Maranatha is
such a fun place! I go with my family every year for a family reunion. It’s a
family Bible camp about three hours away on Lake Michigan. While I’m there we
have a Bible class every morning and evening for the whole week. This year was
my first year being in the Teen Classes, even though I’m not a teenager yet. I
felt really nervous about being in that class full of “big kids”, but luckily I
had my cousin, Leanna, who had already been in this class the year before.
The very
first day of the week I woke up at around 8:00 or 8:30 so I could have time to
get ready for the classes that start at 9:30. Once I had eaten breakfast and
gotten dressed, I sat around for a while because I had extra time. I must have
lost track of time because before I knew it, it was already 9:28! I got up as
fast as I could, put my shoes on, yelled “Bye, I’m leaving for class!” to my
mom because she was still in bed, and rushed out the door. It was much chillier
than I had expected outside. I almost felt as if the air was nipping at my
arms, and it was also sprinkling rain. It seemed like the kind of day that
could make anyone grumpy and sad, but I was too excited for the new class.
I ran down the concrete outdoor hallway with doors to other rooms to my left and the
railing on my right. We were on the top floor of the three story building. It
reminds me a lot of a motel but much nicer, at least on the inside of the
rooms. I was walking quickly toward the
steps, and suddenly I heard my friend Kayla’s brother yelling much louder than he needed to,
“Get back here and brush your teeth!” at the youngest of the boys in their
family. Just as he said this I remembered… even with all of the extra time I
had, I had forgotten to brush my
teeth! Even though I knew it wasn’t that big of a deal I for some unknown reason
turned around to go back and brush my teeth. After brushing my teeth I grabbed
a sweater, and started back to class again, but this time I was running.
I walked toward the door to Lebanon Lodge and
was so happy to see my cousin standing at the door with one of her friends
waiting for me because I really didn’t want to walk into class on my own. As
the three of us walked into the building, down the aisle of seats full of
teenagers, there was music playing and everyone was talking. We found a few
open seats near the front of the room and sat down. The room was nice and warm,
and there was sun shining through the windows. I felt a slight tap on my shoulder
as if someone was trying to get my attention. So I turned around, and there
sitting with the silliest face she had ever put on, it was Kayla! She’s always
coming up with silly faces. I guess it’s just her personality. We were both so
excited to see each other. We talked a lot about how much had gone on this
year, but the subject changed quickly to
Kelly.
Kelly is
another one of my close friends at Maranatha. She hadn’t shown up yet and the
teachers were about to start teaching. We hoped she remembered the fact that we
were in a new building this year. But we had to forget about that because class
was beginning.
The counselors
put on a funny skit for us to get to know them. Then we split into groups by
grade, of boys and girls. My group
walked through the crisp cold air to the lodge. The lodge was a really nice and
homey place built out of stone and wood.
My group (6th to 7th grade girls)
scooted into
a little area by a fire place to sit and do our lesson.
***************************
About three
days later I walked into class again, feeling very upset about how cold it had
been, and that Kelly had still not shown up. Kayla and I were sure that she
must not be coming this year. As I walked into class, yet again, I found a seat
next to Leanna. Then suddenly, a girl with bright red hair and freckles turned
around. It was Kelly! I couldn’t believe it! I was so happy! Nothing could make
me sad now that I knew she would be here for the rest of the week, even if the
weather was terrible.
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