Especially for Youth

Where to start... I don't even know where to begin!!  I have had the best summer ever so far!  I have been a counselor for 3 weeks, and I have 3 more to go... week 4 starting today! I have had some of the most amazing experiences as a counselor.  Our week starts with a fireside Sunday night and the kids show up on Monday and leave on Saturday.  The week is packed to the seems with activities such as devotionals, dances, games, classes, etc!  From 6:30am to 11:30pm we never stop going, but it is worth every moment of work!  The youth of the church are AMAZING!  

Although I spent quite a bit of time preparing before my first week, I still felt so inadequate on day one! I was so worried that I was not good enough!  But, our coordinators encouraged us to "set aside fear" and pray for Heavenly help!  That is exactly what I did... or tried to do (fear still sneaks in at times).  I have seen the hand of the Lord in my life as I have had more strength than should be possible while living on a cafeteria diet, no sleep, and no exercise!  I have felt the Spirit prompt me with what to teach the youth each week!  I have no doubt that Heavenly Father knows each of these kids and has a plan and a purpose for them!

I have been blessed to meet and work with some of the greatest people.  The other counselors and leaders at EFY are amazing!  It is so neat to constantly be surrounded by others who share your standards and lift you up!  And, yes, one of the benefits of being a counselor is spending lots of time with amazing single guys! =) I also get to attend the classes each week with the kids where we are taught by some of CES' best teachers!  I sit and just soak it all up!  

I have learned to better appreciate the strong, active family that I was raised in that many of these youth do not have.  Some come from very difficult circumstances and yet they are so strong and positive!  I learn so much from the youth - sometimes I wonder if they are learning anything or if I am the one who is getting all the benefits.  On Thursdays, we have testimony meeting, or what counselors call "pay day."  It is the night where we get to hear them testify of what they know and what they have learned!  I have seen kids recognize their own testimonies right before my eyes!

I have also gained a great appreciation for the weekends - especially Sundays!!  I think I spend all day Saturday doing laundry and sleeping - really, I take day long naps!  And Sunday is a day to prepare for the week ahead and rest from your labors.  Yep, that means I nap on Sundays too!  

I am so grateful I have been blessed to have this opportunity.  It is like a mini mission where we work to help instill testimonies in these youth.  I love EFY!  I love that I get to go to 6 weeks of it instead of 1!