However Pat and I were perfectly situated in a shaded view site on the top-most level completely apart from the ongoing problems in the lower levels. We only became aware of them as we walked the dogs in the evening. And we had a decision to make: we could either stay at the top as we always do and be thankful that we were isolated from the problems below ... or we could drive to town, go to park headquarters, and volunteer our services as campground hosts for the remainder of the season.We visited the empty host site in the middle of the campground that evening after quiet hours. Black smoke billowed from burning plastic. Music blared loudly. Wind-blown trash drifted through the area. Young children were screaming and running through neighboring campsites. Dogs were wandering off leash. Profanity could clearly be heard above the din.
My stomach knotted. I reminded the Lord that this was NOT the national forest! This was NOT the quiet, spacious out-of-doors that I loved! This was "Yogi Bear camping" not "Smokey Bear camping!" And besides, I'm on vacation!!
But the scenery was beautiful, the weather was perfect (which is why we and others come here at this time every year), and multigenerational families had made reservations expecting to enjoy a family vacation in a family campground. And Pat and I have people skills ... and years of experience as teachers ... and a compelling sense of responsibility.
We took over as hosts on Thursday. One group practically cheered as we began to set up. A camper exclaimed, "Mom and Dad are finally here!"
Our first night as hosts was the hardest. Sometime just before midnight, when one group STILL refused to turn off their loud music and comply with quiet hours, I called dispatch. No one was available—the nearest law enforcement ranger was stationed an hour and a half away! But a law enforcement ranger did make contact the next day. The obnoxious camper made amends with his neighbors and was quiet from Friday on--as was the entire campground. Music and generators were turned off at 10 pm, dogs and children were corralled, neighboring campers began to visit, and park maintenance staff relaxed noticeably.
We worked 18-hour days for the next two weeks. We
made regular patrols of the 77 campsites, the boat launch, and the beach. We dealt with lost children, lost dogs and lost items. We answered questions, gave directions, treated minor scrapes and helped with simple repairs. We visited with motorcycle groups, youth groups, Russian and Polish immigrants, German and Canadian vacationers, local campers, and out of state folks who hadn't a clue where they were when they arrived! It wasn’t a vacation, but it was a mission … an exhausting, memorable, and fulfilling Mission of Peace. And we were blessed.Where is God calling you to leave the comfort of your upper level site to spend some time on a Mission of Peace? And how are you going to respond?
Blessings await … but the choice is yours to make.
Pastor Kit
