I walk out of my apartment lobby and spot Christina's car parked on the side of the road. She's leaning against her car on her phone. She looks up and squeals when she sees me. She looks different from when I last saw her. Her hair is cut to her chin and has dark olive skin. Pretty.
"Tris! It's been a while. How are you doing?" She looks at me with a sad smile. She knows what this day means to me
"I'm okay, ready to get to the camp".
"Me too. We better start heading out. It's going to be a long drive."
During the drive there Christina catches me up on her life. I let her do the talking while I try to listen. Christina is often very outspoken and outgoing. She doesn't really have a filter. She talks openly about almost any subject and always has an opinion. To be honest I need some quiet right now. I just need some rest from all the stress that's been piling up on me. When she starts talking about some cute guy at church named Will, I start to zone out. I realize that I haven't been on a proper date in a very long time. I mean I've never been in a real relationship and guys don't find me particularly appealing but I guess keeping to myself all the time hasn't really helped. I don't think I really need a relationship right now anyway. I'm far too broken to be loved and I need to spend more time on myself. Although meeting a guy at camp wouldn't be terrible. Maybe I'll try to be more social and open to the people I meet.
After two pit stops and a long drive up the mountain we finally arrive. Once I see the compound and beautiful lake I get really excited. I haven't been back here for a year and I didn't realize how much I missed it. I take my suitcase and wait while Christina checks us in. When she returns we go to our cabin and start to unpack. We're going to be here the whole summer. We don't have time to go home between weeks and we obviously livr too far to go home at night.
I change into nike shorts and a simple t-shirt while Christina changes into an actual cute outfit. When she sees my clothes she shakes her head disapprovingly.
"What?" I raise an eyebrow at her.
"Your outfit… It's just so dark and boring".
"It's camp, I'm not supposed to be dressed up"
"I know but it's the first day, at least try to make a good impression".
"Fine, I'll change into jeans and a different top, only because it's getting cold outside".
After I change my outfit I brush my hair out of it's bun and put on minimal makeup.
"Better now?" I ask Christina.
"Yes!"
While I unpack, I get a sudden desire to be outside in the nature. I take the keys, grab my Bible, and tell Christina who's in the shower that I'm going out for a walk.
"Tris, be back for the meeting before dinner!" I hear her yell just before the door shuts.
I walk out to the Hume & Beans deck. I order a smoothie and sit at one of the tables facing the lake. I open my Bible and find a verse that speaks to me.
Romans 8:18 ~ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
I realize that everything I'm struggling with now is nothing compared to what God has done for me. He sent his one son to die on the cross. He did this out of love for me and I can't just sit around and be depressed. I need to evangelize and tell people about this great love of mine. Everything that's happened to me is part of God's plan for me and I just have to accept it and continue to bring glory to him.
I smile knowing that this summer is going to do me good. I check the time and realize it's almost time for the leaders meeting. I quickly return to my room drop off my bible, grab a jacket and head to the memorial chapel where the meeting is being held.
A/N Hey guys! I know it's been awhile since I wrote. I guess I should have warned you that I won't be writing consistently. Only when inspiration sparks and I have time. I'm really sorry about that. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know your thoughts or any ideas you have for this story. Also let me know if you've ever been to Hume Lake! Remember that you're loved no matter what. You do you!