girls camp!!

Two weeks ago, I went to girls camp. Sadly to say, it was my last year. But on a happier note, it was my favorite year yet! I had a LOT of fun, met a bunch of new people, and felt the spirit so strongly. My favorite was Thursday night, when we did a representation of the Iron Rod. There was one of the YW leaders who took out each ward through the program. While the wards went through, Bryndee and I had the opportunity to be signalers--we flashed our flashlights to other girls down the mountain to let them know when they were able to send the next ward. It was really fun! especially because we could see the signal going down the mountain. (this we marked off for "go on a secret mission" on our list). After all the wards were done, the YCL's had a chance to go through. It was SO amazing! The first little break was the mist of darkness. CDs were played of a bunch of voices rattling off things like "you aren't good enough" "how do you know there is a god" "just do it, no one will know" "modesty doesn't matter" and things like that. It was horrible! I had such a yucky feeling! Next was a HUGE great and spacious building (and I have to admit it looked really cool, except for all the scary rated R movie posters outside). There were silhouettes of people inside acting out having a party and stuff. Next, we moved on to another mist of darnkess, with the voices again. After the voices, Pres. Monson spoke, and instantly all uncomfortable dark feelings went away. It was amazing. we walked on and watched a couple minute video of Christ's life. Next, was my favorite part: the Tree of Life. Some ladies in our stake built this tree, and it was BEAUTIFUL! They hung crystals from it, and they just glowed and shimmered in the light! The stake presidency (Pres Riggs, Hauserman, and Derrick), Sis Taylor (stake YW pres) and Sis Glauss (camp director) stood under the tree in their white temple clothes, and greeted us. I felt so at peace, and wanted to stay! I forgot about all the other dark, evil things I before saw and heard. I loved it! It helped me with my eternal perspective on life, and how during the rocky trecherous path of life, eventually it will all be over, and not seem that hard at all!

I am so sad that this was my last year of camp! I am hoping next year my ward will need a few more leaders, so I can go with them :)