Good-bye

The photos can only express a limited amount of the heart-filled tears and hugs that were shared as we prepared to load the bus knowing that we may never see some of the campers and counselors on this side of heaven. With so many requests to return again it is hard to say, "I don't know" especially when your heart cries out, "YES!" The rush of emotions is overwhelming for one like myself who seldom allows tears to flow but when you look into so many teary-eyed faces and receive so many hugs, cheers and hi-5's; it is impossible not shed a few tears. Okay, many of us cried and all of us wrestled with our departure in different ways. Shortly before we left the bus filled with a number of the campers who were ready to depart with us as they sung some of their favorite songs. The last photo in the blog speaks volumes to how well received we were into the hearts and lives of both the campers and the Polish counselors {and they in ours)- even standing in the drizzling rain couldn't wash away their tears or ours. And to top it off the bus ride which eventually brought us to our hostel in Krakow ended with a hasty but necessary and unexpected departure by Peter (the Pastor youngest son) without even the opportunity for good-bye. "Good-bye friends and God bless! We will treasure the memories in our hearts forever!"

Wednesday's Camp

What could be said as we prepare to depart camp? The last day to play a game of 4-Square, Ping-Pong or Captain-Captain. The last day to "officially" teach English. The last day and many of us already feel the emotional storm inside our hearts knowing that we will be saying good-bye. The best part of this English camp in Poland is building relationships, the worst part is that now that we've built relationships we must say good-bye. The closing event was before the most emotional, awe-inspiring, heart touching event that I've experienced. Better, as Dan and I agreed, than any National Youth Gathering Event - singing that raised the roof, joyous filled laughter, tears, hugs, and hearts saddened by coming departure. If you don't want God to open your heart to share and be filled with love, this is not a trip for you. written by Pastor James

TUESDAY'S GONE

It is hard to believe that Tuesday here in Jawornik is already done! The kids are getting ready for bed, which is always an event. Those who won the scavenger hunt are enjoying a pizza party.

It rained most of the day today, not a hard rain but soft and steady. When it rains it always puts a bit of a damper on the outside activities, but we managed to get through it. We were blessed to have had the sun come out in the evening. It is amazing to see the low clouds make their way through the mountains. With the sun coming out, we were able to get the kids to burn off some of the energy they had stored from the day with a little capture the flag.

Chapel always has a good message, today's was about watching what we say. Today's lesson was about communication and the compassion of Christ.

Tomorrow is our last full day at camp! It is bittersweet, on one hand it is hard to think about leaving the kids and other counselors...leaving all of the relationships that we've made over the past week and a half. But on the other hand it will be good to be home again.

Pray for our last day tomorrow that it will be as fruitful and wonderful as the others!

Monday's Camp

Thank you God for answering my prayers and allowing me to make it up the steep incline to the top of the Polish, Czech Republic boarder. I had a lot of cheerleaders but I wouldn't have been able to make it without Kurt! I kept telling him to just go ahead but he stayed right by my side. Sandy, Barb and Suzette would stop along the way to get drinks and wait for me to catch up. What great Christians we have here!

God is merciful and knows are needs and wants. I just love him with all my heart!