For the last few years, I have opened up August newsletters and read all about TFC Camp. This great place that invited me into fun, knowledge and worship every summer for as long as I remember. Just the last few years, I couldn't accept the invitation because I grew up and God placed me on paths that took me away from camp, such as Navigators mission trips or internships.

Nevertheless, I still get to see photos, hear stories and wear my camp shirt around even though I physically couldn't attend. Little bits of me are there. You don't even have to look very hard, if you know what you are looking for.

I reach out to campers before they ever make it to the campgrounds.

I rush in with their filled out registration form.

They carry me around on their back during camp. (Those TFC campers sure are strong.)

Even as they sit down with God each morning, I am there, staring them in the face.

Because of all the bits I design for camp, I still feel like I am part of the experience. Sure, anyone else could do what I do. But luckily for me, they, as in the TFC staff and volunteers, have others talents and strengths to display at camp. They are just nice enough to let me tag along.

Every winter, I anticipate emails that say, "Hey Brenna, so the interns were thinking about camp. Are you still interested?" I quickly say yes, and scan the email or Facbeook message for the next theme. I have shown up for meetings and brainstormed camp ideas before, but as time goes on, the further away I am from the whole process.

But no matter how removed I am, all my years of TFC and camp fill in any details and scenes I missed this year as I read newsletters. I can imagine Janice, one of my TFC leaders, crawling under a pew to pray, only reporting back Jesus' love. All the water dousing and skit laugher. Every year camp is different, but God isn't. He is the same God who met me there years ago. He's the same one out here in Virginia. He uses regular people like me and Janice and all the staff to spread his love.

Also when I read Janice's letter, a little note fell out. The best part of the note was that she was meeting with two staffers and seven excited middle school girls. I am so excited for all 10 of them. A great year is about to happen to those little girls, and they have no idea what it will bring.

But it will be good; God is good.

I can't wait to open more newsletters in September, October, November, but especially from May. I can't wait to read about how those seven girls are doing, who is going on mission trip and how camp plans shaping up. All the while, even out here in Virginia, I get to be a part of TFC. Something bigger than myself. Something bigger than TFC.