"SKIP"

I was reminded of this story tonight so thought to write it down before I forget:

I started my college career at Nebraska Christian College when it was in Norfolk in the fall of 2000/2001 school year.  I honestly really liked it, and the people there, but I knew that I would be happier with a bigger school.  And I had kinda changed up my major to more "counseling" than "family ministry."  And a week before I went to college I had a counseling session in McCook and the counselor, whom I still greatly respect, told me all about her Family Life Science degree from UNL.  I was intrigued.  Still, I think God brought this information to me when He did because He knew how much I would get out of my time at NCC, not to mention the people I met, friends I love, and network I still count on.

I had two special friends at NCC-- Lora and Aimee.  Time has taken its toll on our friendship but I still love and cherish them in my heart, even if we don't get to talk very often at all.  It was awful to leave them.  Girls, I will never forget the special meal you made me on one of my last nights there.

So off to UNL I went, and the three of us decided to stay in touch and even to volunteer that summer at some type of camp.  I did some research and found out about an organization called "SKIP" that needed summer camp volunteers fairly badly.  I talked to the girls, we applied and were accepted.  SKIP stands for: Support for Kids of Incarcerated Parents.

Unfortunately, I thought Incarcerated meant that someone had lost a limb.  I think I had it confused with incapacitated-- which actually means disabled or "laid up" (and not having lost a limb).  Or maybe I had it confused with decapitated-- which means the head is separated from the body.  So I don't know where I got this limb business but I was pretty sure of myself.

One night at our UNL Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) meeting I stayed late and was talking to some friends and just hanging out.  We get to talking about my upcoming week at SKIP Camp. I start telling them my grand plans to help the kids understand the struggle their parent(s) go through when they are incarcerated-- and the way it affects daily living.  "Like, maybe I will tie one hand behind their back and make them go through the day with only one arm."  (The looks got rather skeptical at this point-- people were imagining handcuffs but I didn't know that yet.)  "Maybe I could borrow some crutches, or wheelchairs...." I had really thought this through-- I had some friends who were nursing students, etc...  At this point my friend Jay can not stand it any longer.  He asks me what I think incarcerated means.  "That they have lost a limb."  Laughter erupts (thankfully with the only six or so left in the room).  He fills me in that incarcerated means being in jail!  Hahaha.  I laughed so hard I cried.

I had NO CLUE that we were headed to a week of camp with kids who had a parent(s) in jail.  Totally different!!  I think Lora and Aimee knew what they were getting into :)  (Aimee... I know you read this occasionally... are you out there?? Did you know??) You know what, though-- it was a great week of camp.  We went back the next summer, too.  Guess God knew what He was doing!

On the journey,

Stef

PS I have held myself accountable to ONE ice-cream sandwich everyday this week (this is sooooo hard) and have walked everyday.  I will weigh in Friday and I will let you know.