I sat outside and watched as 80 5th and 6th grade campers played around the beautiful campgrounds of Camp MOCOMI. The temperatures were in the 90s, but a breeze and shade surrounded me so I was not miserable. My husband was in Dallas, my children were scattered with other caregivers for the week, and even though we’re in the process of selling our house in a few weeks, I chose to serve as camp nurse. I’m so glad I did! Tonight, I sit at home and reflect on the amazing week I’ve had, and thought it would be fun to share.
5 days, 4 nights
80 campers, one who was by far my favorite, who also happens to be my oldest child
11 breakfast time medications to give daily
8 Bedtime medications to give daily
20 doses of Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen
2 Tums
3 doses of Benadryl
1 tick removal
1 sweet child sent home because of fever and another from being homesick
1 bug bite, and convincing this camper it was not a spider bite
A few splinters to remove
1 camper sent home for an x-ray of an arm (It was not broken and camper came back for camp! Hurray!)
1 large scrape reaching from the shoulder down to the belly, caused by the huge slip ‘n’ slide
1 bandage to cover part of this large scrape
Too many applications of Neosporin and Bandaids to even begin to count
Many applications and re-applications of calamine lotion on a pair of little legs covered with poison ivy
2 instant ice packs
A few homemade ice packs
One nursing student on faculty and another faculty member with first aid certification who helped out tremendously. Both of whom I could not have done my job without. I appreciate their expertise, assistance, and willingness to help, especially during the panic attack that occurred while I was away for a few hours.
Parents, in-laws and friends willing to help out with my children so I could serve during the week
Many texts to and from my husband and a few phone calls
My own room, shower and toilet
Meeting new people and reconnecting with others
Visiting with the cook
Free Canteen and splurging on peanuts because we don’t have them at home
A gluten free T-shirt!
Convincing a few boys that I really do not have 20 children
Dancing with an adorable one year old who looks like Dennis the Menace, and making him smile. Just the fact he came to me willingly while at camp (which he isn’t fond of) made my day!
Celebrating my birthday with sweet gifts from my girls, a phone call from my husband, another from my son, and seeing my parents
Celebrating my birthday a day late because of the “worst dean in the history of the camp” (His quote, not mine). This dean also happens to be one of my favorite people and it was an honor to serve alongside him this week.
Worshiping my God and watching these kids worship and learn during chapel and class times
2 Baptisms
Dancing on stage with the missionary, and hearing about the amazing work he is doing for the Kingdom during missions time
A few hours away from camp to hear a dear friend share her testimony and the ice cream and fellowship that followed
Hearing my oldest child give her own testimony at campfire
That. That last one was icing on the cake.
Overall, camp was an awesome experience for me, and the timing was absolutely perfect. Yes, Nathan was in Dallas, I had to find care for my “20” children, and I had a house waiting at home to be all packed up and moved out in just 5 short weeks.
But God…
God knew what I needed to experience this week. And God’s timing is always perfect.
Gluten free T-shirt
*First photograph and all Thumbnail images courtesy of Mark Landis*
Amy says
Oh, how I love this Amy.
Amy Tuley says
Thanks!