New York

This past weekend my sister Lori, and her roommate, Nina, went to New York. We had a wonderful time. We went to see the Broadway Show, "Wicked". We also went on a cruise and saw the Statue of Liberty and the sky line of the city.

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