For one week during the middle of August I had the greatest opportunity come my way. I was able to volunteer as a counselor for EFY. For those of you who aren't familiar with the program, let me fill you in.
Especially For Youth (a.k.a. EFY) is a five day youth-oriented program put on by our church. It's objectives are to encourage, assist, and guide youth participants (ages 14-18) as they strive to "come unto Christ." EFY creates a setting where youth have the opportunity to develop spiritually, physically, intellectually and socially. EFY programs are held throughout North America every summer and are attended by more than 50,000 youth. During the week the youth have the chance to learn together while attending classes, devotionals, and firesides. They also participate in dances, a music program, a variety show, service project, a banquet, and game nights. Sessions are primarily supervised by young-adult counselors who are positive role models for the youth. All sessions are directed by adult instructors. This summary comes directly from the EFY website.
I was able to be a counselor during the week of August 11-15. It was an absolutely incredible experience! I was a counselor over a group of 12 girls (ages 14-15) and my company (2 girl groups and 1 boy group combined) had about 38 youth. I can't tell you all how much I needed something like this in my life at this moment. It reminded me of when I was that age and was making some very important decisions and choices about the direction my life was going to take and the person I wanted to become. I was in awe of how good these kids are. They had such a desire to learn about the gospel and to develop a closer relationship with their Savior. In this day and age it's very rare to find youth who have a desire to head in this direction. The world is just pulling them in so many directions. It just gave me so much hope seeing all these kids who are doing their best to defy the odds and everything in the world that's against them and literally follow Christ. You know how you feel when you're around a good-hearted, good-natured person, who just always seems to stand for truth no matter what's thrown in their path? Well try being around 400 of them all at once. It's overwhelming powerful! Here are some pictures of my kids.
My Girls and Me in the Middle
My Company
Lauren & Ashlee
Casey & Clint doing their service project
