Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover
Being new to the team and knowing no one, or anything that is going on has proved to be beneficial. By not being informed, I've been kept open minded, and open hearted. That being said, each person is blessed with their own story.
Kids have ZERO control of how or where they grow up. Each individual has different circumstances, some harder than others. Regardless of our past or present -- we are all apart of God's family. My favorite experience here by far has been getting to know the cadets and their leaders. The cadets are apart of a program through the state called the Youth Challenge Program. They have been coming to camp each day to help us with: set up, registration, running the camps, as well as cleaning up after camp. The program they are in helps men and women get on the right path and helps them learn discipline. If these individuals didn't want to be at our camp, I surely can't tell.
On Tuesday we endured pouring rain, this doesn't exactly go well with an outdoor camp. We attempted to have camp outside, but God quickly showed us He had another plan. Due to the weather we had to cancel camp with the kids, but not the cadets. We ended up having the cadets come to The Chapel where we have been staying this week. We were able to play games and have fellowship with the cadets and their leaders. To be able to see the joy in some of their eyes was really indescribable. Each person was so attentive and eager to speak and listen. It was fun getting to know about their lives and their family. The cadets showed us what they knew best, their physical training exercises. Man, those things were hard! I could maybe do 10 reps tops, not 50 like they were explaining.
Something else I found unique was to see how the cadets and their drill sergeants interacted. I've gotten to speak with Corporal Reines a lot, and he has such an important role in the lives of those men. If it weren't for this program they are involved in, things could be a whole lot worse for the men in this program. I really wish each state had these types of programs because I believe it really makes a difference. In addition to our fellowship, we made an impact. We had the drill sergeants wanting to come back even when they were off the clock - we even had cadets asking us to be their pen pals. I truly believe we were able to touch their lives, at least I know they touched mine.
God has a funny way of bringing people together and answering prayers. Not only do the children of Gardere need to be loved on, but so do the other people in the community. No matter the age, people want to be heard, and want to be loved. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of their lives, and I hope God continues to bless them as we head back home soon.
Our efforts are making an impact!
-Bethany A. Zornow
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