This last week, the girls had camp. Because of work, I wasn't able to go up and stay with them, just like last year. I was feeling bummed out about it, because I knew I wanted to be there and get to share that experiece. My darling husband really pushed me to at least go up for a couple of hours one night, and I decided that he was right. Even a coupe of hours would be worth it. And worth it, it was!
Right after work, Erwin and I headed up to Kamas, to where the Stake camp was all set up. It was a beautful area and I couldn't help but keep staring all around me as we drove there and finally found our ward camp site. Erwin wasn't interested in getting out with me, so he stayed in the car and waited for me, as I went and spent time with the young women.
As I approached the camp site, my young women days came flooding back to me. All the tents, the flags, the posters, the themes, the camp food, the braids, the bandannas, the dirt, the sunburns, the singing, the laughing and the fun. It was such a delight to go up and see these girls dirty, happy and enjoying themselves. I went up on their last night there, so we went right to the stake pavilion and met up with all the other girls. The fireside we had was incredible. It started out with a bagpiper playing some beautiful music and then on to a speaker that I will never forget. The man who spoke to us, shared his experiences about losing his wife and being left with two little girls. He talked about women, their worth, their special inner touch and their divine nature. We all wept and felt the spirit. He made every girls in there feel important and with a special calling, and that was so special. I couldn't help but get weepy as we looked down over the valley and watch the incredible sunset. I had forgotten how the spirit was so strong at girls camp, and how nature adds just the right touch.
Afterwards, we went and watched a slideshow off all the stake young women that was set to beautiful church music. I got weepy there too, as I saw so many beaming girls and felt the desire to have my future daughters be just as wonderful. I thought about how proud I am of the youth in these days. I didn't even go through a lot of what they face every day, and I can only imagine what my daughters might have to face. I felt grateful for the spirit and the gospel, that helps these young women know who they are, and their potential.
After that, we hiked back to our camp site. We ran into a few deer, squirrels and bugs, but it was great. The night was ended with testimony meeting. The Bishopric came up with their wives, and we had the most wonderful time. The girls who shared their testimonies, really touched my heart. I was so impressed with their strength, their love, appreciation, talents and poise. They were thoughtful and bore their witness of the truthfulness of the gospel and of the Savior. I was so touched. I felt prompted to share my testimony, and I was able to express my love for them, and for my Savior. I love sharing my testimony. I felt strengthened and refreshed. I felt at peace and I felt happy. I was so grateful I got to be there that night with all those girls, and share in the strong spirit.
I love being a young women. I had so many of my best friends there, and it was where I got to grow and learn and understand about my potential and worth as a daughter of our Heavenly Father. I loved camp. I loved being out in nature and laughing, running around, eating camp food, singing and all the firesides. I loved my leaders and all they did for me. I feel honored that Heavenly Father had trusted me to be in a position where I can serve as an example, teacher, mentor and friend to these young and impressionable young women. I am grateful for all the teach me.
I know women have such a special place in the kingdom of our Lord. I am grateful for that inner torch that we have that makes a difference in all we do. I am grateful for my potential, my callings, my opportunity to be a wife and future mother. I love the women in my life who have made all the difference in helping me grow and feel of their love.
I pray now for my future children. I pray that they might be
strong spirits who can be a light unto the world. I pray they will be safe,
protected and strong. I pray that I might be a good mother who is worthy and
full of love. I pray that I will raise my children to know of the Savior, his
love for them and of the power of this amazing gospel. I worry sometimes about
what they will face...this world is not easy. But I will do whatever it takes
to love, protect and teach my children in the gospel. I was impressed with the
youth I work with. I know my future children will face challenges like they do.
Maybe even worse ones. But with the Lord by our side, our torch will always be
there. :)
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