Read the poem
"Horse Camp Baptism"

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Horse Camp Baptism
By Kate Richardson

After coming home from a pack trip, we all just want a shower, and there's hardly enough hot water to last us for an hour. It's time now to have some fun, before the day draws to a close. We're eagerly awaiting our campfire and then our nightly doze. It's the last real fire together that we'll have all of this week, but we soon perish the thought and continue to laugh and shriek. We share poems and songs, some stories are told too. Then we're told there's a surprise - but, while we're waiting, what to do? A song is suggested that we eagerly sing, each of us in their separate key. Then Chris saves the day with his magic guitar, we get the feeling of being taught how to see. More notes are plucked, and we start winding down, but our eyes are still sparkling, and you cannot see a frown. We partake of Communion, tear the bread and drink the wine. And we're singing mellow songs for what seems like a very long time. Some tears are shed, some hands are held, some hugs are passed around. If anyone is crying, they aren't making any sound. Then we couple up in pairs, and are led throughout the camp. We sing a song of worship, all eyes now seem to be damp - Awaiting us is a love feast, the tables form a cross. They're draped in white with candles, in the middle sits the hat of the Boss. We eat our chocolates and drink our juice, we make our crystal glasses sing, And while we enjoy our decadent grapes, I silently thank God for everything.
Then we blow out the candles and we lie down on the ground. We stare at the stars, for there is no cloud to be found. Yes, it's true we're all noisy, and we poke fun when we can. But we really do care, at least, that seems to be the plan. As we all lie in the grass, looking up at the sky, I'm suddenly hit with it - I really love these guys. The moment is so special.  And it doesn't last that long. But my heart knows it was there, and my heart is never wrong. I've learned that although you get baptized at birth, the process never really ends - For once you've been baptized in water, you'll then be baptized in friends.