Deerwander 2015

"We keep this love in a photograph
We made these memories for ourselves"

 There it was before me... my last year as a Deerwander camper.

I know it's cliche but I can't begin to describe what seven summers at this camp have meant to me.  I started off as a scrawny 11-year-old with an awkward face and no clue what to do with myself away from my parents.  Over the years I met lots of people from a variety of backgrounds, united in Christ.  Some were fun friends for a week.  Others stayed in touch for a year or two before fading away.  Some friendships were lost for me to learn a lesson.  But a few precious friends have stuck by me unwaveringly and constantly supported me.

 
It was a little rough to be the only senior girl who had been there for freshman year.  Partly because I wanted to reminisce, but also because the girls who have come all three years since (Praise, Maddi, Addie) are so special.  One I talk to all the time.  The other two, don't think I value you less because we can get by with chatting less than four times a week.  Knowing you'll be in my cabin each year has been something to look forward to eagerly.  I wish I could have shared four years (or even seven) with you.  Alisa was a second-year senior.  She's the bomb.  You will never know how much she made us laugh with her stories of the crazy things that happened to her in Ukraine.  Megan, I was so glad to have you with us just this year, and I'm proud of the way you were ready and willing to jump into a group of old friends.  We wanted to be friends with you, and you were able to open up to us even though you were the "new girl".

We have one of the best groups of seniors boys...  As we perceive them they're all like brothers, even though they too have come for different years of camp.  You guys put wonderful effort into making the senior year really special for all of us, from the candle "left burning for us" to those banquet escort proposals.  (Alisa got flowers, Praise got a song, I get years of laughter over the awkwardness of mine- I think we all know who the real winner here is.  Thank you, John and Keegan. *still laughing*)  Thank you all for laughing at our teasing serenades.  Thank you for crying at our sentimental songs; it told me you cared too.  Thank you for shutting up and dancing with us.  Thank you for that devotional.  Thank you for being our brothers and friends.  And thank you for the flowers :)

I'm going to miss being a camper.  I'll come back as staff every year I can, and I hope to see you there, but I know it won't ever be the same because nothing can top the amazing week you gave me as a sweet goodbye.

"Goodnight
And joy be with you all."