I spent this past week at Camp Spofford in New Hampshire. Myself and 5 other Urban Impact volunteers took 8 Prime Time students to the youth camp there. It was a great week for them to strengthen their walk with God. Before we even left for the week, I was nervous that since the Prime Time kids came from a different background than all of the other campers at Spofford, that they wouldn't get along with them or be able to make friends. The first 2 days it poured and we didn't get to hang out much with the campers because our quality time was normally spent swimming in the lake with them. But when the third day rolled around, the sun was shining and it was a perfect day to go swimming. Alexis, one of the kids we brought, introduced me to her friend Elise. I hung out with the two of them for the rest of beach time. I continued to stick with them and their other friend Grace for the rest of the week, getting to know all of them very well. One of the things I learned about Elise is that she is also from Connecticut, like Alexis and I, but she is from Cos Cob. Cos Cob is a part of the town of Greenwich. Greenwich is the richest town in CT, and Cos Cob is one of the richest parts of Greenwich. Alexis, on the other hand, is from PT Barnum. PT Barnum is a government funded housing community in Bridgeport. Bridgeport is the poorest city in CT, and PT Barnum is one of the poorest parts of Bridgeport.
As the week went on, Alexis and Elise grew closer and closer, and I grew closer to the both of them too, hanging out with them every chance I got. When the last day of camp approached, and Alexis and the 115 other campers packed their bags to head home, I held back tears as I saw the saddest of faces painted on Elise and Alexis as they had to say goodbye to one another.
These two girls, from two very different worlds became best friends because of their shared love for Jesus Christ. There is nothing in this world that has made me happier than being able to watch this happen.
As the week went on, Alexis and Elise grew closer and closer, and I grew closer to the both of them too, hanging out with them every chance I got. When the last day of camp approached, and Alexis and the 115 other campers packed their bags to head home, I held back tears as I saw the saddest of faces painted on Elise and Alexis as they had to say goodbye to one another.
These two girls, from two very different worlds became best friends because of their shared love for Jesus Christ. There is nothing in this world that has made me happier than being able to watch this happen.
