At around 5 p.m. on January 11, 2013, myself as well as other campus students boarded a bus Humeward bound. Hume Lake Christian Camp is a wonderful place up in the hills, that holds camps during the summer and winter, and I had been looking forward to this day all year.

The bus pulled out of Northside Christian Church parking lot and off we went. I sat by Elora Hargis, ’14 and our main goal was to make a whole new group of friends by sharing a package of Pillsbury cookie dough. Disgusting, I know.

This year’s theme was Sincerely Yours, and the message was focused on how the Bible is God’s love letter to us. It really put things into perspective for me and my view of God’s word. The weekend would be complete with events such as Broom Hockey, Box Sled Blitz and amazing chapel services. I was stoked and totally ready to experience the weekend with an open mind.

By the time we reached Hume, we had completely ingested a box of watermelon Sour Patch Kids, the cookie dough and a bag of pita chips. We were sick to say the least. I stepped out of the bus and on to the icy ground, only to be covered by the beautiful snow falling from the navy sky.

Being that this was only my second time to the camp during mid winter, I had to take a second and take it all in. I was surrounded by ginormous trees, wooden buildings and a bunch of happy campers all covered with powdery snow.

Filled with excitement, I had a new boost of energy that allowed me to lug my huge suitcase and backpack up a slippery hill. Not going to lie, I lost my footing several times, and I am sure it was quite entertaining for the people behind me. When I finally reached the door of my cabin, I breathlessly flung open the door and tossed my luggage near the bunk I would be lodging in.

I quickly changed and ran out the door to go to dinner. I was quite surprised as to how the temperature was not as cold as I thought it would be. I felt very comfortable in my many layers, and was even hot. Once I made it into the beautiful building where I ate, I got my food and gobbled it down. Then Elora and I headed to chapel with the People’s Church group.

The two announcers were very enthusiastic and excited for us to be there. They gave us the rundown for the week and talked to us about rules. After they were done with their spiel, the amazing band, For All Seasons, came on to the stage. They were at camp in past years but were commonly known as Reveal back then.

They opened with an introduction of the band and then began worship. I was flooded with raw emotions and made it my prayer to reach out and feel God in every which way. As we sang, our voices were one, and for the first time I felt like the room was made up of my brothers and sisters. I felt so connected and plugged into the music and the Spirit. My mind set was focused completely on the beauty of God’s love.

After chapel, we were released for free time and Elora and I walked to the O.K. Chalet, which is kind of like the camp hang out place, where we enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate and watched students fly off the mechanical bull. We talked about our faith and just rested. It was so nice just to relax for a bit after a long day and emotional night.

We went back to the cabin after about an hour and took off our several layers. It was glorious to get into bed all snug and comfortable. Hannah Avila, ’14, ended up climbing into the tiny, creaking twin-sized bunk bed with me. I was all smashed up against the wall and couldn’t move but it was the best sleep I had gotten in awhile.

That morning, a chorus of alarms went off, giving us the lacking urgency of getting out of bed. I got dressed in my warm clothing and went down to breakfast. After breakfast we went to another worship chapel. I can easily say that worship time was my favorite because it was so sincere and genuine, and I totally felt God’s presence.

When chapel was over, we broke out into the icy cold and once again I had to take a moment and breathe in God’s amazing, awesome creation. I felt so blessed and small that morning.

Earlier in the weekend, I signed up for the giant swing, which takes you to about 42 feet above ground. You yank a cord that releases you and free fall. I was absolutely terrified. Not only do you fall from the sky, but you entrust other campers to pull you to the top.

It was finally my turn, and with a nervous tummy I walked over to the cord where a staffer attached me by my harness. Once at the very top, I was speechless. To see everything from a bird’s eye view was overwhelming.

God was evident in everything. When it was time to pull the cord, I had a bit of trouble getting it to release. But when I broke free, I flew through the air and it was very freeing and vulnerable. It was absolutely amazing.

When I was done I was worn out, so I went with a few friends to the O.K. Chalet for some down time. I shared a pazookie with a bunch of people and had some fries. We talked about some personal struggles in life and we really bonded in that hour. I then broke off one-on-one with my friend Annalise Rosik , ’14, and we wandered around the camp and spent some quality time with one another.

That night after dinner, we went to chapel and I sat next to some friends I just recently made. That night was really emotional and intimate for me, and I completely broke. Everything in my heart came bursting out in gratitude for what God has done and I realized what in my life is breaking me.

That night I spoke with my mentor Kim Bimat and Elora, and just completely poured out with things I could no longer hang onto. They gave me some great insight and the pain that had been lingering inside me found a way out.

After the conversation I left with a new peace but a horrible headache. Elora and I had the intention of going back to the cabin but instead went to the ice skating rink. She had been telling how much she loves ice skating and how her whole life she had done it. She laced up her skates and stepped onto the icy platform and slipped. She threw out her back, and it was hilarious. I had to help her back to the cabin, and I laughed the whole way.

God has a great sense of humor and that totally cheered me up. I know I sound like an awful best friend but at the end of the day it was a great story. We went to bed, and this time I crawled into Elora’s bunk and was smashed against the wall. Although I was uncomfortable, I once again got amazing sleep.

In the morning it was kind of nostalgic because it was the last day at camp. I put a pair of sweats on and went to the last breakfast. I wolfed down three pancakes and probably ten pieces of bacon. With a full tummy I went to the final chapel service.

It was bitter sweet; bitter because I absolutely adore Hume and hate leaving, but sweet because I learned so much and couldn’t wait to go share it with my friends back home. I gave myself wholly in worship and laid my troubles at the feet of God. I was in so relieved and felt really at peace with some things I had been struggling with.

I went back to the cabin and lugged down my stuff to the bus. I was so happy to have reached the bus because my arms felt like they were going to fall off. After I boarded the bus and got situated into my seat, I preyed open a box of donuts and started a drawing contest with my new bus buddies to keep us preoccupied. When the engine of the bus started and we began to roll out of Hume, I looked back at the snow covered road with a deeper faith and appreciation for my friends.

I left with a wonderfully filled heart and a more personal and intimate relationship with Christ. Filled with nostalgia and eagerness I went down the hill only wanting to go back. With that said, I am beyond grateful for my all too short weekend at Hume. What I learned and better understand is how great God is, and that He loves us more than anything.

For more opinions, read the Jan. 23 article, College Corner: Common questions about FAFSA.