Chapter Camp....Mark Camp...."whatever I am supposed to call it" Camp

So I have been gone for a week...I have chosen to spend my spring break on Catalina Island with my Intervarsity Chapter, as well as ones from UofA, New Mexico, and Las Vegas. Why, you may ask? Because it was promised as being one amazing and life changing week...and it didn't disappoint. One thing I learned is that God teaches you things that you don't expect, in unexpected ways...? Confusing, well good! :) I went into the week expecting things to be a certain way, but when you expect something, God seems to like to do things completely differently. For one, I did not expect to be in a group that seems to get so much done and learn so much without seeming like they are doing anything! I did not expect to absolutely love the people in my group so much either. I did not expect to learn how to be an even more effective small group leader. I did not expect for God to speak to me so clearly. I did not expect to meet so many new people. I did not expect for God to teach me something while I felt like I was learning nothing.

So Chapter Camp is a one week camp on Catalina Island where we get into groups and study intently, the book of Mark (or other chapters, for people who have already gone through all of Mark). There are 2 sections of "Mark" called "Mark1" and "Mark2". Each one being one half of the book of Mark. This, being my first time attending Chapter Camp, I was in Mark 1. In Intervarsity we study the Bible through "manuscripting", meaning we get Mark printed out on paper, without chapter or verse numbers and we just analyze it. Another important part of manuscripting is that we are not allowed to use background knowledge or any of the other books from the New Testament. It makes you think about things in a whole new way. For Mark Camp we do something called "CLST" or "Curious Learners Seeking Transformation", which means we ask every question we can possibly think of (that isn't ridiculous) about the manuscript and then attempt to answer the questions.  It was really amazing to see my group's unique viewpoints on various topics and parts of the Bible. I was blessed with a very insightful group.

Another amazing part of Chapter Camp is getting to know your group on a deep and intimate level. I was able to pray over all my new friends and give them encouragement from God's truths. It was one of the most powerful moments of my life. I have a bond with these people that is so strong and deep, that I know they will be great friends far into the future. I care deeply for every single one of them and see them as true brothers and sisters in Christ.

Now, I love my group and think they are amazing people, but we did go through some hard times, which challenged me. For anyone who understands what the "Myer's Briggs" personality test is, I am a strong "J". This means that I thrive off of structure and organization. I am also an internal processor, meaning I need time to think about things to myself before voicing my opinions or ideas. This part of me was challenged so much this week. My group is very rambunctious and we had a ton of fun, but when it came to manuscripting, we were sometimes so unfocused. I was trying really hard to get what I could out of this week in the way I thought I should, but it was difficult. Half way through the week I was just so frustrated. I asked God, "Why did you bring me here if you weren't going to teach me something??" But, God is faithful and can teach you something from absolutely ANY experience. I had some pretty amazing leaders; Kosmos and Bridget, and through watching the way they were able to lead our pretty crazy group and still help us learn something while being ridiculous, was inspiring to me as a small group leader. I realized that I may need to take some of their flexibility and apply it to my own leading style. I admired them a ton for that.

Another thing I learned this week is the crazy amount of control that I hold onto over my life. The future is one of my greatest fears, but after learning about God's amazing intentionality and love for all people made me realize how silly my fear is. God loves me so immensely and it is crazy that I would ever question his plan for my life. One of the stories that really resonated with me was the story of the man who was deaf and mute. The love and care that Jesus put into his healing gives me goosebumps! What's to say that God will not put that kind of care into guiding my life?? I have decided that God's plan is the best plan and everyday I am going to try to continuously give that control to God, everyday.

I would encourage anyone who is a part of Intervarsity to take advantage of this opportunity to grow in your faith and allow God to teach you new things.

Also.... this post would not be complete without a list of some of the extremely hilarious things that happened at camp :) I would love to elaborate on any of these stories if you ask :)
- Kosmos putting a moth in his mouth and then spitting it out because "Ew, its dead"
- the Hashtag board
- #GrandpaB-Day
- Connor: "Strawberries are like libraries, except they are fruit"
-  Bridget's example of a "withered hand"
- Jareds picture being everywhere!
- #DemonYOLO
- Kosmos saying "THESE ARE THE RULES GUYS!"
- Braedon dropping M&M's everywhere
- Playing on the playground when we are too restless.
- Nina's deadpan face
- "Dat bread doe..."
- Bridget sticking gummy bears on her lips
- Nina decorating her notebook with several pictures of Jared
-DANCE PARTY
- James sleeping through the entire car ride up
- Bridget: "Emily, did you go to public school...?"
- Jared not being able to stand up on a paddle board :)
- Throwing seaweed on each other while kayaking
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Also there was snorkeling in the ocean, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, hiking, volleyball...and bruises, blisters, and cuts (it shows how much fun I had). AND amazing food! (I probably gained a ton of weight lol)

And lots of Jesus....I loved this week.

Also, here is a song that I identified a lot with this week:
"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine 

Also..........PICTURES! (I didn't take too many.....)