CampFest Reflections: Hope in Small and Beautiful Ways

We are back from our trip to CampFest. This was my very first festival experience, and it was so special to enjoy it with the whole family in a beautiful and safe environment. We rented a trailer for the trip, which made all the difference. Here in Europe, trailers have different road rules than in America. Years ago, I lived in an Airstream for a year, and in the States, we had a big truck to tow it with no speed restrictions. In Europe, however, you have to drive 30 miles slower than the posted speed limit on the highway. That meant our 3.5-hour trip took an extra hour or more. Still, it was worth it—especially since most people were camping in tents and the evenings were very cold.

In between the concerts, I was happy to cook for my family instead of eating out. My husband and I had also decided that for the two days we were there, we would set aside time just to be with God. I am praying through some things in my life, and during CampFest, I signed up for intercessory prayer. It was deeply healing. Afterward, my husband and I went for a walk, where we prayed, reflected, and had the sweetest surprise—a butterfly landed on my hand for the longest time, then flew over to my husband.

This summer, God has been speaking to me through butterflies. One of their symbolic meanings is hope, which also happened to be the theme of this year’s CampFest. It felt like a personal confirmation from God, a gentle reminder that He is speaking, guiding, and covering me. This summer has been intentionally set aside for Him, and these small yet powerful moments have been a source of deep encouragement.

I believe God speaks in many ways—not only through His Word, but also through creation, the Holy Spirit, and even through people. He speaks to us in the language we will understand. If we limit Him to one way, we will only hear Him in that way. But when we open our hearts to the fullness of how He communicates, we can encounter Him in countless, beautiful forms.

Coming out of CampFest, I’ve also learned a few things about myself. I’m not a festival person. I’m not a conference person either, and I don’t enjoy the theater. But I love retreats. Retreats are where I feel the most joy, rest, and connection. This isn’t a bad thing—it’s simply knowing myself better.

Will I go to CampFest again next year? Probably yes. Augustin is eager to volunteer next year, and I’ve heard it’s the perfect place for teenagers to spend part of their summer. My husband and I are thankful that Slovakia has something like this. We may be a small country, but having a Christian festival is truly a blessing. And meeting so many friends there was just the sweetest bonus.