TIRED

Today, I am tired. I got home from Sonrise Retreat on Sunday. This retreat is a camp from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon for adults with mental disabilities (autism, down syndrome, etc.). No, I'm not saying that I'm autistic. Each camper is paired with a volunteer, which is what I was. A Sonrise Retreat is a mini version of one of the week long camps in the summer, called Handy Camp. It sounds really boring, but it actually is lots of fun. The campers usually aren't as handicapped as you think. They're always playing around, playing practical jokes on other campers and volunteers. It's a blast.
I love the camp for several reasons. One, I love the atmosphere of the camp. It's never gloomy, even the day when you leave. People are always smiling and don't yell at you (most of the time. the campers sometimes argue with you, but that's to be expected). Two, it teaches you about serving. This is probably the best service event I have ever done and may ever do. I seriously recommend it to anyone who is interested in helping others. I always come away satisfied. Yes, it's harder than most other events, but it's also much more enjoyable. Three, it improves my faith. The camps are run by LDM, Lutheran Disabilities Ministry. All the camps are Christian themed and include singing and dancing in praise before meals, lots of praying, and having a Christian attitude in general. Whenever I go, I learn something that helps me in my walk with God. And it isn't always something taught by one of the directors. The campers teach you all kinds of things as you go through the camp.

Anyway, the camp is intense. It's basically giving you an adult and saying, "Here you go. Be a friend to this person for three days (or a week for the longer camps). Let them have fun, help them out whenever necessary, and teach them about God. Stay up late and get up early. Help them shower, get dressed, eat, do activities, get places, etc. Never stop having a good attitude. Be prepared to be on your feet most of the time."

And so I'm tired. Since I had co-op today, I'm extra exhausted. And I've still got Bible study tonight. Fun! NOT! I don't know why I'm still taking that class. I already go to Sunday school and youth group and have daily devotions. And Handy Camp definitely counts as a Bible study class, a week long one! Oh well.