Time for Seconds
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
My journey to TCM was a dive into an unknown area of serving and it was quite surprising how I ended up here. I didn’t know much about TCM and what their purpose was but I knew that it was a ministry that my sister, Janice, was a part of. At one point of my life I was looking for a summer job and also eager to serve in some part of ministry. My sister suggested TCM and I said “why not?”
After my first summer of working with TCM, I decided to return again for a second summer. At the end of my first summer I was asked the chances I would return for another summer and I said a somewhat high number like 70%. I had many doubts and struggles throughout the year but I felt God was calling me to serve again in this community. It was through the community events hosted during the year that I attended, the Christmas dinner and Community BBQ, that I remembered all the relationships I built during the summer outside of camp.
As I returned for my second summer I was left comparing the two experiences. Whether it was the training or the camp itself. With the experience of my first year, I felt more confident and felt like I could truly call TCM my second home. As I struggled a lot this past year in the community, God has been teaching me that community can be temporary and that I can find it in places I expect the least.
Through my time at KG, I have seen God working and the growth of the children, physically and spiritually. From hearing stories of how kids would behave in the past and seeing how they behave now is truly miraculous - seeing how some campers grow up to become part of the TLC program (Teens Leading Community) and others aspiring to be one.
The main thing God has been teaching me is perseverance and trusting Him through times of trouble. Even when I don’t understand the plan He has for me, he places me where I need to be. I find myself learning new things and seeing God work in different ways. Although I don’t know where God is leading me to in the future, I trust God and am excited for the opportunities He has for me next.