Week 5: Rollercoasters, Cinnamon Rolls and French Soap?

So you may wanna know why I chose this funny name for my blog. Now, I didn't actually go on any rollercoasters this week (although I am stoked to ride the Big/Giant? Dipper on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk), but emotionally I went through some tremendous rollercoasters this week. Wednesday and Thursday were the hardest days for me up here at camp. I was emotionally drained and felt like I was going to break down at any point. I felt like this week my heart was just distant and wasn't connecting with anyone or anything. The good thing was that I felt God's presence in my moments of loneliness, but I was just so TIRED and WORN that I didn't know what to do. I wanted to be there for my kids, but I wasn't feeling it (although my small group was FANTASTIC!)...especially dealing with this week of kids who were wanderers...this means that the kids do their own thing...like wander off in the middle of the street and counselors chasing after them so we can corral them back to Day Camp. Not to mention I am losing my voice...there's nothing sexier than a raspy camp voice. Yes, I just said that. Anyways, I was so happy I was blessed with yet another wonderful well behaved group of 1st/2nd graders. But with all the other kids, I felt like I failed miserably in the discipline area. I had some of my team leaders reassure me and talk with me which made me feel a whole lot better...So, Sassy and Spike...thank you very much!

Out of this week, I signed more "Favorite Counselor" spots than any other week...which was odd yet cool to me. I am glad that the kids still liked me even though I was beating myself up on the inside.

Anywho...about those Cinnamon Rolls and the French soap...I just had the most amazing adventure with my roommate! My roomie Rachel decided to cut 12 inches of hair off today and donate it to cancer patients. I went with her for some moral support and afterwards we ended up at a place called, "Kelly's French Bakery" where we chatted over mochas and delectable cinnamon rolls/bagels. It was so good to catch up with one another on life since we've both been so busy! After that we decided to check out this little French Soap shop right next door since Rachel had a new swing in her step since she got a cute A-line hair cut. The shop was run by this cute little old black man named Prince. He was so charming that we ended up staying and chatting with him for a while. He had a friend there too who is a photographer and was telling us stories about how he jumps in the ocean to take pictures of sharks! Prince was telling us about how he is a jazz singer and travels all over the world to sing. His adventures were so cool, but when he's not traveling the world, he runs the little soap shop. A family walked in later with 2 college aged boys and Prince tried to set Rachel and I up with them. It was a hilarious conversation...but one boy ended up giving us his email instead! Prince was nice enough to give us a 2 free soap hearts and a CD of his jazz music. We both walked away totally blessed by the people at that little soap shop! Rachel and I were talking about how we both live for moments like that and how much we love people! We will be going back to visit Prince and eating more cinnamon rolls for sure! We plan on buying something from his shop next time as a token of our gratitude. Little does he know how much I felt blessed to meet him after such a difficult week on the job!

In conclusion...God is sooooo good. Rachel and I both felt like it was God's doing with that conversation. He's a romantic. He knows our hearts so well and we both felt like it was God who blessed us on this day. After all...He knows how much we love people...and French Soap! ;]