Into The Light

Camp at Last

I didn't want to get up, it had been two weeks since I had to wake up earlier than 10. This morning, we were leaving for camp. I had an 8-hour car ride ahead of me, but at least I'd have my friends with me. I roll out of bed and get ready for the day. I pack the last few items into my suitcase, grab my phone charger and throw it into my backpack. I check my phone and realize it is almost 7 am. Mom helps me carry my stuff to Sarah's house and load it into their car, once everything is loaded, I turn around and give her a hug.

"I'm going to miss you, please be careful and have fun okay? "

"I'll miss you too mom and I will,"

I could feel tears threatening to fall, but thankfully I was able to hold them back as she releases the hug and walks back to our house watching as we pull out of the driveway.

"I'm so excited!" Sarah says as we start driving toward the church

"Yeah me too,"

It was a fairly silent 20-minute drive to the church. When we pulled into the parking lot, I could see 7 vans lined up and several of the guys from the youth group are helping load them with bags. As we're getting out, Zack and Luke walk over to the car.

"They act like they haven't seen each other in forever,"

Zack laughs, "I know, and it's only been 12 hours since they've seen each other,"

The four of us spent yesterday afternoon at Zack's house. We went swimming and watched movies all day, It really made me rethink if I was ready for a relationship or not, I felt so comfortable around him. Nobody besides my dad had made me feel this safe.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just thinking,"

"What are you thinking about?"

"How much fun yesterday was,"

He smiles, "I had a lot of fun spending time with you yesterday,"

"Me too, I've been thinking about it, and I think I'm ready to date,"

"Really? What changed?"

"I feel safe around you, I haven't felt like this since my dad passed away,"

Zack smiles, "I'm glad I make you feel safe, I want to do something special to officially ask you,"

"I can't wait,"

"I'll load the bags if you want to get in the van,"

I grab my backpack and get into the van while Zack and Luke load the bags. After a few minutes, Zack gets in the van and takes a seat beside me. Sarah and Luke sit in the row in front of us.

"Good morning everyone," Pastor Evan says as he gets into the driver seat

"Good morning Pastor Evan"

"We're about to head to camp, but first let's stop and pray. Father, we thank you for this day, I pray that you bless our time at camp, that we would grow spiritually this week and that our eyes would be opened to new things. In Jesus' name Amen,"

"Amen"

"According to the GPS we'll be there around 3:00 so we'll stop for lunch around noon,"

I stretch out across the seat and cover myself with a hoodie. Before long I feel myself slowly drifting off to sleep.

"Lila wake up" I hear someone say as I begin to feel someone shaking me. My eyes open and I sit up. "Are you okay? You were fighting in your sleep" Zack asks

"It was just a nightmare, I'm okay,"

"Want to talk about it?" He asks

"It has to deal with my past, I don't feel comfortable talking about it right now,"