<em>Christine Wong</em>
Looking back at this year’s Family Camp, I realize that I have grown closer to not only my family, but God, also. Unfortunately, my sister didn’t attend, because she had to go to another camp organized by the Eastern Canada Chinese Catholic Living Camp.
One reason why, I think, is because I found the chapel more inspiring. I wandered there one morning to escape the breakfast hubbub, and noticed the beauty of the room. Although I have noticed this before, I think it was more beautiful. Maybe because I am now more mature than last year, but it was prettier than before. I cannot explain it. Anyways, I found myself praying, and was…kind of…surprised. I thought I was just a typical teenager, not caring about spirituality and only about friends and looking good. But I prayed. Maybe it’s because I have never seen my peers pray so I thought I was different. Or maybe it’s God trying to speak to me. Either way, I surprise myself.
I prayed for maybe 5 minutes. I don’t really know. But I prayed more than usual. Instead of just saying “hello, how are you doing, good-bye”, I asked God questions, and thanked him. Quoting from an inspirational board: “I knew the answer in my heart, although He spoke no word”.
I asked God if He was the wind. I asked Him if He was the trees, swaying in the wind. I asked Him if He was the grass, in the shade of the tree swaying in the wind. I asked Him if, not only did He make everything in the universe, did He live in them, too, or if he only left a glimmer of his essence.
I also thanked Him for giving me my family, because if I wasn’t born in this family, then I wouldn’t have been able to be there, and I wouldn’t have been able to see our parish’s new church. I also wouldn’t be able to enjoy all that I have. I said more, but I don’t remember now.
Also, I participated in the game of Sharades. It was very fun and exciting. We got all our six questions in about four minutes! I didn’t realize that our understanding of each other was so good.
I am very glad that I went to this year’s Family Camp. I am proud to say that I am looking forward to next year’s! God Bless.