A Tearful Send-Off

Last night, we took Megan to the church, loaded her suitcase and backpack on the bus, and got her all settled in for her journey to Beach Camp. She decided yesterday afternoon while we were packing that she really did not want to go. She was getting very nervous about being away from home. We reassured her throughout the day that she was going to have a wonderful time, and that although she might be sad when she left, that she was going to love every minute of camp and be so glad that she went.

She was very tearful upon our arrival, but after her best friend Megan and her mom talked to her, she was starting to relax. About the time she was all settled down and feeling good, the Youth Director called everyone off the two bus to a parking lot meeting - parents and students. He reviewed the rules and expectations of camp so that everyone was on the same page. When it was time to board the bus to leave, Megan's anxiety returned.

We talked to her, gave her lots of hugs and kisses, and did our best to reassure her that she was going to have a great time; she just had to get over this initial fear of being away from us. She tearfully boarded the bus. She sat staring out the window, wiping tears from her face. We watched and waited until the bus departed, waving and blowing kisses to her.

Just as we arrived at home, I realized that I had three txt messages from Megan. Each message said the same thing, "I want to come home." Then, my cell phone rang. It was Megan. She wasn't crying, but she was very anxious and sad, and wanted to know if she could just ask the bus to pull over and drop her off, and if I could come and pick her up? Blake and I both talked to her and convinced her once again that everything was going to be alright, and that she was going to have a wonderful time at camp.

I received a phone call from Megan at 8:00am this morning. She was at McDonald's in Louisiana having pancakes. She was tired and said that she missed me, but she was much happier. Her best friend Megan called her mom about an hour ago, and she said that Megan is doing much better. It is hard to send your child to camp when she doesn't want to leave, but because we know how much fun she is going to have and that she is going to be participating in a week of Bible study and worship, and that she is in God's hands, we were able to do it.

Please pray that Megan has the time of her life this week, that she and the other campers and counselors are safe and blessed by this trip, that each develops a deeper relationship with God and continues their walk with Him when they return.