I’m sure I forgot to tell you, but I am somewhere very special this weekend. I’m camped out a church for a retreat thing called Chrysalis.

What is Chrysalis?

Chrysalis is a Christian organization that puts on 3-day retreats (we call them “Flights”) for high school kids. We basically set up camp at a host church (which changes from one to the next) on a Thursday night. Friday morning the young girls or boys (never together, we do separate retreats for each) arrive and that is when the real fun begins. We spend the next three days teaching them about Jesus Christ and showing them God’s love in some very cool, creative and often tangible ways (i.e. an endless supply of food). It’s a VERY AWESOME thing.

It’s a lot of work to put on one of these Flights and it can be exhausting, but exhilarating at the same time. I’ve been involved with Chrysalis for 14 years, ever since I attended as a young teenager in 1994. In fact, most of my very close friends are friends I met working on Chrysalis Flights. I love working these Flights. I love the people. I love the teamwork that goes on. I love that these young ladies this weekend will walk away Sunday knowing - really knowing - how much God loves them and accepts them for who they are. Did I mention it’s an awesome thing?

You know what else is awesome? Waking up at 6:15 am while other workers are still sleeping and having to get dressed in the dark. Fortunately, the iPod makes a great flashlight.