A Poem from a Counselor in Iowa

Not Your Typical Friday

So here it is on Friday,

the day we all regret,

For we have to say goodbye,

Although we never will forget.

Their first time ever fishing,

Or that perfect birthday dress,

That feeling of true friendship,

And the lunch plates all a mess.

Each camper oh so different,

Yet all of them the same,

Misunderstood and hurting,

And we will never know their pain.

But when that smile comes,

And we all have seen its face,

We know it all is worth it,

To help Jesus find a place.

These kids don't need our pity,

Or a handout in charity,

Their request is simple,

to be loved unconditionally.

We have heard about their storms,

And heard their broken crys,

But what a sight to see,

When Jesus is fully in their eyes.

So now,

Once again its Friday night,

And we lean onto one another,

Our emotions running high,

And we know they’re like no other.

It's the day that we have dreaded,

And hoped wouldn't come so soon,

The day we hug them one more time,

And see the darkness start to loom.

How can we make a difference?

How do we make this last?

When all the hurt and pain,

Is welling from the past.

And then we are reminded,

Our job has merely just begun,

And a week at camp is nothing,

When Gods work is never done.

So now It's our time to shine.

To fall to our knees and pray,

That God protects our little ones,

And watches every single day.

They’re so precious in our hearts,

And special in our eyes,

But when compared to you, oh God,

It should come as no surprise.

These are your children God,

Each and every hurting one,

But now we ask for our biggest favor,

For you to bring them closer to Your Son.

God grant me one more blessing,

After they’ve been raining down all week,

Watch over our little ones,

And help them to hear You speak.

By: Peter Voss

Camp Counselor

Northeast Iowa Royal Family Kids

Camp #253