Day 218: Growing Up

Should be Day 226.

     It was the last day of summer camp.  Cassie sat on her bed with her journal and pen in hand, straining to see under the light of her dim flashlight.  She didn't care if she lost her eyesight; she had to get all her emotions out.  All the rest of her cabin mates were finally asleep, so she tried not to move and wake them up.

     I can't tell you how happy I am that this day is over.  Normally people are supposed to be sad when the last day of camp arrives.  I was hoping that since this was the last day, Amber and Cheslie would talk to me.

     I purposely sat next to them at lunch and tried to join in on their conversation as they swapped stories on how they did on the first set of games.  As soon as I opened my mouth, Amber talked over me.  When I tried again, they were both silent.  It was like I had the Plague.

     Then while we were in the middle of the volleyball game, I asked Chelsie if she had a band-aid for my knee.  She told me she didn't, and three minutes later I saw her give one to some other guy.  If that wasn't bad enough, the lake incident was even worse.  The volleyball coach suggested we go in the lake for a little while to cool off and rinse the sweat off.  It was a good idea.  The water rushing past my sore arms and shoulders felt relaxing.  Guys and girls alike were in there, splashing around.  I had been splashing Danny when I accidentally bumped into Amber.  She gave me a dirty look, and my apologies seemed to do no good on her.

     Now, I don't want to accuse anyone, but I'm 91% sure that Chelsie put leeches on my arm to get back at me for hitting into Amber.  I had gone near her right after the accident, and Chelsie was messing around with something her hands.  Once I had seen the leeches, I had gotten out of the water to peel them off me.  They were really gross and sticky.  Little drops of blood mixed with the lake water were all over me.  Nasty!  Anyways, my towel was gone, and I had to walk all the way back to the cabins without one.  Weird part, Amber and Chelsie were out of the water too.  Coincidence?  I don't think so.  So there I was, dripping wet and shivering my you-know-what off as I walked back.  The sun dried me somewhat, but still.  All I had on was the two-piece.  Then I got some sun-burn on my neck and calves.

     Last year when we had all come here, I had a blast with them.  We were unstoppable together.  Our pranks on the boys' cabin pushed our team to the top.  Then we stayed up past curfew and crept out to the lake to meet a couple guys and watch the moon rise over the lake.

     I knew when I became a Christian it was going to be hard, but sometimes I wonder if it was worth it.  I mean, I know I made the right decision, and I love God, but my friends wouldn't be treating me like this.  Some of that stuff we did wasn't necessarily right, but we didn't hurt others, at least not like they've hurt me.  I expected they'd treat me different, and it'd feel a little awkward, but not like this.  They shunned me and treated me like one of those nerds everyone teases.  They were my best friends.

     I guess I know how Jesus felt and the other early Christians that were persecuted.  At least He blessed me with meeting Donna and Molly.  I don't know what I'd do without them.  At least I know they'd never treat me like that.  Another reason why Christianity is so much better than anything else.