When I think back to when I was a little girl, I think about all the fun things that I used to do, like going to Canada's Wonderland, or camping. I also remember being so excited for the future. Staying up late, hanging out with friends, dancing and singing more than ever. One thing I truly wanted to do when I got older was to be a counsellor at my favourite overnight camp. I wanted to teach kids about God's love just like they did for me!

So last year when I spent my first summer working at Willow Springs Camp I was overjoyed to be a part of the secret service team working in the kitchen, and in skills. I also had hopes that the following summer I might get the opportunity to be a counsellor, something I had dreamed about for a long time. Sure enough, this year I was hired to be a junior counsellor and programmers assistant for the whole summer! I could not have been happier. I knew exactly what my summer was going to look like. It was like a dream!

But then, life hit a few bumps, and somehow we've all ended up in quarantine. Back in March I had high hopes for the summer. I had trusted that God would get us all where we needed to be to make camp happen normally. It came to April and I still had faith for camp this summer. Near the end of April, things still had not changed and I had high hopes that even if camp might be slightly different it would still be camp.

During this time, it seemed no one had answers to anything, what summer would look like or school in the fall! So I went to the person I knew I could trust the most. I went to God and I asked for some guidance. The truth is I didn’t get a yes or no answer from Him, but what I got was new hope. I knew deep down that my summer wasn’t going to be what I wanted, but I came to know that whatever it was going to be was what God had intended for me.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not unseen.”
Hebrews 11:1

So, in May when they announced that all overnight camps would not be happening, I was crushed. Even though I knew it was coming I was still so sad. The wonderful team that would have led me this summer reminded me that it’s okay to be sad, and to mourn. Jesus wants us to mourn and take comfort in Him, so that’s what I did. I took time to be sad. To think about all the things I had missed and was going to miss. But, what makes me get up for another day of online school and life, is the hope that God has good things in store for me. God works in mysterious ways. When I feel like doors keep getting slammed in my face, God opens another door, and all I need to do is have enough faith to walk through it.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18

Still today I have no idea what my plans are, and I know there will probably be more disappointments ahead in this crazy time. But, what I am absolutely sure is that good things are coming, even if I don’t see it. God has a plan for each and everyone of us, we just need to trust in Him. Moving forward, I’m not going to be scared for the unknown, but instead be excited! Trust in the Lord, for He knows what we need.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

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Anna Varga is a high school student at Wexford Collegiate. She is a talented singer, dancer, actor, and writer. She is an active member of the Amberlea youth group.