My hospital room at Carolina Medical Center-Northeast
My "adopted" CMG on Monday who became my closest friends
Staff picture for week 2...some how David Craig got thrown in
Well, week 2 is complete and like every time I come home...I'm already ready to get back. Second camp week opened my eyes to many things that God has going on in my life and led me to see many blessings. It will defiantly be a week I will never forget.
To start off the week, I had to miss two days of pre-camp to attend orientation at UNC-Charlotte. As many of you know, going into this orientation I was still very upset about having to attend college there. But right away God slapped me in the cheek and showed me that's where I am meant to be because I LOVE IT THERE! I could not have left orientation more happier or pleased than what I was.
During Pre-Camp, my staff was treated to a WONDERFUL R&R at Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury by the one and only Kevin Eudy (who just happens to be my staff's bff!) We had a great night laughing, grilling out, practicing our volleyball and taking crazy pictures.
Our second camp week started off Amazing. We were able to make it through Sunday and Monday without having to take anyone to the hospital. On Monday I got to adopt a CMG that broke down on the side of the road. While Michele took their adult (Troy) to the car shop, I went ahead with the four members of the CMG to their job site. Their task was to paint a very small bedroom and let me tell you what...they beasted that project. I had the best time hanging out with them and getting to know each of them as a brother and sister in Christ.
Tuesday right before sharing we had a camper, Dylan, run into an AC unit and well, had to get two staples in his skull. Thus causing our first trip to the ER for the week (bet you can't guess who the second visit was for)! All I have to say about Tuesday night worship is that God was moving in everyone of the campers and staff members. Lives were changed and God was put in control.
Wednesday was hump day and I spent much of my time with Kirk and Amanda's CMG. Their CMG was working for the first extreme poverty house I have ever been too. This group was working for an amazing woman named Ms. Myra. In Myra's three bedroom house...there are 21 people. All 21 of which are some how related to her. This family is soooo poor that the children often times get hungry and eat the walls. That is why they group spent their whole first day puttying up holes. On Wednesday when they found out the family had no food left in their house and didn't get meals on wheels again to Monday, the group acted like angels. They gave up their lunch to the Gaskins Family. I inturn brought them lunch and we sat under a large shading tree with the oldest granddaughter, Mohoganey. She is 8 years old and boy does she love to dance! This little girl serves as a second mom in the house and I saw God in her as she helped the CMG all day long.
Thursday started off as a wonderful day. I got to visit one of Ben's CMGs and had just finished visiting my two when I called Leane up to see if she would come help me put up the last two handrails at the project that my CMG started on Monday. Leane, being the angel she is, said yes and met me in Concord. We cut the boards and I began to hammer the first nail in. On the very first hit the nail flew off the hammer hitting me in my left eye. Right away I began to cry because of the initial pain. Leane stayed calm during it all and the Mr. Bailey (the man we were building the steps for) began praying over and over. When I opened my eyes, my worst fear had come true...I couldn't see out of my left eye. Quickly I called home while Leane called back to camp to inform everyone that I was on my way to the ER. By God's grace, the hospital was only 4.3 miles away and we were greeted with loving arms once we got there. The team of doctors was amazing and never left us waiting more than 15 minutes. I truly saw God in them. Once Emily (my director) arrived, Leane went back to camp and I began my many rounds of test. There was an eye examination, a CAT scan, a pressure scan, and then the numerous test to see what was damaged in my eye.
The doctors finally concluded there was no metal in my eye, which was a big relief. However, their big concern had come reality. My cornea had a 3 millimeter slit in it, the nail had nicked my lens, and there was a small cataract already forming. After being drugged up on six different types of meds, I was asked if I wanted to go home or stay at camp. Of course I said stay at camp because I felt God was calling me to go back and finish the task he had laid before me. The campers and adults amazed me when I got back later that night just as Major Group worship was wrapping up. I have never felt God's presence more.
Friday was supposed to be my day in the tool shed as TC but the doctors have given me very strict orders on not lifting things. So I spent the day with my "big sister" Leane riding around to my doctors appointment and visiting so much needing families in Concord. Friday night bonfire was amazing as our campers really got into it and fishhook ceremony was full of tears from our campers.
As the campers left on Saturday morning, they all wore their sunglasses for me because I basically have to wear mine as long as I'm awake now since my vision is so sensitive to the light. Each one touched me so much this week and I could not have asked for a more amazing group. Saturday night, we all drove to charlotte/sc to watch fireworks and spent the night growing as a staff.
I ask that you continue to pray for all the staffs at West Wilkes, Carolwood, McCall and Loy White. God has given us all an amazing task and I just ask that you pray we each are able to fulfill our duties to God this summer.
Godspeed,
Alyssa Caroline
