Why it's all worth it.

Mark just finished his 15th year serving with Camp War Eagle.  I just finished my 8th summer as his significant other, often fondly referred to as a Camp War Eagle widow.

As many of you know, I got to know Mark through my involvement as a CWE Counselor in the summer of 1999. (You should see the gleam in the eyes of new Camp Counselors when they find out this juicy info...they always want to cook up some steamy story, but the answer is a resounding, "NO - we didn't date then!")  Looking back, I realize that my experience that summer, while it was the single most influential experience of my Auburn career, was also a necessary preparation for my role as Mark's future wife.  If I didn't love and believe in this program as much as I do, I don't know that I could deal with the challenges it brings to our lives. During the months of May and June we see Mark sporadically and there are ~20 days in our summer that we literally do not lay eyes on Mark - at all. If I am being totally honest, at times I can become bitter and resentful.

Yet, there's a certain time of year that all the frustrations fade and I remember...there is a greater purpose.  This is is Mark's calling (for this season of his life).  It's a ministry and he uses it as such.  It's a way for him to be the amazing behind the scenes servant leader that God gifted him to be.  He understands and accepts the challenge that he's constantly being watched - remembering daily that his words, actions, and leadership traits are molding the hearts, minds, and futures of young men and women.

I am really, really proud of him.  Even prouder to claim him as my husband.

Last week after the banquet, he shared with me that one of the most special gifts was a booklet created by the Camp Counselors this year.  (These are students that he hired in November - so they've known him around 8 months.)  Each Counselor had a small page and had written a personal note of gratitude to each member of the staff.  Mark shared his book with me, and I think I got through about 6 pages before I got choked up.  I was reminded over and over again why it's worth it - the late nights, the exhaustion, the just flat out missing him.  I pulled out a few comments that really paint the picture better than I can...

"I will never forget when you prayed for me before my surgery."

"Your support and confidence in me changed my life."
"I went from fear to admiration in the blink of an eye."
"For the first time in my life, I can be myself."
"I am so glad I not only got to know Mark the boss, but also Mark the man."
"You dedicate yourself to one situation at a time and give it your undivided attention."
"Thank you for pushing me past boundaries I set for myself"
"I realized I needed CWE more than it needed me"
"You are an Auburn father to us all....why else would you sit with me in the hospital?"

 "Because you pushed us as you did, we are better people.  We can take the abilities that we never knew we had and use them in our future jobs."

"I will take things I have learned and become a successful and great dad, thanks to you.  My ultimate goal is to become half the man you are."

 And my personal favorite - this one made me laugh out loud.  :)
"Even though you are not (very) old, it honestly stresses me out to think of a time when someone else will take over as ruler supreme of Foy 189.  I hope to be far, far away when this occurs, because the ensuing implosion will leave Auburn as a desolate wasteland."

Words that were used to describe Mark...
servant leader -- a source of strength-- mentor-- a strong and fearless leader -- motivating--a father to us all

I considered not allowing comments on this post because I am not doing this to get people to say nice things about Mark.  In fact he may be really unhappy I put all this out there in words - for every bit of pride I have he's got double the amount of humility.  And the last time there was a post that honored Mark it generated all sorts of commentary from past CWE staff, the funniest of which was Star's question, "Who is Mark?"  (I seriously almost fell of my couch laughing when I read it...since Star was my roommate, one of the reasons I am married to Mark and was in our wedding.) 

I couldn't stop myself from sharing my heart on this, and one day when this blog is converted to a book I want Turner to be able to read and be as proud of her daddy as I am.  She'll understand, like I do, that it was all worth it.  She'll see this scripture lived out in real life, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."  Colossians 3:23 


Mark we are so proud of you.  And we are happy to have you home.