Hey wonderful people, I am finally back from camp! It was an amazing week of faith building, being super active (nothing makes you feel old and out of shape than playing games with junior highers lol), and bonding. This year I got to counsel a group of six middle school girls and it was one of the most rewarding experiences just speaking positivity and encouragement into their lives. It was really awesome seeing their self-esteem and self worth increase in just a few days together. Needless to say I got absolutely no sleep and had to fight the crankiness back during the last few days, but I really did have a blast.
We had an industrial theme for camp
My friend Nichole and I decorated the "late night game" room to be space age-y. If you've ever watched "Minute to Win It", we used their challenges and it was ah-may-zing!
Each night was a themed dinner - here I am with a couple of my girls for "Worst Dressed" night
...and here I am for 80s rocker night, lol
Being at camp gave me a great idea for next week’s posts. Because I’d only have 10 minutes here and there to get ready, I figured out some tips I want to share with you all on how to look your best on a time crunch. I’ll be working on putting together some videos and tutorials this weekend, I think you’ll really enjoy them! Keep an eye out 
Other than that, I thought I’d share something amazing that happened to me not too long ago. This last September I got married to my amazing husband. I was lucky enough to have my uncle from Japan attend the wedding – we hadn’t seen him in ten years and I haven’t been able to really have much of a relationship with him or his family. We bonded at the wedding and I felt like I really gained a new, great relationship. Not long after he returned to Japan he was diagnosed with cancer.
Immediately I was filled with fear; I was so scared I’d lose an amazing uncle that I finally rekindled a relationship with. His body was responding badly to all the medication he was given, and eventually he decided to not go through with chemo and just continue with natural products. That’s when I started to pray proactively everyday. I’ve never prayed so hard in my life, but I needed to believe that God wouldn’t let him leave just yet.
After months of this, a few weeks ago my uncle emailed me. He had visited the hospital for his checkup to find out that all the cancerous cells were gone. The doctors couldn’t believe it – he hadn’t been taking anything that would “cure” him. This is the first time a true medical miracle has ever happened to me personally. I’d always been a bit skeptical of other people’s stories; I tend to be one of those people who have to see things to believe them, so this totally blew me away. My uncle is now healthy, his family is doing great, and I’m hoping to make my first trip out to Japan soon!
I just wanted to share that story both because it was so amazing and awesome for me, and also as an encouragement that (as cheesy and Disney princess-y it sounds) miracles do happen. I hope you all have a great weekend, I’ve missed you all dearly, and I can’t wait to get back to work!
Katie
1 year ago
Great news about your uncle! How amazing!
Maria Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:46 am
Thanks girl! It’s been such a huge relief
Leah H.
1 year ago
Not to sound cheesy or anything but you are such an inspiration, I can imagine that you would be a great mentor for young girls
I’m glad to hear that your uncle is recovering. That is so amazing! I hope you get to make a trip to Japan to see him soon and I want to hear all about it!
Maria Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
What sweet words, that is really encouraging Leah
Sometimes it’s easy to think that my words don’t really affect people, so I really appreciate the feedback. You’re awesome
Jay
1 year ago
What church is this with?!
Maria Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Hey Jay! Jony and I attend Harvest Church in Concord.