Deep Connections

Tonight was miraculous!

I love the girls I am working with at camp this week. We have already had some great discussions and connected very quickly. For this I am thankful, but even more I am thankful for the individual, intimate relationships that I am able to develop with these wonderful young women!

This evening one of my girls looked really pensive and upset. I prodded, but did not want to force her to talk. On the other hand, I made it painfully clear that I am willing and available to talk or listen (whatever she needed). After some time passed, she opened up. I discovered that she is a fellow Tricha! This was not exactly something to be excited about, but it is encouraging to find community and someone who can relate... and NOT think you're crazy or simply tell you to "Stop if you don't want to do it!"

Earlier I had shared with my campers that I have this problem and that the Lord is helping me through, and since it's a current struggle, I commissioned them to help me to recognize when I'm doing it. This vulnerability with the campers provided a bridge for my camper to connect to me and feel comfortable to personally open up! The Lord is so amazing in convincing me to share something so personal and difficult with my campers to whom I am trying to be a godly example. Even though I know that demonstrating weakness (while trusting and depending on Him) and being vulnerable first can be the ultimate example, it's so hard to remember that and not think that being an example means convincing others that you are perfect! They know I'm not, so I should have some guts and just admit it.

I am very thankful right now for my own experiences with Trichotillamania, because I am able to pass that on to this Tricha... and help her! YAY!!! The exciting thing is that once she is home next week and pulls up my blog for the first time (yep, I'm giving her the url), she will read this!
((I love you, by the way! ...and am praying for you!))