August 2nd-4th, we came down to Elberta, Alabama to serve as leaders for a Kids Camp. Leaving our sweet honey moon was not what we wanted, but we knew that we had committed to serving the kids of Thomasville and we really wanted to be with them. The hardest part was sleeping in different rooms, knowing that it was possible to stay in the same room. By day two of camp, we started to understand why God sent us down to Elberta. We went to my friend, Susan Poos room and talked with her about the possibility of us being volunteers for the camp. While talking we told her that we had been in prayer about the decision to help out, that we would be able to live with my mom if the door did not open up, but that we really hoped to have the opportunity to serve somewhere that we were needed. She was thrilled about our hope to volunteer!
Two summers ago, I worked at Camp Baldwin. It was my favorite job and I grew so close to God while working as a lifeguard. Anyways, to work for them again would be the sweetest blessing!
Susan mentioned that we bring the question to the head of the camp, who is Mr David Payne. We continued in prayer about when to present the idea to him, for the words to speak and for favor. Then, later that day we ran into Brother Mitch, who is right under Mr. David in authority at Camp Baldwin. He did not work at the camp when I did, but was so refreshed and excited about our hope to serve! He said that we were an answer to prayer and that he would talk to Mr. David for us. This was amazing! The next morning, Brother Mitch mentioned that we come by after lunch to speak with Mr. David. When we spoke with him, he asked us to continue in prayer, and that we would stay in contact the next few days.
The next few nights we stayed with my mom, and by day three, Mr David said we could come move in at camp. This meant that we would have a place to stay the next few months, that many of our meals would be provided, and that we would have the opportunity to serve. How good is our God? He makes sure to provide for us. When people doubt that God provides, it hurts. I know that God provides! He ALWAYS provides! Nothing is too hard for Him! Trust Him in your time of need & He will provide for you! I promise.
Until the beginning of October, we will be working as volunteers down at Camp Baldwin. On October 18th, Callum will leave to go back to Launceston, Australia. If we raise the funds, and my visa is approved by then, I will be heading back with him. We trust that God will provide for us and keep us together.
Now, we are working hard at Camp Baldwin. The work is really hard here. Every May and August at the camp, they break down the bunk beads used in the summer and set up the rooms as a motel style. This takes more strength than you would believe. Within our team, there were about ten people. All ten people are having to work very hard. Carrying the bed frames, box springs and mattresses can be exhausting. I have a few bruises on my hips were I have been carrying the bed frames & we have both been very tired at the end of the day. Thankfully, we have nearly finished packing away all of the summer beds and setting up the new rooms in one of the buildings. This means, we only have one building left. It may take a week, but God will give us the strength.
There is a lot to do around here, and everything requires more consistent physical strength than any other job we have had, but it is all such a blessing. We are so blessed to be helping the people of God. We are so blessed to be meeting new people. We are so blessed to have so many meals prepared for us. We are so blessed to have a place to live. God has provided for us once again! All praise to Him.
Even as we work hard, we are blessed with free time to relax and make memories. For instance, the other day, we were assigned tower duty. At the tower, there are six workers. A lifeguard sits at the top of the slide, and one at the bottom; two people buckle people up for the zip line; one person hooks the person up to the zip line; and another unhooks each person at the end of the zip line. Callum was assigned to hook the people up at the top of the zip line!!! He was so excited and fun! It was awesome to watch him rejoice so much over his job. My position was to sit at the top of the water slide and tell the children when they could go down (this was one of my favorite jobs when I was a lifeguard summer 2010). We both enjoyed our work so much! Then, when all the kids went back to their dorms, we were able to go down the slide and have a fun time. Walking back to our room, soaking wet, was such a sweet memory. We enjoy each other so much! We really do.
Other things make this time very special. There is a pier that I used to always sit out on and look at the bay. It was on this pier that I used to spend hours and hours daily praying for my husband. Now, I am able to spend time with my husband on the exact pier. Daily, we watch the sun set from the pier; while down there we read the Word, talk, take pictures, sit on the ledge, dance, laugh and play hide-and-seek (everyday I hide in the same spot)... ;) We love our time together. We are so blessed to spend so much time here at camp.
Thank you to all who support us. Thank you to all who had faith that God would provide for us. He really has provided for us so abundantly. All praise to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
As our time together continues, we will be updating everyone on the beautiful stories that unfold!!!
Thank you all for your love.
<3 Sincerely, The Reece family
