girls' camp: day four

have i told you yet, about my partner in crime?

we were told many times by multiple people that we acted like we had been friends since birth.  it really did feel like that most of the time.  every night, we'd stay up late talking to the girls, laughing our heads off at our own jokes, while the girls just laughed at us laughing at ourselves.  every night, we either stayed up as late as the girls did, or even later.  we got along so well.  i absolutely love her... even when she's trying to out-model me.

sunday, we attended sacrament in the "sacred grove", a clearing in the woods with log benches placed in rows.  the weather had been absolutely beautiful for us the whole week.  the nights were very chilly... just how i like 'em, and the days were perfect enough for me to sit outside in jeans and a t-shirt without even breaking a sweat.  that sunday morning was beautiful.  i loved being able to attend a church meeting outside amid the beautiful forest and visually capture the beauty of god's creations.

it was father's day, and bryce was home alone with the girls.  he got them ready for church and even sent me a pix message of ava's hair in a ponytail entitled, i tried.  i felt awful that i wouldn't be there with him on his special day, to honor him, but at least his girls were.  nothing says, happy father's day than me leaving him all alone for a week with his girls.  in all actuality, he really enjoyed himself and to my complete surprise i found myself not missing my family as much as i thought i would.  i called/texted bryce at least once a day, but often i found myself busy and having a great time.  girls' camp is funny... as soon as you set foot on its grounds, you can tell there's something different about it.  the spirit, is very strong there and as you walk around you can sense that others are feeling that same way, too.  i knew that was where i was supposed to be and that my family would be taken care and would be just fine while i was away.

that night, the stake staff organized a beautiful program.  we hiked up to the church building by the main road where they had set it up to look like an airport.  there we waited in line to go through security, checked in, and awaited our "flight".  when everyone was ready, we boarded the airplane where we were treated to an in-flight movie, peanuts and beverages.  in the middle of the flight, the lights went out and they simulated a crash.  from there they walked us through a post-life experience.  i had no idea what an amazing experience it would turn out to be.  the evening was very emotional for all.  the spirit was so strong and many testimonies were strengthened and solidified.  after the program we divided amongst wards for a testimony meeting.  our small ward (we have very little youth in our ward) gathered in a small room where we all had the opportunity to bear our testimonies.  i felt close to all in that room and for that short time, i felt closer to the spirit than i had in a very long time.  the evening had such a great impact on everyone that, for the next few hours when we returned back to our cabins, all of us, our girls included, kept talking about it and how we felt and our thoughts on it all.  my love for the girls grew so much more that night... i had no idea.