STRONG.

STRONG. That seems to have been the theme for me this entire summer. Strong in my Faith, PKRC Strong, and Army Strong. Now that my summer has come to a screeching halt, I have had the chance to just sit back and soak up everything I have experienced this summer; Every moment I have shared with the kids (too many to write about), with my fellow staff, and with my God. And I would like to share how each have impacted me this summer.

My Heavenly Father-

Couldn’t have done it without my faith in Him. That’s for dang sure. Even when I wanted to quit, I didn’t. He called me here for a reason, and nothing was going to stop me from serving Him.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we DON’T GIVE UP. Therefore whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone- especially those in the family of faith.”

Galatians 6:9-10

Friends, we have no idea how or when we may impact the people that surround us. You have no idea who is watching you, or who is looking up to you. But we do know that we should do GOOD to everyone. Do good to the person who sits in the cubicle next to you every day, do good to the person who flips you off on the way to work, or to the family member who has done you wrong in the past, do good to the person who is at war with you. I hate to sound as if I’m using every cliché in the book, but seriously think about it. Love people. And always be the stronger person. Think about how we can apply STRENGTH to our own lives. And how we can change ourselves for the betterment of someone else on this earth who may need us, and most importantly who may need God.

My daddy always told me. “Our last minute is always God’s right on time.”

So don’t stress. Everything happens for a reason.

Nadia (representing all of the kids I have worked with this summer)-

This beautiful little girl was born in Russia without either of her arms, her family adopted her when she was tiny, and now they live in Texas. Nadia showed me STRENGTH. I spent 5 days with her, and I learned how to eat with my feet, paint with my feet, and how to just be a kid, Nadia made me realize how extremely fortunate I am in this life. Every day of her little life Nadia is going to be faced with a new challenge. Going into the 1st grade this fall and having to face bullies who may treat her differently because she doesn’t have arms. In 8 years, going to high school and being told she can’t be on the team because she’s “different” or because she has a “handicap.” Wrong. She can do anything she set’s her mind to, and I strongly believe that she will. And she will do it with more integrity than you and I could ever muster up.

I owe my STRENGTH to her.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you HOME again to your own land.”
Jeremiah 29:11-14

My Family-
Your constant support is what I will need ALWAYS. It means more than anything else to know that you are ALL there for me no matter what life brings my way. Daddy and Pani for always being that conscience in the back of my head making me think before I speak, or think situations through before I make decisions, and for calling me and making my day. Gramma for always sharing your wisdom with me. Your letters to me this summer kept me going, just knowing that you took the time out of your days 3 times a week to write me a good old fashioned letter just made me feel so loved and cared for. Momma- for always calling and checking up with me and allowing me to share everything with you without having to worry about being judged. I love you for that. Nana for making sure that I always had a home cooked meal when I needed one, and your wisdom as well is what allowed me to make it through the summer. Jake for being able to share my spiritual growth with, and being able to see how God has worked in your life his summer was an incredible experience. Lindsay for always being my moral and emotional support, I love you for your constant care and prayers for me. Rachael- baby girl, I could NOT have done it without you in the “Real World House” this summer. Haha. You always kept me in check, and stuck by my side even during the sucky times. I love you girl.

Brandon-
My summer with the kids may have come to an end faster than what I expected, but he stepped in at just the right time. I have received my STRENGTH first from the Lord, but it has been reinforced through the kids, through my family, my close friends and through Brandon. He is a man of STRENGTH, integrity, faith, and honor. He, along with several others, serves in the United States Army. Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure the Army has a self explainable slogan.
ARMY STRONG. :)

I’m tellin’ ya, God has a sense of humor.

In knowing Brandon for only a week so far, he has already become a huge part of my life. And he should be, he should be a huge part of all of our lives. As of yesterday, he is once again, in Iraq fighting for our country. And I am so proud to have the chance to know him. Pray for him. Pray for all of the men and women fighting the good fight.
Brandon is STRONG, and because of that, I am STRONG.

I usually struggle for words when it comes time to conclude my blogs. But I found a word of scripture that speaks so much truth, and says what I want to say better than I ever could do myself. So please read these miraculous words of Paul the apostle written to the Church at Ephesus, and to all believers everywhere.

I love you all. And thanks for sticking by me this summer.
-Lauren McKenzie

“A final word: be STRONG in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion STAY ALERT and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”

Ephesians 6:10-20

God's Gift to Me.

So before I post the lyrics to Zach's song, I want you to know a little background info first.

Zach is 16, he is strong, so sweet, and extremely talented. A talented person over all, he is an amazing baseball player, leader, and musician... And he has a hand deformity. During the talent show this week, he sang a song that he wrote himself, and had everyone in crying in their seats. I hope it effects you like it did me...

God’s Gift To Me
- Zach Whetstone

Welcome to the first day of your life,
You see that man smile at his wife
The doctor looks and says to the man, you know he won’t have a hand?

If that’s a problem for you
You’re gunna have to see me,
There’s nothin’ he can’t do
It’s the way God meant him to be.

He’ll learn to tie his shoes before he’s in Pre- K
And play every sport before the first grade.
He’ll be the first to take his hat off inside,
And when the flag is raised, the first to stand in pride.
Look in my eyes and tell me you can’t see,
It ain’t no handicap,
this is God’s gift to me.

I’m so happy I made the team,
But it’s not fair, or so it seems.
The season’s passing; it’s been a month,
And I ain’t played really all that much.
Dad turns to me and offers help,
No thanks I said, I’ll handle this myself.
Coach told me son, it’s not your fault,
It’s just cause of your hand.

If that’s a problem for you, you’re gunna have to see me.
But I’m warning you coach, the next time our paths meet,
I’m gunna put one over your centerfielder’s head
And you’re gunna wish you never got out of bed.
Oh God I can’t wait to see your face when I go out and throw 14 K’s.
You had your chance, It’s too bad you couldn’t see,
This ain’t no handicap,
This is God’s gift to me.

There’s a lot of people like me, who just need to believe,
They ain’t handicapped.
No, they ain’t handicapped.
Just look in a mirror and they can see,
This is God’s gift to me.

Hands Down 2

Not to make a lame joke... but.

HANDS DOWN, this week was definitely one of my favorite ones this summer.
I had campers that were 11-17, so the oldest group so far, and they each were born with hand differences. Varying between, a lack of several fingers, no wrists, no hands at all, or little stubbies, so cute...

I LOVED being able to catcha break from little munchkins running all over the place, the older kids are so so awesome! Except the boys just loved playing pranks on all of the girls... I can't count how many times, my phone, ray bans, and clothes were stolen...

But it's okay, we got em back. Sunscreen in their toothpaste, red koolaid in their shampoo and in the shower heads... And all of their shoes thrown onto the roof of their cabins.. Haha...

Good times.

On a more serious note: The inspiration level was at a HIGH this week.
These guys are so beautiful... I know I say that about every week, but it's so true, each and everyone of them are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.

And they have made me extremely grateful to have both of my hands...
and even if I didn't, they taught me how to work without them... Alex has no hands at all, and that kid can throw a frisbee 10 times as far as I can... No joke.

Anyways... KJ and Zach constantly had me drooling (and crying) over their musical talent. Both were amazing guitarists, despite their hand differences. And incredible songwriters...

I'm going to post their lyrics up in a seperate blog for you to read.

:)

Keep praying for me everyone,
this is the last stretch of the summer...
3 more weeks...

Pray for Perserverance,
Strength,
an open and loving heart,
and pray for me to have patience and for me to learn to pick my battles.

I love you all.

Compassion,

So today was my first time in church since being at PKRC... kind of rough not being able to have transportation to go to church here... I have had a really hard time with that. But I went to TBC this morning, and can I just say- that it was JUST what I needed. I needed a HUGE slap in the face...

The lesson this morning was on Compassion, and it was about Jesus feeding the 5,000..

The few worship songs were incredible- it's amazing how God plans out the little things, to touch me in just the right way, and worship music is it...

Let me share some lyrics...

Mighty to Save- By Hillsong United

So take me as you find me

all my fears and failures,

fill my life again.

I give my life to follow

everything I believe in

NOW I SURRENDER.

Incredible. I mean yeah, I've always known how much I loved that song- but man when those lyrics came up on the projector, they just hit me hard, like a blow to the chest. And it really made me search myself. And realize how many things I have been doing wrong.

I mean, it's so easy for me to get caught up in all the praise I receive for doing the work I'm doing this summer. But that's not why I'm here. I'm not working with these kids in order to get a pat on the back from someone at the end of the day. I'm here, because I'm SERVING my GOD... and I'm serving Him by being there for these kids, and to love on them.

And I, in return, am a blessed person, simply because of the fact that God is allowing me to have the opportunity to work with these kids. I love them so much.

So I pray to my God, these lyrics word by word.

Lord,

Take me as you find me,

all my fears and failures, and please FILL my life again.

I give my life up, in order to follow you, the One that I believe in.

NOW, I surrender to you.

DEFINITION OF THE WEEK:

Compassion- A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by: a strong desire to ALLEVIATE the suffering.

That's the exact mentality each and every one of us should wake up to each morning. Compassionate. Giving my wants, my needs up, in order to help someone else in whatever way i can, in order to make things a little easier for them to live their life. Have compassion.

Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king's son.

Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor be treated fairly.

May the mountains yeild prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful.

Help him to defend the poor, to rescuse the children of the needy, and to crush their opressors.

May they fear you as long as the sun shines,

as long as the moon remains in the sky.

Yes, forever!

Psalm 72: 1-5

Update.

Wow...

Sorry about the lack of "blogging."
These last two weeks have been HECTIC.

Last week was Camp Soaring Eagle, kids with neurological disorders... it had to have been one of our toughest camps out here so far (before this week of course.)

The kids needed a lot of personal help, unlike the other camps I've worked with. They needed help with the very basic things in life- that we all take for granted, being able to do; Feeding ourselves, bathing, using the restroom, etc.

The kids we're incredible, of course, like they are every week... And they had the most amazing staff, and directors... Kuddo's to Camp Soaring Eagle...

THIS WEEK: COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CUP OF TEA.

haha... so unlike our other weeks, the schedule was much different.
The week was split into two separate camps, which were both day camps.
Kids come at 8 am and leave everyday at 3...

MonTueWed- Project Heartbeat- kids who are displaced or considered "homeless" by the state of Texas- all from the Belton area..

Cutest little kids ever! So fun, and full of energy... extremely crazy. Praise God it was a day camp.

ThursFriSat- Camp Care a Lot- Mixed diagnosis camp... ahhh...

First off let me just say, that the kids were awesome...
however, I was extremely stressed the entire time they were here because of the "lack of organization." But it was still a fun camp...

Anywho... This week- Hands Down 2... Teenagers with hand deformities. :) Excited!

Dear Gramma Mar Mar,

Hey Grams!

I thought this would be a fun little change in things, to make you your own individual blog post. Of course, so I can keep up with your many letters that I get every week.

(I LOVE them, by the way)

The kids are precious this week. It's Camp Soaring Eagle. Kids with Neurological disorders. Several of them are epileptic (meaning they have seizures), as well as Cerebral Paulsy, Autism, Muscular Sclerosis, Spina Bifida, etc...

These kids are very different from the others because they need help with the very basic things in daily life, that many of the other kids didn't need help with. Like: getting dressed, or showering, and using the restroom. However, they have coundelors that come with them to take care of those things. They're cute though, we played on the inflatable slip and slide with them today. They LOVED it. I also got to take them on a little Nature walk. It was cool...

I miss you a lot. And I can't wait to come out and see you once school starts back up. I love the pictures you sent me! All of the boys are getting so big. Cute hair Evan and Zach... hahaha. Surfer boys..

AND to answer your "Gramma Questions"

• Yes, of course we do crafty things with them! HELLO LADY, look who you're talking to... haha... Each week the kids get to paper mache their own "group" pinatas, after they dry they get to paint and stuff them with candy. So cute... I also just reorganized our craft cabinet. And labeled where everything goes. You'd be SO proud.

• Yes there are tons of bugs out here... They bothered me a lot when I first got here. But now they don't like me. I use bugspray. We have mosquitoes, chiggers, and fire ants.

• I get SO spoiled here for meals, we have a chef named Corey, and he cooks AMAZING full course meals for everyone... 3 times a day. Which is why I'm not losing weight like I usually do when I'm active. Haha.

• I don't need anything really, we will go on walmart runs on the weekend if we need stuff, otherwise.. our boss keeps a good eye on us, and makes sure we have everything we need.

ALSO: I think I forgot to mention to you, that I'm shooting a wedding this weekend! My very first wedding. I'm extremely nervous, but I think I've done all the researching and studying I can do, I just have to go out and do it now. It's the wedding of the couple who I took engagement pictures of in the fall. It should be fun.

But anyways, I'm late for dinner... as usual. Pajama movie party tonight with the kiddos.

I LOVE YOU, "Grand-Ma-Ma"

-Lauren

Out on a Limb Recap

Wow. The entire week was such a blessing in disguise...

You really have no idea how much kids can impact you until they come, make a mark in your heart forever, and then leave you...

After the kids left I was a sobbing mess. They were such a cute, spunky and funny group of kids. I miss them every single day that passes.

I miss sitting with them at the dinner table, completely enthralled by the different ways they eat their food. Nadia sitting on the table eating with her cute little feet (after we washed them of course), Nessa using her cute little stubbies to pick up her fork, Yuri using his adorable, and dangerous, little hook arm. Boy oh boy do I miss these incredible children...

They will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I cannot wait to adopt a beautiful little child one day.

Out on a Limb.

I'm in Love.

These are the most incredible, and inspirational group of kids I have ever had the chance to meet, in my entire 19 years of living.

This week I have been blessed with 13 beautiful kids. Each one of them missing one or more limbs. Either they were born without them, or certain instances have caused them to be amputated. It's absoultely mind boggling the things that these cuties are able to do, even with their disabilities.

To name a few: (more to come)

Jerroth- Handsome little fella, and so smart. He is completely blind, autistic, and missing both legs, one arm, and only has 2 fingers on his other hand. And yet, he plays the piano exceptionally well. He can name off every type of Bear in the world, and he has some pretty swell dance moves to YMCA.

Nadia- My new "best friend" is how she refers to me... she's a doll. She is 5 years old, and as cute as a button with her huge blue eyes. Her parents adopted her from Russia when she was 14 months old. She is missing both of her arms, and has one leg shorter than the other. I dunno if anyone has seen Charlie Wilson's War, but she was the little girl in that movie. Discovery Channel has been out here all week doing a documentary on her I think...

I had no idea that almost half of these kids have been adopted from other countries. And I was told that the reason is, in other countries, when children have such visible disabilities, they are completely shunned. They see them as useless and troublesome. Which is why Erika lived in a bed for the first 8 years of her life, never getting to go outside or even being able to interact with other people. Until her mother (now) adopted her and brought her to the US. She's gorgeous, I swear she'll be a model one day.

Because of this, I want to adopt a child now.

It's incredible just being in the presence of these kids. And because there are so few of them I am able to play and talk with each and every one of them... I spent the whole day letting them paper mache my face and arms, dancing with them until I was literally dripping in sweat, and swimming with them until I started growing fins and gills. And yet, I'm still motivated to play some more. I wake up in the morning excited to start my day. Not that I wasn't before, it's just I have a little more gumption now...

Well. Until tomorrow, I'm out. I'm late for dinner.

Putt Putt and Fishing tonight, followed by dessert in the Theatre. Woot Woot.

I am SO Blessed.

I have been blessed

And I feel like I've found my way

I thank God for all I've been given

At the end of every day

I have been blessed

With so much more than I deserve

To be here with the ones that love me

To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed

-Martina McBride

These lyrics explain, dead on, how I feel right now.

I am so fortunate in this life that God has so lovingly given to me. I have a family who loves the death out of me, I have friends that would drop everything to come and see me when I'm hurting, and I am fortunate to be in good health. What more could I ask for?

Mom, Dad, Pani, Jeff, Gramma, Poppa, Nana, Papa, Brittany, Char and Nicole, Lindsay, and Jake.

I love you all with my entire heart.

And I'm so blessed to have each and every one of you in my life.

Camp Bluebonnet

This week is Camp Bluebonnet, a Day camp for children with Diabetes. 200 of the little crumb snatchers running around mad...

It's different from every other camp because the kids leave to go home at 4 everyday. Ahhhh.. (Sigh of Relaxation)

They are such cuties too.. I have been at High Ropes the last 3 days, working the "Big Swing"
And I swear. Kids say the darndest things...

Yesterday, one of the little girls I was putting a harness on, started talking to me. This is how the conversation went. (She's in 4th Grade)

Caleigh- "My little brother is in 2nd grade. He has a diabetes, and two girlfriends."

Me-"Two girlfriends? Isn't that illegal?"

Caleigh- "Not if you live in Utah, I hear that you can have two husbands AND two wives if you live there."

I about lost it. I was laughing so hard. How on earth do these little kids know these things. And then I started thinking back to when I was in 4th Grade. Yeah I was little, but I knew what was up. Haha. I had an "idea" about certain things... hahaa.. man. I miss those days.

4th Grade. HAH. Good ole igneous rock studying, caterpillar racing, days.

I want those days back.

It's a good thing I can live vicariously through these kids. It keeps me young. ;)

Anyways, We have a volunteer out here this week. His name is Daniel, he's amazing. And completely deaf, but his hearing aid allows him to hear a little bit. I'm learning lot's of Sign Language.

Camp Grey Dove Follow Up.

Okay, So this whole blogging thing truly is hard to keep up with.

But I have started a little journal on my laptop, so that I can write down certain things at night so that I don't forget by the time I get the chance to share them with y'all...

I do want to share a little something that I think might interest whoever reads my blogs... (More importantly, my Gramma.. who I know reads them daily. I love you Grams.)

First off. A little background info. Peaceable Kingdom was started in memory of a little boy named Charlie who passed away when he was about 11 months due to a heart ailment, in the early 80's. My boss Scott, and his family have been running the place ever since. And it's beautiful, and has already become one of my many "home away from home's."

So with every camp that we have out here we give out the "Baby Charlie Award" to one kiddo who shows courage, and stands out to us as a Staff. Granted, all the kids are worthy of the award each and every week. But we choose to acknowledge one.

So last week there was a beautiful little girl named Kallysta. She's 8 years old I believe.
Well at the beginning of the week she told one of my fellow staff members that she wanted to go home, she was sad, and scared, and didn't want to be here at camp. Well several days later we saw her happy and running around, and enjoying herself. So we asked her how she was doing. And she told us, "I don't want to go home anymore, I know I'm supposed to be here because today I found a quarter outside." We were like uhhh okay... and she said "Before my little sister died we used to collect quarters that we found laying around outside. Because it's really unusual to ever find quarters on the ground."

Well that girl did not hold back after that day, she tried everything. She did all of the high ropes activities, and did them with a big smile. She danced and played. And you could tell that she was just so happy and content. On the last day that we had the kids, we were doing closing ceremonies in the theatre... and Kallysta was randomly following me around.
So she just started talking to me and telling me about the things that her family has experienced. Her little sister passed away 4 years ago. Her name was Justice Faith, and she was 2 years old. She started developing tumors in her brain, and as soon as one was removed, another formed in it's place. The doctors finally told her mom that Justice only has 6 months to live. So together as a family they went to San Antonio for a "Make a Wish Foundation" trip. Which I believe is for children with cancer. And that's when they started collecting quarters.

So here I am with this beautiful little girl who is already filled with so much life, and she's teaching me a life lesson... during a 15 minute conversation at the back of a sloppy joe line. Amazing.
When she walked away, of course Kenny Chesney's- Who You'd Be Today, came on the radio. And made me an even bigger mess....

(Later that night) After all the kids had left, I was cleaning up one of the cabins. And underneath one of the beds I found a little painting, covered in glitter that said, "Justice."

So I cried. Again.
I Love My Job.

Only a life lived for others, is a life worthwhile. -Albert Einstein

Camp Grey Dove

Tuesday June 16

This week at Peaceable Kingdom we have Camp Grey Dove, which is a group of 49 kiddos, 12 counselors, and like 6 counselors in training (CIT’s)… The kids don’t have a physical diagnosis, because they are the brothers and sisters of kids who have or have had cancer. So although they show no physical complications, emotional problems are another thing. And can I just say that going from my first week working with the visually impaired, to working with physically normal kids is like a blow to the chest. It’s so hard for me to love on these kids… Let me give you an example.
The kids with visual impairments last week, although some of them had an attitude, they were for the most part, so kick back, and fun, and happy, and very grateful for everything. They constantly helped their peers, whether it was helping them by sight guiding them, getting their food for them, or even just helping each other play putt putt… and us as staff were constantly needed and wanted by them at all times. This week, the kids are fully capable on their own to get their food, and to do the activities, I feel so useless. I mean I know I still have to do my job, but I don’t feel like the kids “need me.” It’s so weird. It’s also weird to be around “normal” kids, if I can use that term… I’ve forgotten how to work with them almost. After a week, can you believe that?
But anywho, so after I cleaned the kids’ cabins out last week I came across a sadly left behind One Year Bible, so I went ahead and took it upon myself to adopt it... And it’s really cool, it’s basically described as putting your bible on an i-pod and pressing shuffle. . It’s sectioned off for like every day of the year, hence the title, but it’s random chapters of the bible every day. I like it.
Anyways. Long story, long. I found some really amazing verses that I’d like to share…

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blessed those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Matthew 5:3-10

Some Camp Pictures

Well, I know this is going to depress a lot of people, but because of liability reasons I cannot post any pictures of the kids. However, I will have a photo album made by the end of the summer so that everyone can get a chance to flip through it and see the beautful kids I work with.

But. I can post other pictures. So here ya go. :)

The face-board thinggy ma-jig that I painted...

Ropes Course. :)

This picture is for you, Daddy-o. Remember the Barney days?

Day 2: Camp Teen Challenge (Tues)

Oh my gosh. Where to even begin. I think I say that in just about every opening of my blogs. Hah. Forgive me, but seriously… I don’t even know where to start. Today was the second day of Camp Teen Challenge, working with children with different visual impairments. Yesterday, I was able to feel everything out, and know where I stand as far as; what questions can I ask the kids, what can I say around them, etc… And today, I feel like, was more-so a day for me to get more personal with them. So I started with a simple and easy question, “So what exactly CAN you see?”
And it was absolutely incredible the various responses I got from the kids. Dominique was born premature and has always been blind. Although he cracks jokes about Jackie resembling a chimpmunk, he never actually has seen a chipmunk. So I asked him, “So if you have never been able to see a chipmunk, how do you know what it looks like?” And he simply told me, well- “When people describe it to me, or if I can feel it, I’m able to paint my own picture in my mind of what a chipmunk might look like.” Incredible, right?

Noah and Titus on the other hand, brothers, are slowly going blind, I think they are 8 and 13 or something. And it was absolutely heart wrenching to hear their answer when I asked them the same question. “The doctors say that I will eventually go blind.” Wow. Two very polar opposites, going from- never having seen in your life, to-being able to see the things God created, but having that ability taken away. Oh my goodness.

I also worked at different stations today with the kids, I was really pumped up when I signed myself to help at the woodworking station. Cause we all know me, right? Hah. Well yeah, I met Pete and his wife, a very sweet and wise older couple teaching the woodworking stuff. Anyways, he got to talking to the kids, and then all of a sudden he starts telling his testimony. And he starts it off by saying, “Hey guys, I’m Pete, and I’m blind just like you.” What the heck? This guy was just carrying a conversation with me 5 minutes ago, and he was also using power tools, and I had NO idea he was blind. He goes on to tell the kids, “Look guys, there’s one path you can take in life, but at one point that path will fork, and you will have to make a decision, either you can sit around and do nothing with your life, or get up and try your hardest. And I am not ashamed to talk about my faith; it’s because of my heavenly father that I am able to do the things I love in my life, even with a disability.” Welp, there’s when I lost it. I just started crying.

Seriously, I wish that I would just be able to stand up in the middle of a room, open wounded, and just talk about my God. But no, I’m terrified. Terrified of people judging me, calling me the goody two shoes church girl, treating me differently, or worrying that I might offend someone. I just really need to grow a set of balls, and lay my faith right on my sleeve. But man, it’s easier said than done…

All this to say: I had a friggin rough day. Haha. Emotionally I am a wreck, mentally I am not all there, and Physically- don’t even get me started. I work 14 hour days. Kitchen duty for me in the morning. It’s now 12 am, and I must be up at 6am. No need for sympathy, it’s not necessary. Because I LOVE my job. I love it. As hard as it is. I wouldn’t want to do anything else with my summer.

I thank my God for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to receive all the beautiful things this life has to offer me.
Peace.

I Suck at Blogging Regularly.

Well, today is Saturday. My first day off since being at Peaceable Kingdom.

I slept in until 10am, it was incredible...

Woke up and started painting the little "face board thinggy-ma-bobbers" you know, with the little cartoon bodies that you stick your head through?

Anyways, since I'm the artist on staff it was up to me (and Tyler) to come up with a silly idea for the boards, and paint them this weekend. Well, since the theme is PKRC Strong (like Army Strong) I decided to paint some hardcore skydivers dressed in camo... it's pretty awesome. I'll post pics up later.

Then we went to the movies. And out to dinner with the boss-man.

Good day.

Tomorrow, we will prolly do the same.

PRAY FOR ME Y'ALL.

I get my first group of kiddo's on Monday. I'm filled with mixed emotions. Excited, thrilled, and ohhh soo nervous. Remember all that responsibility talk? Yep. Now I've gotta put it into action.

I will be working with Children with visual impairments.

Pray for my ability to just love on these kids, and to be able to minister to them.

Pray for energy, because coffee ain't cutting it.

And also pray for God to humble my soul...

and the ability to give myself up for the needs of these kids, and to serve my God.

Until later,

I love you.

Nature.

In the words of a wise natureman. Mr. Grant Critchfield,
"If you just pay attention to Nature, it will speak to you, and tell you stories."

I know you're thinking... PAH.. that's only tree-hugging nonsense.

No it's not. Seriously, think about it... Nature is beautiful, God made it that way for a reason.

Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy!

Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise!

Psalm 96:12

Instead of walking right past an anthill to avoid stepping on a bunch of ants, Grant (the nature Guru here at PKRC) stopped in his tracks, leaned down and said, "come look at these Harvester Ants guys, they travel around in a certain order just looking for seeds to bring back to the nest, after they peel away the shells, they pile them up outside of the hole. Look at em."

Oh you little harvester ants, you.. they are so smart... they are organized, they follow the plans given to them, and at the end of the day, their "Queen" is pleased with them.

Kind of like us. Hah... bet you weren't expecting this analogy at all, were you? ;)
We are "intended" to follow the plans that God himself gives to us. Whether we like the idea or not. I mean, duh... it's gunna be hard. But in the end, if it pleases my King, hey.. count me in!

Human plans, no matter how wise or well advised,

cannot stand against the LORD.

Proverbs 21:30

So anyways, this morning was over-all pretty exciting. I learned about the different types of birds in Central Texas, different plants, and little creatures, and I even got a little bit of fishing time in, today. I forgot how much I really enjoyed just walking through the woods...

Corey, our new "on staff" chef... made us 3 incredible meals today. Holy moley, I am so spoiled... I totally thought for the longest time that I would be cooking all of the meals, for the staff... and campers. But oh no... then walks in the New Orleans native, Mister Corey. Whew. I'm gunna be fat by the end of this summer, if he keeps cooking those stinkin' good meals everyday.

CPR Training tomorrow. We shall see how well I can give the hind-lick.

I mean... the heimlich..

(Dad, that cheesy joke was for you.)

Some pics from today:

I even made a cute little wooden cross. :)

And caught a few little Blue Gill...

Responsibility? What?

Well-

Ropes Training was quite an event...
Can I just start off by saying that Central Texas, is freaking beautiful... and no I don't mean UMHB or Temple, or even Belton...
Out here, in the woods... in the middle of nowhere. It's beautiful.
Wildflowers everywhere, trees, cactus, birds, armadillo, wild deer, everywhere. I love it.

Actually, funny story- last night.. or was it two nights ago? Look I'm already forgetting the days, guess I need to keep up on this a little better. Hah. Well anyways, a doe chased me all the way back to my cabin, I guess she was afraid that I was coming after her little fawn. But anyways. It was freaky. haha..

I am now officially a certified High Ropes facilitator. :)
I can set up, take town, belay, zip line, catwalk, rockwall... go me.

Today was a little more in depth training, per say... We learned, basically more responsibility... It kind of freaked me out a little, not gunna lie. I mean, I'm no longer the little kid who just cimbs up a ladder and hops onto a zip line, and that's all there is to it.

NO. I am the one IN CHARGE, those little lives are depending on me to keep them safe... I don't have anyone out there walking me through any of the processes nor do I have someone double checking my caribeaners for me... nope. IT'S ALL ME. Freaky.

But anyways. I thought it might be kind of cool for you guys to know the kinds of little cuties I will be working with this summer... So... I'm gunna put up the handy little list.

• Camp Teen Challenge- Vision impaired students
• Cam Grey Dove- Siblings of Cancer patients
• Patriot Kids Ministries- Kids of Military Families
• Camp Bluebonnet- Diabetes Children of all ages
• Out on a Limb- Multiple Limb amputees
• Soaring Eagle- Neurological Disorders
• Project Heartbeat- Displaced Students
• Camp Care A Lot- Mixed Diagnosis
• Hands Down 2- Hand differences
• Camp Just Like Me- Arthrogryposis
• YMCA Armed Services- Childeren of Deployed Soldiers

So, there's my emotional rollercoaster for the summer. :)

I'm excited, and nervous as well... But I know that God is going to do incredible things this summer.

Love you all, and I'll check back in when I can. :)

Peaceable Kingdom: Day 1

Welp. I arrived here, in the beautiful woodsy wilderness at around 2pm today...

I have nested into my little cabin that I share with about 6 other beautiful counselor ladies...
I have made home made pizza, and breadsticks... and just finished doing the dishes...

Tomorrow I arise at 7 am, breakfast at 815...
and then. I begin the wonder of Ropes Training at 9am tomorrow. woot wooooot.

Peaceable Kingdom is amazing... so beautiful. I love it.

Peace an' Blessin's, Peace an' Blessin's y'all.

Wanna write me?
The address here is:

Lauren McKenzie
19051 FM 2484
Killeen, TX 76542

I'm starting to hate road trips...

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Got up at 630 this morning. Left AZ, Drove through NM...
Arrived in Sonora, TX @ appx 9pm

Britt and I are dead tired.
Checked into the hotel. Better experience than last. Thank the Lord, for Days Inn Hotel.

Only about 5 more hours of driving tomorrow. Then we arrive in beautiful Central Texas.

Peaceable Kingdom on Friday... Pray for me y'all.

Peace an' Blessin's, Peace an' Blessin's

How Could I Forget?

ALSO...

Sunday afternoon Angel Cupp & I went on a long needed little photo shootsie.

It went SWELL!

and when I say swell, I mean SWELTERING HOT. No joke it had to have been friggin 12,858 degrees outside!

But it's okay, because we had our handy Canon Rebels... which makes anything beautiful. :)

Sidenote: We had to have gotten honked at like five billion times (accurate number, btw), it was embarrassing, and then after awhile, quite annoying. And then scary after this truck full of guys circled us like 3 times.

Creeps. However, it made for some genuine "laughs" in the pics. hah.

Love you Angel. <3

Memorial Day Weekend

Welp.

Sunday was a marvelous day.. went to Church, amazing video in service btw.
So I'd like to share a little of what God laid on my heart.
The video was about learning to be silent, I wish I knew how to get a hold of it to share with you, but I have no idea. Anyways, for me-being in complete silence is impossible.

Most people know how I am, and I know several people can vouch for the fact that me being able to sit still, is absurd. I just can't. My hands have to be busy, my mind is always wandering, and my music has to be on. ALWAYS. While I study, while I clean, while I sit, While I drive...

And when this man was speaking in the video his main point to the viewer was to learn to be silent, because it's in those moments of silence that God speaks to you. Loud and clear. And lately it's been really hard for me, because I haven't heard God's voice in my life in such a long time. So the video really hit home for me I guess. Because I realized, dang.. I can't name one time in the last year that I have just sat in silence.

SO. My new goal for this summer is to maintain a balance between; rocking out to music, and sitting in the silence waiting for my God to speak to me...

I have tried hard to find you-

don't let me wander from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:10-11

Teach me your decrees, O Lord;

I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;

I will put them into practice with all my heart.

Make me walk along the path of your commands,

for that is where my happiness is found.

Psalm 119:33-35

Oh you know, just another day at the Goat Show...

Hah. Goat show, just thinking about it makes me chuckle...

So our fairgrounds had some random Dairy Goat Show today. And my Dad of course, being the nerdy man he is, wanted to set up a booth and advertise our Organic Alfalfa Company...

And what better to have then two saucy looking ladies like me and Brittany to entice customers. Lordy Lordy.

So we got up at the crack of dawn (or more-so, the crack of my curtains at 8am) and headed down the road for a wonderful, educational experience at the Goat Show.

We, uh... saw some things that I almost wish I hadn't seen, but am still glad I saw.

So, for your pure enjoyment...

Here's the Line-Up:

1. Little girl who enjoys pulling on goat tails, and eating "Goat Pebbles" mmmm. Girl after my own heart. Wait. What? Did I just say I like eating poop?
   

2. An overly affectionate, in public, sitting next to mom, teenage couple... PDA PDA! Gag, Gag.

3. And for the GRAND FINALE, this is no joke people, a 60 year old pregnant woman... Yes I confronted her and asked her age. Totally kidding, no but seriously. Oh and the best part, actually it's not possible to top the whole pregnant at 60 thing, but anyways, she had a goat chewing on her hair... Isn't that grand? I'd sure love to be that Baby Daddy... what a cougar.

So, it's been quite an adventure... A swell experience altogether, I must say.

Side Note: I also kept track of how many different ways my Dad inappropriately used the words, Udder, Teet, Nipple, and Breast Milk. About a hundred. Per minute.

Love y'all, hopefully I can become a little more serious on here. Maybe tomorrow. Peace. :)

AZ Summer '09

Well this is my very first little bloggy entry...
pretty thrilled. not gunna lie...

I've been in AZ for about 2 weeks now, took a little road trip with my homegurl B. Tice...
Spending time and relaxing with my family has been pretty amazing.
I love being with them, even if it means helping my Pops hook up, (or rather, not hook up) our satellite dish on the roof using walkie-talkies. Roger that, Papa Bird.


So far I have:

• rescued and adopted a puppy on a highway
• witnessed the death of 2 rattlesnakes
• spent 8 hours driving to the lake, and spent 3 hours on it. :)
• woke up every morning at 6 am (see the first bullet)
• almost died once due to Brittany's driving.
• watched Baby Mama 6 times
• picked my nose in public several times

That's all for now, and enough for my first entry..

But, I'll be back tomorrow to share my experiences at the Dairy Goat Exhibit. Hah...

Ohhh, being home. :)