Throughout the day, I found myself reflecting on God's faithfulness through our relationship. I paused several times throughout the day and thanked God for orchestrating such a beautiful journey- one that is sometimes unreal to me.
For those of you who have not heard our story, let me share. In the summer of 2004, I spent my first summer serving at Carolina Cross Connection. The following summer (2005), I did not reapply to serve on staff- I thought that time of my life was done (little did I know it was just starting). My sister went to camp in 2005 at Camp Patton Springs in Franklin, NC. She arrived to camp on Sunday and called me Monday afternoon. She asked if I could come up and serve as a camp cook for the week- what? I had never done anything like that before. I agreed and drove up the following day.
 |
| Often referred to as Carolina Love Connection.... |
Carolina Cross Connection hires a cook and two junior staffers (who help in the kitchen) for each camp. Well- as our journey would have it- Drew Setliff was one of the two j-staff who were assigned to Patton Springs. We spent two weeks together that summer serving in the kitchen. I remember how dedicated Drew was to his job. We spent many early mornings together. He helped me more than he was required to- he went above and beyond. We spent our days in the camp playing card games and laughing lots.
 |
| Our first picture- summer 2005 |
The following year, Drew applied for a position at CCC but was not hired. I spent the summer of 2006 as a lead program coordinator at Camp McCall. One week, I got a phone call from a fellow staff member at Camp Elk Shoals, Jesse Arnett. Jesse had Drew as a camper that week. I spoke to Drew briefly- and that was the end of that.
 |
| Some of the CCC staff members at Jesse and Hunter's wedding in September 2006- notice who is also in the picture.. |
I know, I know- hurry up MT, get on with it. In the summer of 2007, I was selected as a camp director for CCC. One of the staffers I was asked to reach out to before staff training was Drew. I remember connecting with him on Facebook and email. Upon the completion of staff training, Drew was placed on my staff at Joshua Youth Camp. After staff selection, Mom called and asked if I thought one of the guys on my staff 'could be the one'- I just laughed- little did I know...
 |
| Staff Reveal 2007 |
Drew was so committed while we were on staff together in 2007. He took every word that I said to heart. If I said "you cannot come back to camp unless you have 3 donations", then he didn't return unless he had 3 donations. He was dedicated and extremely efficient. He went above and beyond and did whatever needed to be done- without ever complaining. He supported me that summer with his whole heart in a way that I had never been supported before. Oh how the Lord was preparing our hearts. We were so sad as we finished that summer, but little did we know that the true journey was only beginning.
 |
| JYC Ladies 2007 MT, Jenny, Krisin, Lauren, Kelly, and Allyson |
 |
| And our 2 boys.... Drew and Daniel |
 |
| Such a sweetness that summer! |
In August, I entered the real world and Drew returned as a sophomore to Liberty University. We remained in contact, but as the year went on we lost touch. Until the spring of 2008.....
To be continued...
No comments:
Post a Comment