The time at camp is coming to a close. It's been a wonderful week. I did things I never imagined I was capable of doing. I would like everyone to know that I enjoy a little bit of camping here and there. S'mores by the fire. Everyone cozy and sharing stories in the great outdoors. This, however, is child's play I came to find out as I was asked to accompany the camp on a 3 day hike in which I was expected to carry my own food, tent, clothing, and firewood for my tentmates. My back might have been well over 50 lbs, even though all the camp staff assured me I could handle it.
Well I did it. And I survived and I even enjoyed it! The first 30 minutes were probably the hardest. But after that, I felt like I could keep going on for miles and miles...maybe. Of course I was in the slow, steady group who reached camp last but in high spirits. Sleeping on the ground and peeing in the woods are still two things I don't know if I will ever find enjoyable. Yet it was a wonderful experience and I hope I get to do it again sometimes. Looking down on the valleys below from an alp upon which I never dared to deam myself worthy of climbing, I can't recall many times in which I felt so accomplished and in awe of nature. It truly is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
Other than that time at camp has been full of exciting nights. We had a night of celtic merry making, as we learned folk dances, and played games at the Masquerade. The entire camp had made plaster masks earlier in the week and we all wore them along with matching outfits. It was definitely a night to be remembered. Tonight we had a game night involving life sized janga, human alphabet, and a competition of who could come up with the best commercial. It was pretty great. And apparently the French know who Billy Mayes was, I was impressed.
Tomorrow night is a banquet/talent show night and there has been much talk. I am eager to see and hear what is to come. Also, quick note, I shared my testimony alongside a girl I met while hear another counselor named Sasha. Our stories were similar and afterwards a couple french kids said they were inspired to write down their own stories. I thank the Lord for all the amazing opportunities I've had. And the opportunity has arisen for a possible stay in Paris. One of the campers here offered if i wanted to stay with their family for a few days before I left. We shall see what the future holds. But until then know that hearts are full here. ALthough very tired and we are still full of joy.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Over 1600 ft!
We have completed a week of adult camp and it has been quite the week. i am loving the change from service team to counselor because i am building so many relationships with all of the campers. This week has been hilarious between a french western night, never thought id see the day. We taught them how to two step and line dance and they loved it! Yesterday we went on a hike up one of the alps to a secret lake. One of the most beautiful experiences of my life, yet also one of the most dificult. During this six mile hike, which granted does not sound far, we climbed over 1600 ft in elevation! I basically felt like i was criss crossing an almost vertical ascent. I just have to say ie never done anything like that and have never felt so accomplished. A word from the wise, Texas girls and very high altitudes proved difficult but not impossible. Thin air is not my favorite. Down was a little better, but we were an exhausted group to say the least.
This week i got the opportunity to lead a speed painting activity and loved it. I gave the campers three catagories to paint whatever came to them either abstract or concrete in eight minute sessions. At first they were a little hesitant but some of them really got into it and found a talent they didnt know they had. The french tend to be pretty reserved and did not expect it but many asked if they could have a chance to explain their pantings to the whole group.
As the time passes, it has been really great to talk to my new friends about thier struggles as christians here. Most of the campers are christinas, however, they have very little community and fellowship. These young adults struggle with finding relationships with other christians. Please pray for them, I cant imagine but i so admire them.
Another prayer request, we are now getting to halfway through this camp and energy levels are dropping temendously for staff. Between hikes every other day, sports qctivities in the qfternoons, and leading other creative actvities throughout the day we are wearing down. Thankfully today is my day off and im doing laundry. As i was hanging my clothes outside i was thinking of coversations i had with other counselors and due to weariness i think many of us are struggling with spiritual warfare. i think many of us did not expect it here but we must be doing something right if this is the case. I hqve made so many friends and am so thankful to be here. Last night i had a great conversation with my dear friend Priscille and she is dealing with some hard things, it brought joy to my heart when we prayed together because i realiwed how truly big God is. In every nation he is here and working, everyone needs love and encouragment and i am so happy we can be here for them. I have found in my travels one of my very favorite things is to sing worship because you truly get to hear all nations praise God and there is no sound as sweet as this.
Coming up we have a big three day hike of which im not sure ill be able to go on, i might have to stay and prepare for wehn they get back, a talent show, a james bond night, and a masqerade.. Other than that its go go go.
This week i got the opportunity to lead a speed painting activity and loved it. I gave the campers three catagories to paint whatever came to them either abstract or concrete in eight minute sessions. At first they were a little hesitant but some of them really got into it and found a talent they didnt know they had. The french tend to be pretty reserved and did not expect it but many asked if they could have a chance to explain their pantings to the whole group.
As the time passes, it has been really great to talk to my new friends about thier struggles as christians here. Most of the campers are christinas, however, they have very little community and fellowship. These young adults struggle with finding relationships with other christians. Please pray for them, I cant imagine but i so admire them.
Another prayer request, we are now getting to halfway through this camp and energy levels are dropping temendously for staff. Between hikes every other day, sports qctivities in the qfternoons, and leading other creative actvities throughout the day we are wearing down. Thankfully today is my day off and im doing laundry. As i was hanging my clothes outside i was thinking of coversations i had with other counselors and due to weariness i think many of us are struggling with spiritual warfare. i think many of us did not expect it here but we must be doing something right if this is the case. I hqve made so many friends and am so thankful to be here. Last night i had a great conversation with my dear friend Priscille and she is dealing with some hard things, it brought joy to my heart when we prayed together because i realiwed how truly big God is. In every nation he is here and working, everyone needs love and encouragment and i am so happy we can be here for them. I have found in my travels one of my very favorite things is to sing worship because you truly get to hear all nations praise God and there is no sound as sweet as this.
Coming up we have a big three day hike of which im not sure ill be able to go on, i might have to stay and prepare for wehn they get back, a talent show, a james bond night, and a masqerade.. Other than that its go go go.
Monday, July 20, 2009
End of Round One
Alright the first camp has officially ended and the next one begins tomorrow. Today was a great day. All the campers left yesterday, so all staff had today off. Most of the staff went into the nearby city of Grenoble. It was a lovely day. Although we may be in France, the food at camp is still camp food. So a day in the city was very nice. We had cheese and baguettes, chocolate crepes, and signature coffee.
This next camp will be very different because I will no longer be washing dishes and scrubbing toilets but helping with the activities. I might even get to go on the overnight hikes the campers take. Another girl and I will be training the new service team members that just arrived and are quite excited about it. I am excited about this change because I love the opportunity for more interaction with the campers. However, I have very much enjoyed my job thus far and am somewhat nervous of the task ahead and the energy it will require.
I've never felt so much appreciation. At the last meal, the campers called the service team out from the back and kitchen and into the dining hall. We walk in to a roaring applause and a banner on which each kid wrote a thankful note. I was embarrassed and overwhelmed with gratitude. I loved doing what we do just so they can be hear and learn what they get to learn. It was truly a wonderful experience.
Now it's like we're starting over. All new campers and some new staff. I welcome the change and challenges to come. This camp is called the "adult camp." It's for the kids who came to camp and wanted to keep coming after they turned 18. Ages will range from 18-30, i find this odd but am excited because they say the adult camp likes being relational more than the teen camp and I am more than ok with that. It will be less people as well, only about 40 people instead of 70. We'll see what happens. If anyone has any great ideas for activities please feel free to email me because I am going to be doing a great deal with organizing those this next camp. Thanks for all your love, support and prayers.
This next camp will be very different because I will no longer be washing dishes and scrubbing toilets but helping with the activities. I might even get to go on the overnight hikes the campers take. Another girl and I will be training the new service team members that just arrived and are quite excited about it. I am excited about this change because I love the opportunity for more interaction with the campers. However, I have very much enjoyed my job thus far and am somewhat nervous of the task ahead and the energy it will require.
I've never felt so much appreciation. At the last meal, the campers called the service team out from the back and kitchen and into the dining hall. We walk in to a roaring applause and a banner on which each kid wrote a thankful note. I was embarrassed and overwhelmed with gratitude. I loved doing what we do just so they can be hear and learn what they get to learn. It was truly a wonderful experience.
Now it's like we're starting over. All new campers and some new staff. I welcome the change and challenges to come. This camp is called the "adult camp." It's for the kids who came to camp and wanted to keep coming after they turned 18. Ages will range from 18-30, i find this odd but am excited because they say the adult camp likes being relational more than the teen camp and I am more than ok with that. It will be less people as well, only about 40 people instead of 70. We'll see what happens. If anyone has any great ideas for activities please feel free to email me because I am going to be doing a great deal with organizing those this next camp. Thanks for all your love, support and prayers.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Firsts
Bonjour tour le monde!
This first week has been quite the experience. It's been great really! Alot of hard work on the service team. My scheduale right now is wake up at 8 am and eat breakfast then i clean up breakfast with the team washing dishes putting them away and sweeping the floors. Then we go clean the bathrooms, I get the younger boys bathroom whoot whoot! I get to sweep, mop, scrub toilettes and showers. It's awesome. Then i catch what i can of the worship singing with the kids.After that its time to set up for lunch, set the tables, clean cookingware, clean up after lunch, sweep and mop floors. And after a morning of hard work we get a break from about 3 to 6 to nap or read or explore or whatever. Right now i usually nap because i'm still adjusting to the 7 hr time difference. But after it stops raining I intend to go walk around the trails.
I don't mind serving these kids, they are very appreciative and sometimes when i get to go to worship it all seems very much worth it. I love the chances I get daily to serve. It's worth the work when you go to worship and see kids singing and dancing. I want to be doing what I'm doing so they can learn about things they won't get to hear anywhere else. I talked to Tom (the guy in charge of the camp) and he said he might need me on service team every once in while but he will want me mostly helping with activities which thrilled me. I might even get to lead a ceramics workshop, they have wheels and everything here! I almost died I was so excited!
And yes the baguettes are delicious. Although I've never eaten so much bread in my life. We serve it at every meal. Regardless of the theme. I saw kids eating it with guacamole actually. They weren't big guac fans.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. The kids are continuing to ask more and more questions and as tonight is their last night we are going to be very sad to see them go. Please pray for continued energy and a willing heart. Much love!
This first week has been quite the experience. It's been great really! Alot of hard work on the service team. My scheduale right now is wake up at 8 am and eat breakfast then i clean up breakfast with the team washing dishes putting them away and sweeping the floors. Then we go clean the bathrooms, I get the younger boys bathroom whoot whoot! I get to sweep, mop, scrub toilettes and showers. It's awesome. Then i catch what i can of the worship singing with the kids.After that its time to set up for lunch, set the tables, clean cookingware, clean up after lunch, sweep and mop floors. And after a morning of hard work we get a break from about 3 to 6 to nap or read or explore or whatever. Right now i usually nap because i'm still adjusting to the 7 hr time difference. But after it stops raining I intend to go walk around the trails.
I don't mind serving these kids, they are very appreciative and sometimes when i get to go to worship it all seems very much worth it. I love the chances I get daily to serve. It's worth the work when you go to worship and see kids singing and dancing. I want to be doing what I'm doing so they can learn about things they won't get to hear anywhere else. I talked to Tom (the guy in charge of the camp) and he said he might need me on service team every once in while but he will want me mostly helping with activities which thrilled me. I might even get to lead a ceramics workshop, they have wheels and everything here! I almost died I was so excited!
And yes the baguettes are delicious. Although I've never eaten so much bread in my life. We serve it at every meal. Regardless of the theme. I saw kids eating it with guacamole actually. They weren't big guac fans.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. The kids are continuing to ask more and more questions and as tonight is their last night we are going to be very sad to see them go. Please pray for continued energy and a willing heart. Much love!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Arrival
Th&nk you for the prayers everyone! I arrived safely to Grenoble and have spent some great time with friends i made here last summer. Despite the stereotypes many may have of France, everyone here is very friendly and hospitable, and most of all very forgiving of my less than up to par. Tomorrow I am going to get up early and catch a bus up the mountain to the camp. Thank you all for the prayers, my travels really could not have been safer! Im going to help my friend nathan make dinner! Love you all!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Before Departure
Alright, it's the night before and I'm quite excited. I'm anxious and a little nervous to be traveling by myself. This will be a first for me. Please pray for travel safety and for everything to go smoothly.
Basically, I have a 14 hr flight ahead of me. I leave DFW tomorrow at 10 am, which means we're leaving Tyler at 6 am. I have connecting flights for a couple of hours in Philadelphia of all places, and Zurich. I will finally arrive at Lyon airport in France around 10 am on July 12. From there, I will catch a bus to Grenoble which is the city nearest the camp. I am meeting up with some family of a friend of mine there and will stay the night. The next day, I will catch a bus from Grenoble right up to the camp.
My cell phone will not work, but I have some numbers I can call in case of emergency. This trip will take some faith on my part. I'll need all the prayer I can get! Thanks all of you for your love and support. I can't wait to update you with more to come.
Also, here's a picture of the camp when I was there last summer on my way back from Burundi. I'm really looking forward to returning.
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