Homesickness

It can be a camp counselor's worst nightmare. Those five words..."I want to go home." We are trained how to handle these kind of scenarios: what to say, how to guide their attention, and the outpouring of love that is easily accessible to give each camper. I have seen counselors win and lose with the homesickness battle, but what I find myself wondering now is how do I handle my own homesickness?

I call it homesickness because for the last two months I lived in a new home, surrounded by the people who I consider family, and felt the most extraordinary love that exists in this world. I left my summer home wondering what had changed in the real world or if anything had changed at all. I was scared to go back and find out what was waiting for me upon my return. 

Since being back in my hometown, I have had a few days to reflect on my summer and why God sent me there. I left school in May feeling mentally and emotionally drained. I had no desire of returning to the person I had become. Someone who was so anxious all the time, who could cry at any second over the smallest of things. I put my personal health on the back burner because I convinced my self I didn't have time for anything but studying and reading textbooks. I had reached a very low place, and I was so excited to escape and see what God had in store for me at Glisson. 

More Learning. That's what God had in store for me. I know, right? I thought I got enough of that at school. The most important lesson I learned at camp didn't come from anyone else except my campers. They ranged from 4th to 11th grade and through them I learned how to gain some of my self confidence back. I learned to no longer doubt myself and what I knew was the right way of doing things. God was working through me and by relying on Him I had the opportunity to accomplish so much this summer. God is SO good!

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of
our God endures forever." Isaiah 40:8

In the meantime, I'll be working on what Glisson instills in its Christian community. "Depart To Serve." I cannot wait to begin Nursing school in the Fall and answer the calling God gave me early in life. I'll be returning to my sorority sisters with open arms because I have missed them all so much, but most importantly I cannot wait to share the love and lessons God has shown me this summer with His people. 

"You have called me higher, you have called me deeper & I'll go where you will lead me Lord."

With Love & Laughter, 

Alison