Spiritual Formation | 8/9/2025 9:14:00 AM
Written by: Macey Ogle
Praise Jesus for slow mornings! There's something so beautiful about waking up without the hurry, drinking coffee, and eating breakfast by the water with people you love. The peace this brought bled in to camp as you can instantly feel the joy radiate off every single staff member there.
After we arrived at camp, we started a braid train and played some games to learn more about each other's preferences. We spent the morning playing team-building games with the kids cheering them on as they laughed and competed. The 3-legged race had to be the best! Their energy never fails and is so contagious! We kept the fun going with some more group games before introducing them to kickball. Who knew this game would be so hard to teach someone in another language!
Later, we visited the sweet ladies and gentleman of Casa Amor again. We sat and listened to their stories, hearing about their families and the lives they've built all across Mexico. They're so full of wisdom and love. We asked them for advice and without hesitation they shared that we should, "Behave, be a good girl, and your prince will come." Our hearts melted.
Lunch was, as always, made with so much love by the incredible camp cooks. Rice and beans have officially become my love language. Then it was straight to the soccer field for one of the kids' favorite activities—TUG OF WAR against "las americanas." I think they live for the challenge of beating us! Afterward, the kids competed to see who could toss a water balloon the longest without busting it. Of course this turned into an all-out water balloon fight. The joy of the Lord was overflowing as we ran around, soaked, and laughing until our cheeks hurt. Megan shared that this moment felt like a little piece of heaven on earth.
Soon came my favorite part of the day—canto (singing time)! We've learned three songs in Spanish now, and each time we sing them, I can feel God's presence in a way that transcends words. It is so cool to me that when we pray and worship no matter the language the same God understands every word spoken or sang from each and every person! And during breaks? You can bet the kids are back on the soccer field—always.
On the way home from camp, we stopped at our new favorite popsicle stand. Then came the moment that will forever be in my heart—VAMOS A LA PLAYA! On the bus, worship music was playing in the background as we all sang along quietly. It felt as if Jesus was sitting on the bus with us. When we arrived at the beach, Macyn told us she wanted to be baptized—and not only wanted to give her life to Christ, but wanted all of us in the water with her. Standing in the ocean, watching her publicly declare her faith, was one of the most beautiful, humbling moments I've ever witnessed. God's faithfulness is so, so good.
Dinner was delicious as always, and full of stories and laughter. We ended the evening reading Psalm 40 together, followed by laughing until we cried. And if you ask Addi, she'll tell you she had the best day at Camp Baja.
By the time the day ended, I was tired in the best way—the kind of tired that comes from pouring yourself out and being filled right back up again.
