(58) Days of Summer

58 days ago I departed Wheaton for Young Life’s Castaway in Detroit Lakes, MN. And as summer comes to a close – and after spending 6 weeks “away” this summer (with few to no opportunities to write), I thought I would offer a few reflections over the next few days. Here they are.

Castaway Club: 06.26.09 – 07.28.09

When we broke the news to our kids over dinner one night that we would be spending a month at Castaway, the reaction was elation. When I asked the girls why they were so excited, Grace (9) responded: “Sometimes when I am at school and at play dates, I feel a little shy… at Castaway, I feel safe.”

And this is what we love about summers at Castaway – the welcoming nature of intentional(ish) community. This is not to say that this does not take place back home, but it is to recognize that there is something special about 80+ people consistently looking out for one another – and in particular, our kids.

For this, we say “thanks”.

Refugee Week: 07.11.09 – 07.18.09

I have figured that I have spent close to a year of my life at Castaway – and the third week at Castaway would prove to be one of the most unique. This would be the first time I both had an official job (speaking) alongside playing the role of “leader”. As I have shared before, I spent last year working with a number of refugee students from our community. Through a series of events (and a few generous donors), we were able to bring 13 students (Karen, Somalian, Congonese, and Liberian) during this particular week at Castaway. With some serious help from some amazing volunteers, it ended up being the highlight of the month. Here’s why.

I learn more from them than they do from me. After my first (quite amazing) night one talk, I asked the boys what percent of the words they actually understood.

They said 25%.

I found this rather interesting. Here I am – my primary job to communicate the Gospel via words – and the folks I am leading only understand 25% of what I am saying. Well, if you know me… you know I am quite okay with this reality because I do not believe the Gospel resides (simply) in words. If it did… we’d all be in trouble.

But before I take this tangent here (maybe another day), allow me to offer a few memorable moments:

Day 1: When I asked our cabin of guys to go back and change for the “obstacle course”, they returned blank stares… “Obstacle course?” I might has well be saying “corn-on-the-cob”. I attempted to explain a half dozen ways only to end with… “Well, you’ll see.” We went. We dove in. And soon after getting hit by various throwing objects, they understood.

My favorite part of the evening was ending our o-course journeys with a dip in the hot tub. It did not cross my mind that most of the students had no concept of a “HOT” tub. As they hopped in feet first (as if it were a pool), they soon found out… we laughed.

Experience is everything.

Day 3: Night 3 would prove to be an interesting night. Soon after we took refuge in our cabin for an hour or so, life stories began to emerge. And eventually a question arose: Is there anything you have seen/experienced in your life that you wish did not happen? Personally, this was a rather sobering – as I was given perspective and a small window into some of the harsh realities these kids have experienced (realities that I do not feel comfortable sharing). Realities that I can say little other than they “ought not be”.

This moment was harshly juxtaposed to the subsequent hour – where our group “attempted” to square dance. Now, square dancing is hard to follow if you understand English. Attempting to follow instructions when you don’t… different story. And in the end, the boys would share that this experience was one of their favorites of the week – but it wasn’t before a few toes were stepped on. Much laughter.

Day 5: My lovely wife bakes 500+ Vanilla Bean Cupcakes for the entire camp. I said it was for an “illustration”, but really I knew the world would be a better place if everyone had a chance to experience. This was true. Everything was better. My wife is ridiculously wonder-full.

Day 7: The last day together I was reminded that I take life’s simple pleasures for granted… say, how to eat a baked potato. Our meals together throughout the week reflected similar experiences. The refugee boys discovered new food. We (Brendan, Will, and I) discovered cultural realities (both here and afar).

Hands down the highlight of the week (personally speaking) took place just prior to departure. You see, we had all engaged in a few conversations surrounding the idea of “embrace” (mostly stemming from watching this video). It was in these conversations that I learned that the Karen (people group in Burma) community in particular is not a community of “embrace” or “hugs”. This meant all the more when just before they took off on the bus, they arose to embrace me with an unspoken “thanks”.

Who needs words?

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If Week 3 at Castaway simply stayed as “the highlight” of the summer… I’d be lying. If it is possible for one week to be your favorite and worst, it was this one… more on in a day (or so)…