NIKO Survival Camp
Bucaramanga, Colombia

George Matheson, the well-known blind preacher of Scotland, who has gone to be with the Lord, said: "My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn. I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but not once for my thorn. I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross; but I have never thought of my cross as itself a present glory.”

Every week I must write a summary for the school of what I learned along with roses (pleasures) and thorns (challenges). I learn from both, but the thorns definitely prove and form my character.

Notes for Mercy School, April 1-5:

Roses:
I SURVIVED!!
Finding myself in better health than I had expected
Enjoying nature and singing praises as I hiked
When it was really hot, I prayed and it rained lightly
Working well with my team
Making friends with one of my Latina teammates
Learning that I need to respond better under stress or conflicts, taking special care when I’m tired or sick
Having my team support me when I was in pain
Being able to do more than I had thought

Thorns:
Getting really annoyed with some poor choices of other team members that affected me
Getting hurt
Knowing that my attitude at one time of frustration affected my team
Not being sufficiently prepared for NIKO

Personal Application:
Every decision made brings consequences—good decisions bring good consequences always, and bad decisions bring bad consequences always. In God’s world, I can’t make a bad decision and expect a good consequence. With God’s help, I will make good decisions that bless others, please God, and bring good consequences.
I want to improve in my responses in the midst of conflicts—when someone interrupts or questions me, I want to learn to explain calmly and listen, not get defensive, angry, or sullen (withdraw).
I want to continue to work out (stretch and walk) so that I can get into good shape.
I can go further than I think, so with God’s help and strength, I will stretch my limits.

Ministerial Application:
Team work is vital. I cannot survive real life with its stresses, pleasures, sadnesses, and needs independently. I must trust in God, leaders, and others to help me. I must ask when I need help to lighten my load, before it’s an emergency. I want to be aware of others’ needs and willing to help lighten their loads.
Helping others who need help, hard work, sacrifice is rewarding—I might not even receive thanks, but the satisfaction and joy that I feel is reward enough. I want to always be focused on loving and serving others.