hillbilly vegas meets paris.

Fortunately, there are only about two people who ever look up this blog. 


Today is the first day I have had time and thought to write any sort of update on my life. Currently I am sitting inside a cultural anomaly called "Vintage Paris," a coffee shop and fine wine grocer just outside Branson, Missouri, of all places. The typical fair here in Hillbilly Vegas usually consists of deep fried meat of some sort later to be determined depending on the consequence. Needless to say, this Parisian styled coffee house represents a well rounded island of humanity, at least for me it does. A good cup of coffee is worth its wait in gold here in Branson.


The past few weeks I have been at Kanakuk Kamps, a group of Christian sports camps in southern Missouri. Believe it or not something good and worth it does exist in Missouri, be it localized and almost in Arkansas. This is my fifth and (most likely) last summer at Kanakuk. Humility has been the theme of this adventure.


My time here has been interesting. Normally each day is filled with tasks, goals, lists and projects to complete in order for the camp to run well. This year however my role is much different. The time has come for new leaders to step up and fill the role. Though I admit a certain level of difficulty accepting this feeling of obsoleteness,  God has given me great joy and peace throughout the past weeks. How great and sovereign He is over even the little things like staffing. My joy at camp this summer comes from watching young men step up and learn to lead. Of course new leaders can not begin to lead unless the previous leaders step back. This has been my role, to step back and encourage. James 4:10 says that we are to, "Humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will lift us up." This verse has been the echo of my heart since the first day of my time here this summer.


So what does the life of Chris Gorney look like after camp this summer? Simple really, just returning to my internship working with midtown Kansas City communities, studying for end of the summer comprehensive exams for Grad School, continuing the ever present pursuit of paying the bills and trying to figure out how to appease the travelers appetite within me. My goal will be to update more often but the problem is when I have so many great friends around to share life with, my need to share them with the Internet lessens, but I will try. 


Until that next post, God is good beyond our imaginations. He is an active and loving Father. Breath that deep and let it be the Truth that defines life.