Gabby.

I went on a ten day trip to EFCA's national youth conference, Challenge. Challenge is pretty much six thousand students in one room praising God. We listen to well known speakers and popular christian artists lead worship. This year the venue included Francis Chan ( who I love), Eric Mason, Bryan McWhite, Kristian Stanfill ( worship leader), Craig Gross, and Shane Stacy.  The music was powerful and the speakers were great but, a little girl at a baptist church in the suburbs impacted me more than any of the speakers. Her name was Gabby and she was wearing a pink pool floaty when she first moseyed into the sharks and minnows playing field. She was extremely shy but clung tightly to my hand once the game began. One of our team leaders, Jill, asked Gabby if she liked camp. Gabby said no because she gets picked on and the kids are mean to her. Her counselors don't do anything about it. This quiet girl is made fun of daily and no one does anything about it. She asked if I would be her friend and was filled with joy when I agreed. Her face lite up and she squeezed my hand even tighter. As we pulled away I watched Gabby run to the fence and wave goodbye and then walk slowly to the corner of the field all by herself. Gabby was lonely and it broke my heart knowing she hated day camp. Day camp should be a blast. She dreaded it. I fell in love with this little girl after only one hour and leaving her was wrenching to my heart.