So, yesterday was my birthday. Definitely the best birthday I have ever had. Learning to accept the fact that I am loved, and then everyone going out of their way to celebrate me. I felt so loved, cherished, desired, and wanted! 

My best friend in the whole world, Kayla, gave me the best gift ever. First, I will give a little back story and then tell you what she gave me. We met at pinecove, working as camp counselors together in summer 2020. After the summer, we lived together and she became my best friend. This summer, after Colombia, we worked together again, and I told her this story about my bible. For Christmas, my grandma gave me this new beautiful journaling bible and my plan was to break it in and use it when camp ended. Week 7 this summer, I had this sweet camper who I could tell was on fire for the Lord but she came to camp using her dads King James version bible. I felt a tug on my heart to give her my new bible. To be completely honest, I did not want to. I was so excited to use this new pretty journaling bible when camp ended and I did not want to give it away. I fought with the Lord all week on giving it up, and he tore down walls of my pride and selfishness and I eventually decided to give it to her. She was so happy and so grateful for it, I felt dumb for even wanting to keep it for myself. I came home from camp and my old bible was destroyed. It was already on its last leg after I came home from Colombia, but this was it for her. The spine had fallen apart and pages were falling out. I would never get rid of this bible, but it was getting difficult to use daily. I hadn't told her that I was thinking about getting a new one, but she had noticed how bad it was and gifted me with the most beautiful new one. She said when she saw it, it reminded her of me. There is a quote on the back that says "He called me out of the darkness and into His marvelous light", and she said that when she read it, it made her think of me and it resonated with my story, which it really does. 

Her knowing me and my story, and doing such a kind thing for me made me cry. I have never had a friend like her. In the same way that I am undeserving of Gods love and grace, I am undeserving of such a thoughtful, kind, beautiful, loving, and giving friend. 

So Kayla, thank you for everything. I will cherish you and our friendship for the rest of my life. 

So everyone else, I hope this story makes you smile. 

Love and blessings,

Corryn Scharff <3