And so the summer begins....

Two days ago, I got up at 5:30 (much to my father's surprise and impress-ment) and drove up to the mountain canyon to begin training for my summer job. It was as simple as that, but so complex... full of excitement and complete ...


So, I have something to confess. I have worn make-up every day, and so you--as I did--may wonder why on earth my blog is titled thus. To tell you the truth, the title just fell on me one day--like cinammon to buttered bread. It just fell and fit and I couldn't shake it. As there are ten boys and fifty girls, it may seem like a pointless act to wear makeup--but it is quite on the contrary. I love myself in grubby sweats and an oversized t-shirt, makeup free and barefoot... (to the extent that that is true...) I also paint my nails, they are red this moment. So why would I do things like this if I believe that I am a daughter of God--that we all are children of God? I will tell you.

I once read a poem full of brief, one-line sentences about why a woman painted her nails red. Thus, we share something in common. Lines starting with "because" precede her reasons--and she ends with the "because": "it is reversible." In this, I agree. Worth however, unlike nail-polish, is not reversible. I wear make-up because I like it, I paint my nails because I also like it--and, because it is fun. I enjoy it. And so these enhancing things go!

So, I am now a first-aid certified, trained young adult counselor. I also now how to officially plunge a toilet and make a hotel-worthy bed--and, in the event of an emergency, I now conveniently know that I can drink the water in the back of a toilet. It is fresh though the bowl, however, is not. I start work this weekend as we open with a Single Parent family camp... and I'm so excited! I'm allergic to the cold; so I'm praying that the water isn't very cold these next few weeks... I may be spending a lot of time on the sidelines. I've also learned that the sun is very intense at this altitude, even when it is bright one day and snowy the next. The weater is unpredictable as a kite in a storm.

I love it here though. The people are wonderful. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone but still feel like such a little girl. I would join with the sentiments of Emma Woodhouse in saying that: "How can I be almost 20 and still have so much to learn?" But learn I am, and I feel that the Lord is providing me with ample opportunities. I know He is there and guiding my life so much, it is the most reassuring thing about change. There is always a constant no matter how the wind blows. (yep, allergies are flaring up and so are the weather analogies! I'll try to get more creative.) :)

We get three free meals a day--which is DELIGHTFUL--not always oozing with healthiness but they do a pretty good job about offering some healthy options every day. Oddly, I have grown to be not hungry in between meals as I thought I would be... it is just so enjoyable. I love getting ready in a dorm full of early-morning phone-squawking alarms and mascara and straighteners. I love rising each day to--not only check on the weather--but greet each new day as an opportunity. I love getting to know all of the cute guys on staff, I love free food, I love new opportunities and the trust I am recieving to be entrusted with the amazing individuals that will come to camp this summer. I love the thought of making friends with them and getting to know the amazing leaders and families that come here this summer. I love it all, but I do not like the waiting. So much planning has been done with only air and a vision, no personalities or voices yet to fill the roles already in brain-play. Though I wait with a smile, I cannot wait for everyone to come. :)

So, we got our staff shirts on Tueday. As I put on that polo that first day for pictures--with a nametag with MY name on it--the feeling came. It was like compelte euphoria, and it overwhelmed me. It came in and swept me captive like a handsome prince for his fair maiden, and suddenly it hit me that I was part of the team. I was with the group, I had a polo, I had a nametag... that polo, that day, made me official. I probably should have felt the joy of the kids coming, of putting all my research and time for the best games and activities for my group... and perhaps it was a faint feeling. But this feeling of being on the team overwhelmed me. Welcome to Aspen, I made it.

Overall, I am very thrilled with everything. Today, and yesterday actually, I was told that I was the loudest girl ever known. By two separate individuals. In my defense, one was clocking from a 9 o' clock bedtime of a baby that I believe is too close to a dorm full of young adults... the other was from distant observation, and I ahve no excuse for that. I am horribly loud and outspoken, undoubtedly immature in some ways, but very ready to make friends and learn. I'm loving finding this balance of self and consideration of others.

And so! There it is. My first blog post of my first summer working. The kids come this weekend! And now, the lobby is getting loud like... water rising to a boil or popcorn starting to pop--(notice, neither were weather analogies!)--and I better jump off while I'm ahead. There is a great appreciation for the computers. Learning to make friends and growing to own the adulthood my name somehow has a claim too. :) Very excited with all of these great opportunities and in a camp full of wonderful giants. Everyone is wonderful, I only hope I measure up to the team. I'm so grateful for this opportunity I've been given!

So, back to the make-up. (is that where we started???) This summer, in some ways, I am raw. My self, inside, is open and exposed--but so protected from its divine right and heritage. Metaphorically, my make-up is off and I am so excited to learn. :)