ShoesDay #2

Another day of shoes...Yayy!!! For those who are new, every Tuesday I am writing about a pair of my shoes and a story about them. Hope you enjoy!

Shoes #3

Chacos. These are my outdoor/hiking shoes. However, I will admit, I don't think I have EVER actually going hiking in them. Unless you consider walking the streets of Charleston on a Saturday, then yes, I have gone hiking. If you live in downtown Charleston, you know what I am talking about.

Let's see, what is there to know about these shoes? I got these shoes on my 19th birthday. It was my ONLY birthday present. Chacos are a little pricey, but a great investment because there is a lifetime warranty on them.  I first want a pair in high school after going to Look Up Lodge, and all the staffers had a pair. I didn't like them at first, but then they grew on me.

I like them because they do remind me of Look Up Lodge. A LOT of great times, great fellowship, and great information that was brought back with me after spending a week there.

I first went to Look Up Lodge in 2005, the summer after my freshman year of high school.  It was the first time any of the students from my church had gone to this particular camp. Not only was the first trip amazing, but the three to follow were just the same.  I bonded with so many of the other people in my youth group as well as people from other areas.  The night before I would go up there for a week, I couldn't sleep because I knew that God was going to do some amazing things in the week to come and I couldn't be anymore excited.  I learned so much about God and His amazing love. I always left there being so grateful for all that had come from the week.

From the four summers I had went, I left with some stories:

1. Sex Camp. The first time I went the theme of the week was Love, Sex, and Dating, but our youth group thought it would be more appropriate to call it Sex Camp. I received interesting looks from my friends when I told them I would be away at Sex Camp for a week! Most people assume the worst when you tell them such things.
2. Cooter. That's all I can about that subject. If you were there, then you know what I am talking about and understand the humor behind it. Haha. Good times.
3. Giant Swing. There is this huge swing that is extremely fun to ride, but a little scary at the same time. Totally worth the nerviousness of the first drop.
4. Thursday Nights. The camp would have an end-of-the-week celebration. One time there was an ice cream social.  Another time, there was a country dance. The last time I was there, I spent the Thursday night in the ER. One of the kids in my youth group hurt his hand so I went with him and the youth leader. That was an interesting night for sure. A word to all: If you get mad at someone, DON"T punch a piece of wood. The piece of wood will win.
5. Fellowship. Worship. Chapel. So many good lessons. So many good talks. Greg, the owner/director, really challenged my faith. He asked a lot of questions that would frustrate me because I didn't understand, but would require me to figure things out on my own. The music was great. It was peaceful. It got me ready for the talks each morning and evening.
6. Main Lodge. Locust. Dogwood. Poplar. These were all the different cabins I stayed in. It amazes me that 10 to 12 girls can share a bathroom. It is possible!!! Surprisingly, the girls' room was always cleaner than the boys.

I could probably write a book with all my experiences from the summers I was there. So much more happened than what I just noted I can't count the number of amazing, godly people I met and developed friendships with. I experienced so much of God's love there. When you experience God, you have a connection to that place where it happened. So whenever I wear these shoes, I always think back to what God did in those weeks that affected who I am today.

A few pictures from the summers: