"But you look a whole year bigger, now!"

"This is somewhat of a personal blog, as today was a salve to my heart and soul that was both needed and valued beyond measure. First I openly admit that, to me, any day at the Domain is a great day, but especially today, I found a blessed island of calm and joy in a currently chaotic and uncertain life.

I was offered the opportunity to help with the medical check-ins at the Domain, and quickly accepted...A few hours of fun "work" paid for by one of Rita's fried chicken dinners??....duh.

I saw and felt nothing less than total enthusiasm by all; staff, counselors, kids and 3 wild and crazy nurses. Having been the camp nurse at the Domain Reading Camp last summer, I admit I was looking forward to and especially enthralled at seeing the kids I already knew, returning from a year ago. They were so excited to be remembered, and to be told "But you look a whole year bigger, now!"

I re-met a little girl who I had shared hours with last year, gradually having the honor of hearing bits and pieces of a very difficult but amazingly brave life. And getting a giant hug from a now young man, SO different from the little boy I remember checking in last year...who, during camp, overcame obstacles and fears in such an amazing way that it inspired and uplifted me...forever. And another who was already sad that next year he'd be too old to return to Reading Camp again, but whose face lit up when I told him about Boys' Camp and promised him that I'd tell Andy he wanted to return again...and again.

Counselors from last year, now one year closer to graduation and college, ran forward with greetings and hugs that were soul-saving. They had been, last year, the most responsible, helpful and endearing young men and women I had ever worked with - and to see them, the same, yet so much older in 12 short months was a true gift.

I was able to laugh with many of the same teachers and be amazed at the organization and enthusiasm of this years' camp directors. I was even serenaded by my cohort of last year, Karl (with a K!!) who couldn't believe I remembered the song he sang to me a year ago - as he had no idea how much it had touched me then and that it was something I would never forget.

Known faces, new faces...some hesitant, some a little leery, some absolutely ready to Rock ('n Roll!) with Reading Camp...what a gift...what a blessing. Thank you for letting me share. Thank you for the many warm wishes as I prepare to set off on the great adventure of Reading Camp in South Africa. This day was Amazing Grace. Have a wonderful week."

-Mary Jane Amick, Steering Committee member, and volunteer nurse who visited the Domain Reading Camp yesterday to help with pre-camp health screenings process