| New Hope, PA 2010 |
|
New Hope, PA USA I had the opportunity to serve at Deer Park campgrounds in Pennsylvania. I found that I was truly welcome and at home within no time. The friendships and relationships that were formed with everyone from the caretaker to the campers made me feel just as I would at my home campgrounds, though I did miss the beauty of the beach!
Alicia Mitchell |
One specific young adult stood out during my summer. He had recently travelled to Zambia with a group from his mission center. The experiences he had while he was there were life changing, and his stories were affirmations of the bond that lies between us all. His testimony centered on a scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants, "Do not be afraid to go where God beckons you". Upon returning to the United States, this young adult had become very involved in the mission center and campgrounds. He served them every summer, and also throughout his entire last year of high school. He was a campfire enthusiast who opened my eyes to the beauty of symbolism of campfire – which is a foreign concept to Australians. I realized how much of a bonding experience it was for everyone and how campfire could truly bring out the presence of God with us. We all sang and shared testimonies together; we all laughed and cried together. We experienced each others’ lives, together. This really made me realize how even though we are from different parts of the world, we are connected well and truly through Christ.
