Touching Taliaferro with Love 2026

Through the Eyes of Lorenzo

While working at Touching Taliaferro with Love last week, I was deeply touched by the warm welcome of the campers, buddies, and local volunteers. We have been fortunate to get to know these wonderful Taliaferro County residents over the many years that we have been joining them at this Bible School/Day Camp.

I want to focus on one volunteer who worked alongside us and the campers all week, 36-year-old Lorenzo. Lorenzo is a native of Taliaferro County and was a camper at TTWL when he was a child and teenager. He left home years ago bound for college. For the last thirteen years, Lorenzo has served in the U.S. Army and is married with three little boys. For the first time in his career in the Army, he is stationed close to home.

Because TTWL meant so much to him as he grew up in this tiny community, he wanted his boys to have the same experience. Lorenzo took leave for two weeks this summer to bring the boys to camp and to serve as a volunteer. We had a chance to chat a few times while working side-by-side, and I learned about his love for his home community, about how much he learned at camp as a kid, and about how some of the skills he was taught have helped him throughout his life.

I watched Lorenzo interact with the children with love, kindness, and patience. Listening to Lorenzo share his stories about camp experiences and how much this camp meant to him touched my heart. Yes, we may have helped Lorenzo and others along the way, but I know, also, that these campers and volunteers have had a positive influence on me.

Virginia Gilbert

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