After three days of goodbyes, first the campers and most of the Polish counselors on Thursday we headed to Krakow with 4 Polish counselors. Our tour guides took us to different parts of the city. Then last night before dinner we said goodbye to two of the counselors. More tears flowed from our eyes. Then today we said goodbye to the last two counselors who for James and I have been with us from the beginning. These were full of hugs and yet again more tears. We say goodbye to Poland as we land in Munich now and are heading home!
Please pray for safe travels for the team!
May God bless and keep our Polish friends safe, the Lord make His face shine upon them and give them peace until we see them again! Hopefully here on Earth, either in Poland or America, or up in Heaven!
I love you all!
Written by Lisa
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Today Jawornik was a flood of tears. Tears flowing from the flood of tears of heartfelt love for one another at the 2013 Jawornik English Camp (JEC). Even I am not immune to this heartfelt emotional outburst of love for both new friends and reunited friends. In only 10 days, 8400 minutes, hearts and lives are joined together.
My hearts is more deeply intertwined with those counselors and students who have been apart of the JEC experience three years or more. Several of my students this year have been in my class for four years. Several Polish counselors have been a part of the JEC for all six years. Every year our hearts and lives become more deeply intertwined. I laugh when they laugh, I hurt when they hurt, and I cry when they cry.
Today, the flood of tears, is not good bye but God be with you till we meet again ... at camp next year, in America, or in heaven.
Good bye my friends, no scratch that, God be with you my friends, and I pray if it is His will we will meet again.
written by James
James (aka American Boss) w. Peter (aka Polish Boss)
Lisa, Marysia, James
Tearful goodbyes
Future Camper with Chelsea
Closing Chapel
Saying goodbye
Heartfelt tears
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Wednesday, July 31st Walk Day!!
Today was overflowing day of beauty, exhaustion, excitement, and sadness. We began our day hike through the mountains. Climbing the 220 steps ... well I think 220, the person's counting kept getting interrupted by others ... to the observation tower offers a panoramic view of the mountains and surrounding communities. The hike down the mountain offered many opportunities to slips and fall; thankfully without injury. The trek downward also provided the opportunity for rock collection. Collect a rock and sneak it into someone else's bag.
Later this evening we gathered around the campfire for the traditional kielbasa sausage and chocolate-marshmallow covered faces and fingers. Its a treat that is loved by both campers and staff.
Our next one a step in the goodbye journey. We sang and danced some of the favorite songs and then enjoyed a video presentation prepared by Lisa of the whole camp experience. Before we were finished the tears were flowing as everyone anticipates tomorrow's departure and the close of Jawornik English Camp. Tomorrow holds an ever more emotional day as we pack the bus and head on our way. God blessings to all the campers and counselors.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Tuesday, July 30th
Pastor James started us out with a teary devotion on laying our burdens down at the cross. He had Chelsea carry a heavy bag of stones, then he carried her, because Jesus will carry us in our strife. Then we played, Mark Schultz's song, "He will Carry Me."
Then our chapel story was on Jesus washing the disciples feet. So some of us washed their students feet. I included pictures of this.
Our lessons were about tasting food. This has been a custom for a few years. The counselors look forwards to it just as much as we do!! They really liked the Pop Rocks that Jessica bought.
Things are starting to winding down here. We have put some of the sports equipment away, craft stuff, and then cleaned our classrooms out. This made me so sad. As I know I will never see some of the students that I have grown so close to again. Playing ball with Mary, seeing Ada, and being with the Polish counselors at night playing cards. But then I remember that they are children of God and we will meet in heaven again.
As I reflect on this experience, I feel I have become closer to God in the last two weeks than I have for the last year. God's presence and love are so abundant here. The children sing praises to God and show his love in so many ways. I love going down the hallway after lunch and hearing the children singing the songs out loud in their rooms. It is one of the many reasons I like about living on the same floor as all the children. They always talk and either give me a hard time, Go Big Red, or give me a hug.
Last night I had a wonderful talk with a Polish counselor. I have known her for 5 years. Today another former Polish counselor came back to see us! These connections are forever!! Did I mention that a former camper is coming as an exchange student to Michigan. I will be going to see him play soccer this year.
Devotions!
Talking about how they felt!
Lisa washing Ala's feet
James washing the students feet
my class!!!
ice cream time!!
Mary
Family Fued
Then our chapel story was on Jesus washing the disciples feet. So some of us washed their students feet. I included pictures of this.
Our lessons were about tasting food. This has been a custom for a few years. The counselors look forwards to it just as much as we do!! They really liked the Pop Rocks that Jessica bought.
Things are starting to winding down here. We have put some of the sports equipment away, craft stuff, and then cleaned our classrooms out. This made me so sad. As I know I will never see some of the students that I have grown so close to again. Playing ball with Mary, seeing Ada, and being with the Polish counselors at night playing cards. But then I remember that they are children of God and we will meet in heaven again.
As I reflect on this experience, I feel I have become closer to God in the last two weeks than I have for the last year. God's presence and love are so abundant here. The children sing praises to God and show his love in so many ways. I love going down the hallway after lunch and hearing the children singing the songs out loud in their rooms. It is one of the many reasons I like about living on the same floor as all the children. They always talk and either give me a hard time, Go Big Red, or give me a hug.
Last night I had a wonderful talk with a Polish counselor. I have known her for 5 years. Today another former Polish counselor came back to see us! These connections are forever!! Did I mention that a former camper is coming as an exchange student to Michigan. I will be going to see him play soccer this year.
Family Fued
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