Hello Everyone,
My name is Kristyna Anderson and this will be my second summer on staff at Cross Bar X. I have been a camper here ever since I can remember, so I decided to take the next step and joined the SALT team last summer. I wanted nothing more than to help out the camp that changed my perspective and provided much needed encouragement and love as I continued to come back. I wished to see Cross Bar X in a new light. I am a logical thinker and there were so many mysteries that I wanted to uncover. I have never been to a place where I felt God's prescence in every step or been more welcomed and loved than at Cross Bar X. I desperately needed to know how it worked and what I would have to do so that I could bring it home with me. Some of my happiest times took place at CBX. I arrived at camp, knowing I wouldn't be home for 2 weeks, which is quite a long time for me. I went into the program, with no idea of the magnitude of what we were going to be doing. Myself and the other six ladies and gentlemen learned to be a part of a team, growing in Christ together, learning exactly what it means to be the salt of the Earth. Our objective was to make ourselves "nothing, taking the very nature of a servant..." like Jesus is described in Philippines by Paul, and using it to support the staff, campers and ministry. I served my heart out and was exhausted beyond belief, and I knew that, but I couldn't feel it because I knew that I had to go on, and God was right there by my side. As it says in Exodus 33:14 "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Some of the jobs we did weren't glamorous or easy sometimes, but we did it with a smile on our faces and in our hearts.
There was a void on the staff and I was asked to fill in as a couselor. It was, hands down, the most exhausting and stretching experience I have ever faced. In that exhaustion I learned to fully trust that I was not alone. I was the youngest counselor, and will be again this summer. With that, I have been feeling a sense of inadequacy. I have been praying and asking God for the strength, wisdom, and an open ear/mind/heart. I find comfort in David's story, knowing that God can and will use anyone to accomplish great feats in the life of the Kingdom. I like to be in my comfort zone, but when I am forced out of that zone, the discomfort leads to something wonderful and moldable: vaulnerability. I think back to last summer, remembering specific campers and things we grew together in, the looks on their faces, the smiles when the gospel truly clicked for them and they felt the love of Christ for the first time, the tears we shed, the adventures we had. That is what I look forward to the most this summer. Each and every camper that God will bless me with is a light that is waiting to be lit. When it is, there is no telling just how awestruck we may be...
The serious stuff aside, I can't wait to be silly and crazy fun this year. We have an amazing staff coming in and I'm stoked to meet them all and fellowship. CBX 2011!!!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Summer Countdown!
When the 1st of May hits so does the summer camp countdown!
Just today while at camp I noticed small stirrings around the camp. Cross Bar X is shaking off the hard Durango winter and coming to life once again. It has done this for the past 30 years, and I can't help but think that this is exactly what keeps Cross Bar X going each season, in and out!
Next week we officially start the events that lead up to camp... Work Week, Bike It and Staff Training.
Some where between 10-20 people come to camp and have a sort of barn raising.
They do it for youth and to be a part of something big.
Bunks are built, garden planted, grass mowed, pumps primed, and lots and lots of plans are made.
It is one of my absolute favorite times, so much excitement and preparations for camp... the fun begins!
Workers, we thank you in advance.
What you do makes lives change, hearts open and hope seen.
You tasks might feel small, but they have impact on eternity!
Staff, we can't wait to spend the next 3 or so months with you!
Prepare your hearts, minds and bodies for the work ahead.
Come ready to grow, with humility and teachability. Come ready to be God's vessel.
Campers, we love you!
We do this all because Jesus has place love in our hearts for each and every one of you and we can't wait until you arrive for another week or two of fun, learning and seeing what our Great God has for you!
Just today while at camp I noticed small stirrings around the camp. Cross Bar X is shaking off the hard Durango winter and coming to life once again. It has done this for the past 30 years, and I can't help but think that this is exactly what keeps Cross Bar X going each season, in and out!
Next week we officially start the events that lead up to camp... Work Week, Bike It and Staff Training.
Some where between 10-20 people come to camp and have a sort of barn raising.
They do it for youth and to be a part of something big.
Bunks are built, garden planted, grass mowed, pumps primed, and lots and lots of plans are made.
It is one of my absolute favorite times, so much excitement and preparations for camp... the fun begins!
Workers, we thank you in advance.
What you do makes lives change, hearts open and hope seen.
You tasks might feel small, but they have impact on eternity!
Staff, we can't wait to spend the next 3 or so months with you!
Prepare your hearts, minds and bodies for the work ahead.
Come ready to grow, with humility and teachability. Come ready to be God's vessel.
Campers, we love you!
We do this all because Jesus has place love in our hearts for each and every one of you and we can't wait until you arrive for another week or two of fun, learning and seeing what our Great God has for you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)