Homesickness, I think we have all experienced it, felt it, or seen it in others. I know I have, especially when I was going away from home for a long period of time to new and unfamiliar places.
Feeling alone, wanting to go home, and feeling disconnected from those around me is what I remember as I think back to how I was trying to fit in or whenever I found myself in an uncomfortable place.
One could easily think that I am talking about my time overseas in Iraq or Afghanistan, but I'm not. I'm talking about my first week at Pioneer as a Confirmation Camper at the young age of 13.
Scared and alone that first night with only my brother to comfort me (who really only wanted his distance from me). It was hard for this young boy to build relationships or to connect with anyone. Well, I'm sure it would be hard to believe that on my last day there I was having made friends with so many, and not wanting to leave, and crying as my mother dragged me to the car.
It's amazing how quickly relationships are built here at Pioneer, and not just short term, but for many, lifelong relationships. These relationships are built on common experiences and the fun that camp life has to offer.
Yet, ultimately, these relationships are built around our relationship with our Lord. Through the devotions, Bible studies, camp songs, and camp fellowship, bonds are made that are difficult to break. It still amazes me when I run into people who remember me from when I was a camper or worker nearly 20 years ago! And we always reconnect, and remember, and rekindle a relationship that was built at Pioneer on the shore of Lake Erie.
As you make your summer plans this year, I invite you to come on out to Pioneer for a day, a weekend, or even a week, and rekindle your relationship with friends, with Pioneer, and with your Lord.
Sitting by the fire on the beach, listening to the counselors leading the songs, and looking out over the water can be very peaceful and refreshing.
Homesickness can affect us all, especially if we feel alone. But we are never alone, for our Lord promises to never leave us or forsake us.
REV. ALEX KNOWLES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Feeling alone, wanting to go home, and feeling disconnected from those around me is what I remember as I think back to how I was trying to fit in or whenever I found myself in an uncomfortable place.
One could easily think that I am talking about my time overseas in Iraq or Afghanistan, but I'm not. I'm talking about my first week at Pioneer as a Confirmation Camper at the young age of 13.
Scared and alone that first night with only my brother to comfort me (who really only wanted his distance from me). It was hard for this young boy to build relationships or to connect with anyone. Well, I'm sure it would be hard to believe that on my last day there I was having made friends with so many, and not wanting to leave, and crying as my mother dragged me to the car.
It's amazing how quickly relationships are built here at Pioneer, and not just short term, but for many, lifelong relationships. These relationships are built on common experiences and the fun that camp life has to offer.
Yet, ultimately, these relationships are built around our relationship with our Lord. Through the devotions, Bible studies, camp songs, and camp fellowship, bonds are made that are difficult to break. It still amazes me when I run into people who remember me from when I was a camper or worker nearly 20 years ago! And we always reconnect, and remember, and rekindle a relationship that was built at Pioneer on the shore of Lake Erie.
As you make your summer plans this year, I invite you to come on out to Pioneer for a day, a weekend, or even a week, and rekindle your relationship with friends, with Pioneer, and with your Lord.
Sitting by the fire on the beach, listening to the counselors leading the songs, and looking out over the water can be very peaceful and refreshing.
Homesickness can affect us all, especially if we feel alone. But we are never alone, for our Lord promises to never leave us or forsake us.
REV. ALEX KNOWLES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Share|
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