As most of you may know, my position this year looks a little different. This year I am the director of the Elementary program as well as a 5th and 6th grade teacher. I have been challenged by this new job in so many ways but the Lord has truly equipped me with the strength I've needed to succeed. The rest of the elementary staff has exceeded all expectations and I am so confident in who we are as a team. This summer I am working with Erik Anderson in the 5th and 6th grade class. Last year Erik and I worked together for a few weeks so it's been cool to pick up where we left off and work together again this summer. I am astonished the by maturity of the 5th and 6th graders we are leading. They all have big hearts for the Lord and are genuinely curious about what it's like to live a fully-surrendered life. There's nothing more encouraging than seeing how much a 10 year old can grow spiritually in a week.
I am so happy that I am reunited with so many of last year's summer staff! It's fun to catch up with each person and listen to how God has worked in their life this past year. Many of them just finished their first year of college, and after finishing my first year away from home, it's been really cool to share mutual struggles and joys from the past school year. I am so grateful to be part of a staff full of people who are actively pursuing a relationship with Jesus. It's so refreshing to meet a large group of people who are seeking the same things I am. Their love for God's word is so inspiring and I am so grateful for each friendship. The last two weekends we have spent our time having Bunco parties, playing in the water, practicing our line and swing dancing, and eating as many of Papa Paul's cookies as we can handle. I soak in every moment that I spend with our staff because this uninterrupted time we have on the weekends is rare.
Some of you may have heard that I sprained my ankle at the end of Orientation week. I spent 3 days hobbling around on crutches and sitting out on some fun activities. Shoutout to my awesome sister Sydney for carrying me back from our living area (Little G's) all the way to main camp on her back. That walk is about a 6 minute walk up hills, and multiple flights of stairs and I wish I could say I was surprised that she did it, but she's a beast to say the least. For those of you who are familiar with Campus by the Sea, you have an idea of how difficult it is to "walk" with crutches and miss out on all the fun activities. After 3 days on crutches, 5 days of limping around, I am finally back to walking normally and playing simple games. My foot is still in a little pain but I am thankful for a fast recovery! Thanks for the way you have prayed and supported me this summer!
Prayer requests:
-Stamina for the staff
-Continued healing for my ankle
-For the kids in my class who have a hard time focusing during discussions
-For the staff to not get tired of going out of our way to serve people
All I have needed thy Hand hath provided
Great is thy Faithfulness Lord unto me.
-Shel
Shelby Dreves
Campus by the Sea
PO Box #466
Avalon, CA
