What I Learned From Campers On A Mission

First my apologies to Stephanie and Stan, my cousins who live near Ashville, North Carolina. Through terrible planning on my part I didn’t leave time for a visit when I was at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference a couple weeks ago. I was close to your house but I couldn’t get away. The next time I come to the lovely south roll out a sleeping bag for me. 

 I learned a lot at the conference of course. I got to go, through a set of circumstances that only God could arrange, so I learned that sometimes you just have to stand back and watch Him in action.

I learned from some great writers. I learned a lot about friendship from people I left home who prayed for me and helped me be brave. 

I learned a lot from old ladies and old gentlemen in red polo shirts.  They were the Campers on a Mission. A group of retirees who really help run the place. They made my coffee, for which I will forever be grateful. Other older folks directed us through the labyrinth of halls and buildings to get to our classes. Still others made salads and cleaned up after us. They looked like they were having fun together and they made me feel like my mom was there. 

I will forever think Ridgecrest was a warm and welcoming place just because they were there. They took the scary edge of meeting the editors and agents because they were always ready to smile at me and to make me another Grande Starbucks.

Oh, yeah, and what I learned: I never do have to get old, because I can always be a Camper On A Mission and serve God as long as I can pour a coffee.