Joy

If the last week of camp had a theme it would be this - joy. I don't think I've ever laughed that much in a week before. Yes there were tough moments. (The food was so greasy it gave myself and several others the runs. But its not a mission trip until you need anti-diarrhea pills right? I think everyone has one of those stories). But the tough moments were definitely outweighed by the fun and the friendships that were formed. The last week of camp took place at a location called The Silent Valley. We were 27 people in total with only 16 of those being students. The rest were families from a local church who made English camp their family vacation. It was great because it was like having extra leaders. The camp itself was in the middle of nowhere, it was a 30 minute walk/hike to the closest town.

My class was small, 4 girls and one guy. There was quite a range in their language ability but we managed to learn and have a lot of fun doing so. The highlight was the skit we put together for the talent show. All the girls were super heroes (Batwoman, Spiderwoman, etc.) and the one guy was the Green Goblin who kidnapped the baby of one of the mom's at camp. The superwomen had to rescue the baby. We even managed some impromptu costumes and masks. It was hilarious! Other highlights included my attempts at pronouncing Czech words. When they had to write a story in English I attempted to do one in Czech. It ended up being in English with some words and phrases in Czech. They loved it. Who knew the words bread (chleb but pronounced kleb)knife and fork (which are nosh and vitlichka) could be so entertaining? Mind you some of their English attempts had me bitting my lip. Overall it was a great exchange.

This last week the kids were also the best behaved and that was a blessing. No one rebelled and shunned the rules. The smaller size also allowed for a more relaxed schedule and it was great to take afternoon naps,visit in each others rooms, do crafts etc. We also had encouragment boxes and it was fun checking those to see what people had left you. When language skills are limited people stick to the basics "I like you" and "You are a great person" were quite common. Wish we'd be this straightforward more often.

God totally gave me the energy and He definitely gave me the love and the joy I needed for this past week. It was an 8 day camp so by the last two days we were all tired and fading. When my creativity and joy waned I prayed and God totally came through and I really sensed your prayers as well. As it turns out Boris and I and one other missionary were the only English teachers. After previous camps with an English staff of 20-30 this was quite the change. There were also a few glitches like a breakdown in communication which meant we didn't have our teaching curriculum until the second day of camp. Woops! But through it all God was faithful.

Three girls, Lucie, Lenka and Misha were especilaly on my heart that week and we hung out quite a bit. God gave me so much love for them and it was quite hard to say good-bye. Lucie and Lenka aren't sure God exists and Misha believes there is a God but that's as far as it goes. At one point it really hit me - if these girls don't come to faith they are going to be in Hell - and my heart totally broke. Rarely does that realization hit home with any urgency, but its the truth. Teresa, another one of my students heard about Jesus for the first time this past week. There is such a huge need here.

Please pray for the girls mentioned above. Pray that the truth that was shared and planted during last week will remain and take root. Pray that God will provide more pastors and youth workers. Thank-you again for your continued prayers. I praise God for the completion of this part of my adventure. He is good.