Camp

This afternoon, Monkey Toes and I dropped Gummi Bear off at camp.  It is a 5 day Girls Discipleship Camp that is 74 miles away from home.  For weeks, Gummi has been looking forward to this day. The hours didn't pass quickly enough today for Gummi, as she wandered around the house aimlessly, sighing heavily and moaning, "I still have soooo long to wait before we can go!"  We left an hour earlier than we needed to, just to pacify the child a little.  I mean, just look at that smile.  How could she possibly contain all of that excitement?

FINALLY we arrived!

We checked Gummi into her dorm and Monkey took a moment to say his goodbyes.

I was a bit of an emotional mess.  I wasn't just leaving my girl for the next few days, I was leaving a piece of my heart behind, as well.  I can't quite put my finger on it, for I know she's in great hands and will have a lovely experience.  I wanted her to attend this camp as much as she wanted to go, but the moment we turned and walked our separate directions, my tears began to fall.  I think it may be the realization that Gummi is not just getting older, but she is growing up into this amazing and beautiful person.

The theme for the camp is "Beloved" and it is directed by the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus from New Ulm (some of our favorite sisters!).  When she arrived, Gummi was given this tshirt:

My heart is at peace.  Gummi will be exploring and discovering her worth as a Child of God and a Daughter of the King.  As much as I love her, our Heavenly Father loves her more.  She has been entrusted to Monkey and I, but ultimately, she belongs to God.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"   1John 3:1