that it was about
homelessness in America. Anyways, it was during this sweet hour with Cassidy
that I was saddened and in tears, but also filled with joy as he was able to
share his passion of music and dreams for his future. I encourage each of you
dear friends to maybe find him on Facebook if you can… Cassidy and Eleanor is
his page name and it may be without caps or spaces and maybe the & sign instead of the word… but I am sure you will find
it with just that information.
This trip warmed my heart and encouraged me in any ways. Not
only was I able to grow closer to my WA family and enjoy time away from hard
work filled days, but I was also able to open my eyes and heart to the ways the
Lord had already been speaking to me through my book I was reading. I don’t
know where Cassidy is today, probably still in the San Marcos area, but I pray
that we as Americans and most of us as Christians can show him the love he
deserves and encourage him in every way he may need.
We ended our fun filled day with a trip to Cici’s together
and a 2.5 hour trip back to Camp Eagle. We were all glad to return and get some
rest before the next day arrived!
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