One time, after Kodey died, I went to Kids Kamp to chaperone a bus-load of kampers. Once there I saw all the things Kodey talked non-stop about; the lake reflecting trees with a big "blog" in the middle, the cabins with their bunks, the area referred to as "News on the Deck" where Kodey reported on kamp activities, including an incident with Mr. Greenman falling asleep on duty! All of it engaged my imagination to see my boy and what captured his heart. Tears would not stay at bay as I saw this beautiful get-away.
And I do think that is what makes it so "magical". It is a get-away for many of the kids who go. We save letters that we get from kamp kids who go on Kodey's Scholarship. The letters usually say "thanks" and "I love Kids Kamp because...". But one letter this summer had a picture of a boy named Christopher smiling wide as he proudly held up his riflery target peppered with holes. Christopher is one of those kids who needs a get-away.
His mom was killed in the car accident they were both in when Christopher was four. Christopher's face gives clues to a story of pain, with a deep scar under his right eye. Kids often ask him what happened which brings the pain of his grief front and center, as he still struggles with his inability to have saved his mom in an accident he survived.
But that isn't the end of Christopher's story. His dad's grief and job struggles have left Christopher almost parent-less and often neglected. When Christopher goes to Kids Kamp he is getting more than a fun week away. He is filling an emptiness.
The emptiness gets a pouring in of love from counselors, friends and most of all the teaching that there is One who will never stop pouring in, Jesus.
So yesterday when we hosted our fundraiser I got my own pouring in. I could tell you about the loads of loving faces that showed up on my door step to be a part of this event. I would tell you how warmed I was to hear memories of my boy from so many who knew him and do not forget. I would share how generous people were to put us past raising $2000. And all of this would be so true!
There was more though. It was the from the God who is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine. It was the "more" that gave me a glimpse of the kingdom of God at work. Christopher is his name. Thank you Mary for sharing his story with me!
Two months ago I awoke from my night of sleep, strangely saying these words, "Ok God, I will host a fundraiser." I had no idea why I had this strong urging but I knew it was from God and I needed to do it right now. Now I think I do know.
Thanking God today for all of you who supported us yesterday. It blessed me immeasurably! I hope it did you too.
