Alyssa's CCC Blog

J's Up!!! Camp week 2 complete...check!

2009-07-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

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

Camp Week 1...Complete!

2009-06-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

JYC Staff 2009 My Major Group acting a little crazy
Major Group Love

Jim's CMG with Mr. Williams who they built a ramp for

Kevin's CMG with Ms. Joyce who they bleached her traler and washed her car

"My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don't do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you?" -James 2:14

I still can not believe camp week 1 is over. It seems like just yesterday I was arriving back at Joshua Youth Camp to start my first pre-camp. The week was filled with the love of God and it was amazing to see how many lives were changed by the time campers left on Saturday.

Pre-Camp consisted of the staff and I visitng people in Anson, Stanly, Union, Cabarras, Montgomery and Rowan Counties. Brian, Ben and I (the three fields) were also out scheduling projects with people God had led us to. I can not tell you how it feels to see someones reaction when you tell them you are going to be able to do a project for them. It doesn't matter if it is just a simple yardwork problem, they are just so blessed to recieve help and everytime I come across this, I am reminded of why God put me here. Friday was our lumber delievery day. To our luck, home depot dropped our lumber off first thing in the morning so we were able to deliever all of our lumber by Friday night! Saturday was such a relaxed day that I got to spend with my staff.

Sunday was started our crazy week as campers began to arrive about 10. It was so much fun to welcome campers into camp and be in the toolshed with Brian all day! During "fun in the field" one of our adults (kevin eudy) sprained his wrist while trying to stand up. Later on in the evening we had another accident when one of our adults (kathy) was hit in the eye with a frisbee and had to get seven stitches. Need less to say, our director (emily) was at the hospital majority of the night with kevin and kathy and so we performed our first worship of the week without our director. But to our surprise, everything could not have gone better and the campers loved it.

Through out the week our worship theme of obessions continued to get bigger and bigger. Worships were filled with tears, laughter, silence, singing, and a visit from a stray kitty who came across us during major group worship. While planning our worships the staff really felt God chaning our views on the way things should be done and at first I really questioned this...but after week one, I am so glad God put the ideas into our heads that he did.

Our campers were blessed with meeting some of the most amazing people I think CCC has ever worked for. My CMG's built ramps, handrails, painted and did some yardwork. Everytime I visitied a worksite I was just in awe at how well each CMG was working together. God really does take a hand in deciding who gets put in what groups! My favorite part of each day is sharing. Since no staff member is able to get out to every group, it is always fun to hear how others days went. From hearing how well cmg's worked together to how the person they worked for was just filled with God...everyday it just brought a smile to my face!

Friday night was a very powerful night for our campers. I could not keep myself from crying during the final sharing as campers got up and told us how CCC had changed their lives. After fish hook, I was confronted with a very large opstacle has a camper approached me about getting help with his life. I want give details but I just ask that you all pray for this young man as he is trying to leave the gang he is involved in. He is so full of the holy spirit and I just pray God will be able to help him out of this situation he is in.

It is bittersweet to be home because it is so good to finally see my family and to rest. However, I can't begin to explain how much I am looking forward to getting back to camp on Thursday. Yep, Thursday. I have orientation at UNC-Charlotte Wednesday and half of Thursday so I will be a little late coming back for pre-camp number two!

To end I want to list just a few of the funny moments of the week: Ricky Martin-green eggs-PENCILS!!!-traveling into Loy Whites territory for a much needed cook out milkshake-Waking up to Richard Simmons-wearing medical pants on the worksite-getting a ticket-tiny the 22 lb chihuahua-bug bites-bobcat attack during worship-you're beautiful...you're glowing...are you pregnant?

Joshua Youth Camp Staff 2009

2009-06-22T17:34:00.001-07:00

~My Summer Family~

I have to brag on God and say that he created the most AMAZING staff at JYC for the summer of 2009. I honestly don't think there could be a more perfect staff. The laughs we share always keep us going and never knowing what God is sending our way keeps us pondering. Our strengths and weaknesses fit together perfectly and I just want to thank God for my summer family!

Leaping with Joy...

2009-06-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," -Jeremiah 29:11

I have been home from staff training for three days now and my mind is still in awe of what happened during those ten days. At the beginning of staff training, we came as 35 college age kids. Minute by minute we began to form friendships and grew together as a body of Christ. Then halfway through training we were divided up into five amazing camp staffs.

To start off, it was amazing to see old faces and to meet new ones. There is not one person on staff that I can't say I love. Everyone is filled with the love of God and it is just the most wonderful filling to be away from the "real world" and to spend time with young adults who feel the same way you do. Tuesday night we all went to bed nervous while the directors stayed up all night deciding who would be on which staff. Wednesday morning we woke up and were blindfolded in this big open field. One by one we were taken away to an area of Loy White where we were told to take off our blindfolds and to see what camp we were at!

As soon as I heard my directors voice say "take your blindfolds off", I knew right away what camp I was at...JOSHUA YOUTH CAMP in Albermarle, North Carolina!!! You see, I have been to CCC for three years...every year I have gone, Emily Foster has been on the staff at the camp I was at. Well, the Lord must think we work great together because I will be spending my 4th summer in a row with her (which for those of you that don't know, is unheard of in the world of CCC). The following is my staff that I will grow to be a family with this summer:

Camp Director: Emily Foster

(Senior at App State)

Lead Program: Leane Peddycord

(Junior at Furman University)

Program: Michele Magnuson

(Sophomore at NC State)

Program: Ashley Patton

(Junior at UNC)

Lead Field: Brian Chavez

(Junior at App State)

Field: Ben Van Pelt

(Sophomore at UNC-Charlotte)

Field: Alyssa Baker

(Freshmen at UNC-Charlotte)

So if you havn't picked up on it by now...I am the youngest person on my staff and the second youngest CCC staff person this summer. While this is exciting it also comes with challenges of me not having as much experience as everyone else does. So I just ask that you begin to pray I can overcome the challenges placed before me this summer.

I would love to hear from you all this summer through snail mail! It always brightens a staff members day when they can say...HEY I GOT MAIL! So below is my address till August 2:

Carolina Cross Connection

Alyssa Baker

Joshua Youth Camp

29387 Pennington Road

Albemarle, NC 28001

Godspeed,

Alyssa Caroline

Staff Training Break (For Me)...

2009-05-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

"With great friends come great memories and laughter."

-Anonymous

Now you might be thinking...oh my gosh how does Alyssa have internet connection at camp?!?! Well, I don't! I left camp this morning about 5:40 and drove the two hour drive back home so I could participate in graduation Sunday at my church! As soon as our preacher says his last words I'll be changing into my work jeans and back in the car to drive to the wonderful Loy White...totaling about 5 hours of driving today!

Let me just saying that staff training is AmAzInG! I mean, I knew it was going to be a lot of fun but never would I have imagined that 35 college students would mesh together and become friends almost instantly! The late nights (1 AM getting to bed) and early mornings (6:30 AM waking up) don't really seem to bother anyone cause we are doing what we love the most...helping with Carolina Cross Connection.

While it is nice to be home and see my family, I can not express how excited I am to get back to camp later this afternoon! Tuesday morning at 10 AM is when we all find out what camp we will be placed at for the summer and who we will be working with. Please pray that God will guide the directors tomorrow night when they stay up in the wee hours to place staff together.

Godspeed,

Alyssa Caroline

Tomorrow starts Staff Training...

2009-05-28T13:56:00.001-07:00

"We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon. - Jimmy Carter"

Wow! That is the only word I know to use to describe this moment in time.

I just finished my last day of high school yesterday. It was a bittersweet day as I closed a chapter I have become so accustomed to. Knowing that life will never be as easy as it is right now scares me but I can't wait to see what all God has in store for me in the future.

While finishing high school is a little sad, I have been jumping with joy all day today because...STAFF TRAINING STARTS TOMORROW. Never in a million years would I have guessed three summers ago (my first time as a camper at ccc) that one day God would select be to be a part of the staff that lead other high school students and adults to rebuild lives and to restore hope. For those of you that don't know, our first camp week starts June 15th but all of us on staff are fixing to embark tomorrow on a 9 day training "retreat". We will be at Camp Loy White in Caser, North Carolina until next Wednesday morning when we will then head out for one of the five camps we have been assigned to.

It has been a very busy past week for I have basically had to get everything together for the ending of high school, this summer, and college in the fall. I won't be home till mid August and then 4 days later I'll be moving into UNC-Charlotte...my home for the next four years :)! I am all packed and ready to go and feel like God could not have blessed me with a more amazing family or group of friends to support me in this journey I have chosen to embark on this summer.

I ask that you all pray for the safety of staff as we drive to and from camp, for our health the entire summer, and for our training over these next 9 days as we prepare to become leaders. I will update when I get a connection to the internet somehow but I can't wait for this summer to begin.

One last thing before I go, to all my staff partnership supporters...THANK YOU all so much. You have blessed me more than I could ever ask for!

Godspeed...

Alyssa Caroline

Praying for time to hurry...

2009-05-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”- Colossians 4:5-6

As I sit on my bed writing this to each one of you, I can not even begin to express how excited I am. Just three weeks from today, myself and the rest of the 2009 CCC Staff will be at Camp Loywhite beginning our staff training. Three weeks...21 days...still so long away. I have a bittersweet feeling about staff training. No words can say how excited I am for this summer, but at the same time staff training is the closing of life as I know it. I will take my final exam the day before staff training, I will play in my final band concert after nine long years, I will give my graduation speech, but most of all I will be saying good bye to the friends I have called my family for the past 13 years. The class of 2009 is very close at my high school and sadly it is starting to hit me that after our graduation, we will never all be together again.

However, I don't want to turn this post into a sappy sad post. :D THREE WEEKS NEEDS TO HURRY UP!!!!! I want to see everyone I already know and love on staff, and I want to meet those I have yet to meet. I want to know what camp I'm at and who my campers are. But most importantly, I want to see God work wonders not only in the lives of those we help but in the lives of campers. Our God is such an amazing God that I can not wait to see how he works on everyone this summer.

I wish everyone the best of luck this next few weeks on exams or at your jobs (for those of you already in the real world). If you havn't already, let me know what camp you are at this summer and what week by posting it on the groups page!

Godspeed,

Alyssa Caroline

Praying for staff partnerships...

2009-04-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11

With staff training coming just around the corner (May 29th) I find myself praying for the summer and for the gifts Carolina Cross Connection will hopefully be receiving. With the economy like it is, it has been hard trying to find people to donate money towards my needed $1,363.00 for staff partnerships. Each staff member is responsible for raising a portion of money to help cover expenses for the summer. This money raised helps to keep the campers fees down and gives money to buy much need materials for the projects.

I ask that each of you pray for all of us on staff that we can reach our staff partnerships by May 31. I also ask that you continue to pray for the Summer of 2009 and that God will make this the best summer for CCC yet.

Godspeed,

Alyssa Caroline

Praying for summer...

2009-03-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

"What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God."

-Eleanor Powell

With summer just a few short weeks away, many of my friends are packing up their bags and going to the beach or traveling across the country. I mean, after all it is our senior year and out last summer together. However, I've chosen to spend my summer a little differently than them.

Three summers ago I had the blessing of spending my week at Carolina Cross Connection. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by the crazy staff members, I knew I wanted to be one of them one day. This past summer I was able to spend three weeks as a member of Junior Staff and one week as a camper. When summer came to an end, there was an sadness in my heart but no doubt I had decided I was going to apply for staff.

When the news came about a month ago that I was offered a job as a Field Coordinator I couldn't believe it. Not only had God chosen me to lead others in service this summer but he put me designing the projects. Wow, what great faith God has in me. Never have I been so excited for a summer to come. Like it needs to get here now!

With staff training being a little under two months away, I ask that you all begin praying for the staff members who will be leading the campers this summer. Also, pray for the campers and adults that they may come with a loving heart and ready to work for God. Pray that the summer of the 2009 will be the best summer of Carolina Cross Connection yet...

Godspeed,

Alyssa Caroline