Welcome to the Tapawingo website! My name is Miss Joy and I was raised in Glen Gardner, New Jersey. I received a degree in Biblical studies from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts where I played basketball and softball. I was blessed with the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Guatemala with my basketball team during that time.
My journey at Tapawingo began with my mom. She came to Tapawingo as a camper and eventually met my dad as members of CAMP-of-the-WOODS staff. Naturally, when I was nine-years-old I set timid feet on the island as a first-time camper. I heard a dear song with the line, “Fond memories do linger.” And indeed they do. Little did I know what the Lord had in store for the many beautiful years to come. “Tis there where I found Him my Savior and Lord.” Time and again, I found new and exciting truths about the Lord on the precious island. On Miss Carolyn’s lap, I remember learning the painful lesson of being away from home and comfort. But I learned about the nearness of God and the love of His people which made all the difference!
After my years as a camper, I was blessed to begin serving on staff under the guidance of Miss Kim Winters, a passionate Bible teacher and gifted leader. Through her, I learned to be bold and live out my faith. During this time, my knowledge of the Word grew immensely.
When Miss Angie came on as director, the knowledge I had gained in my head began to penetrate my heart. Our theme in 2006 was Ezekiel 36:26 which talks about God taking our hearts of stone and instead giving us hearts of flesh…hearts more like His.
Finally, under the guidance of Miss Kim Grubb, I learned to rest in the Lord as our theme was to, “Look Up!” and, “Live in Light of Eternity.” What an impact living like that can truly have!
It is interesting to see the themes of my summers intricately tied to the leadership at the time. If I had to describe each director in one word they would be as follows:
Miss Carolyn: Prayer
Miss Kim Winters: Passion
Miss Angie: Compassion
Miss Kim Grubb: Contentment
This September, I accepted the offer to become the new Tapawingo Director. What a privilege! It is my prayer that the Lord would begin to write a new chapter, one in which I might be allowed to give back what has so generously been given.
In and of itself, Tapawingo cannot satisfy. It cannot quench your thirst “in scorched places (Is. 58:11).” My prayer for you is that you would realize only Jesus is enough; only He can satisfy; only He can save and His message of salvation is just what we need for today.
-Miss Joy Huseland |
