Camp Crescent

My heart has been recharged thanks to a week with 8-13 year old kids who have sickle cell disease.  I haven't felt so alive and present since studying abroad.  I had no cell phone service and for once in years I was physically and mentally in the same place at the same time.  No thinking about what Christian or my family was doing, no checking Facebook, no emailing...just thinking about the kids and what is happening right then and there.  I'm going to try to remember all the things we did there but I'm sure this list is not exhaustive:
wildlife (snakes, turtles, frogs)
African dance
Horticultural therapist (fresh flower leis)
musical instrument making (tamborines, eggs, shakers)
hoola hooping (professional who works at 2027 performance arts studio)
baking with chef at Chase Hotel (Michael Smith - earthquake cookies)
African American painted murals (on sheets)
nature hike
fishing
archery
swimming
duct tape fashion show
writing and recording song (we gotta stick together to fight the pain; try not to think about it cheer up and get proud; sickle cell is what we have and not what we are; we might not win the battle but we'll win the war)

I wish I could relive this week once a year to refresh my heart and mind.  These children were the best: HaNaiya, Anteneesha, Imani, Oniyechi, Jayda, Madisyn, Cydney, Karnell, Sean, Jerrell, Eric, Branden, Connie, Quidira, Langston, Royce...wish I could remember all of their names!

I will ALWAYS be thinking about and wishing the best for these beautiful children.