Unexpected Blessings
Sophie enjoying the summer sun in the Fortune Lake field
For Sophie Carlson, the entire summer at camp was filled with challenges that led to unexpected blessings. Sophie had recently graduated with her teaching degree. She had endured the ever-changing landscape of the public schools during a pandemic while struggling to process the outcry due to racial injustice. She needed a safe place to land, and the Holy Spirit called her back to Fortune Lake.
Sophie was hired as the Youth Camp Coordinator, a position that involves coordinating the programming for all youth campers and dealing with the unexpected situations that arise. “Although the leadership team had faith in me,” Sophie says,“ I was freaking out, as it was a bigger position than I had ever had.” Midway through the summer, we learned that our international staff would not be able to arrive; Sophie was asked to step up into a second position as the Intergenerational Camp Coordinator. Despite her apprehension, Sophie accepted with poise and grace.
Throughout the summer, Sophie witnessed campers who were grateful just to be with people again. They were able to find a glimpse of light after a dark time, even if just for a week. Fortune Lake was a safe space where they were fully welcomed, able to ask questions, and free to experience God’s love for them, exactly as they are.
For Sophie, the unexpected blessings have continued far beyond the summer. She became close friends with two other staff members who are attending college in the new community where Sophie was hired as a teacher. Those friendships have carried her through her first semester of teaching. Her desire to be in a safe space for a season brought her back to this Place of Grace in two unexpected positions, and the blessings are still flowing.
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