Until We Meet Again

This camp is wonderful! I experienced many great moments and I think that this camp is was better than last year's! I talked to various people about this camp and most of these people think like me. Many children were sick, many children felt bad - but EVERYONE think that this camp is THE BEST CAMP IN THEIR LIVES!

My best moment on camp? Hmmm, I don't know, there were many such moments... But I think that the best moment was then, when I sang on "X-factor", and everyone started clapping me! Or when some Americans told me that I'm great girl and I speak very well in English.

No, the best moments were when we were all together! I love this moments!

I will miss this camp until the end of my days! And, of course, I'll miss the wonderful people I met there!

You all great!

Miss you!

Dominika Kulik :)

Oh Sad Day

Today is the saddest day of the whole camp - it's the last day of our wonderful time with the kids in Rabka ;-(

We want to thank all of the American team for creating such a great atmosphere and how they connected to each child here. For us it's been a really blessed time and every year we are looking forward to be part of the camps.

It's great to see how God uses His people. We are really touched by the way children behave here especially during evenings when they were singing worship and  having fun with you guys. It's wonderful to watch "our" kids are making new friendships, playing together, singing, or watching when someone makes a prank to each other ;-)))(love you Pam and Judy ;-))We are so happy we could work together at this camp, and we are also hoping we are gonna meet next year.
God bless all of you Pam, Judy, Randy, Kathy, Daniel, Shalinee, Josh and Anand.

Marta & Benia

Community of Friends

Today was a very busy day, and it passed very quickly. The kids had plenty of activities: morning lessons, inside and outside, afternoon crafts including bag painting and dying of t-shirts, and a football tournament, where both boys and girls were playing. In the evening we had a "talent show" - dancing, singing, comic scenes and Randy's magic performance! All of this was hosted with  great humor by Lukas. The day finished with worship.

I think the kids enjoyed the day very much, and what touched me the most was the sense of community that emerged out of our (kids, American and Polish leaders) meeting here in Rabka. On the 9th day of the camp we already know each other well, we share the time together, leaders trying to do their best for the kids, and campers responding with their joyfulness and smiles. I've got this belief that everything that is going on in here is simply good. God gathered all of us together in here, over 50 individuals, with their own lives and stories, to meet and be together for some time, to talk, laugh, cry, play, learn, make new friends, and enjoy the time. I believe and hope that He acts through this meeting and lets us be tools in His hands..

Today in the morning Piotr talked about the infinite Grace of God. I believe that this camp is a sign of that Grace, even though we're probably not able to see all the seeds that God planted in our hearts. Time is running very fast in here, and I guess we all began to feel that the camp is coming to an end. It is sad, but I truly hope that the seeds will grow in each of us.

 

Kasia (Polish Leader)

Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11       

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Tonight Piotr ended our evening with a special gift for each of the leaders.  One by one he gave each of us special words of thanks. His words are a gift that I will treasure always, and I'm sure this is true for each of the other leaders in the room as well. Amazingly enough, the Americans along with Lukasz began our day in prayer that related to encouraging each other. I cannot remember Daniel's exact words, but while praying, he lifted up to God our desire that we would use words of encouragement with each other and with the students throughout our remaining time here. All I can think is that God is so good. Daniel lifted this up in the morning, and Piotr gave not only the gift of encouragement, but a wonderful example of the effect encouragement has on others.

God blessed the time in between as well. English lessons included time in our own rooms as well as lessons for the whole camp. Kathy prepared a story and lesson from India which I was able to help her with. We included a project that required making dough and shaping it. As an elementary teacher I'm used to messes such as these, but God bless Kathy for going with it! Daniel and Judy prepared scavenger hunts for the students. The students had to put to use the English they have been learning to be successful with the hunt!

There were many afternoon and evening activities today. The American kids have really enjoyed learning new games and spending time with the Polish children. The American adults have been known to get involved as well. Randy is a regular on the soccer field, Daniel frequents the evening games, and we all get involved in one way or another. This time with the children of the camp is priceless.

Please pray with us that we will be an encouragement to each other and to the children of the camp!

God bless you all!
Pam

Zakopane and Paren'ts Visit

July 8, 2012

For some of us, Zakopane is a repeat trip. Let me back up some. Zakopane  (Zahk-O-Pah-Neh) is a touristry town tucked in the Tatry mountains along the Slovakian border. Very reminiscent of Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee area: mountain culture, shops and ski lift. Quaint, can be tacky, is really fun. We spent part of the day there as a break from the camp while the students were with their parents. I know, I know, how could we POSSIBLY need a break from 43 'tweens, games, English lessons, etc, etc, etc? Well, this is a nice change of pace.

After the hour long ride home, we were ready for family day and the big Lorax presentation in which all of the kids had some reading parts to go along with a slide show of the Dr Seuss classic. Though the room was stuffy (No A/C here in Poland), the parents were appreciative of the kids' efforts. Then the kids sang 4 songs along to music played on the computer, followed by a rendition of "Sweetly Broken" by Randaliscious, the greatest sensation since Tom Jones. Afterward, there were 2 competitions of games between the parents and kids (parents skunked the kids 2-0). Then there was a bon fire over which kids, parents and team leaders roasted fresh sausages, bread and apples. Feast time for sure.

We're moving into the second week, and I for sure am interested to see the progress made by our level one students. It's hard to tell sometimes how well they're picking things up, but on occasion, they'll surprise me with a phrase out of the blue. I feel as though this time for me in particular, I've got a better sense of what this mission is all about: connecting with children, being able to show a side of God and Christ that they maybe have never seen before, gaining as much as I give.  

Randy

Camp is Full of Activity

Yesterday was another busy day at our Christian English Language Camp...so busy that it was difficult to find time to blog! Please excuse us for this late post.

English Lessons continued forward for all levels. Many of us spent time finishing projects for Parent's Night and having students write letters to their families--in English of course. During our second session of English lessons, we had our final rehearsal for our presentation of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss.  Every student had a part they had been practicing along with "Cast" parts for the whole camp to recite in unison. The rehearsal went well, and students showed they were ready to perform for their parents! We also practiced the song "One Voice" to sing for our parents. A big thank you to the Level 3 students who helped our Level 1 students learn the song!

Each day campers have a rest period following the 2:00 dinner meal. Yesterday it was extended as many of the campers were not feeling well and some were suffering from dehydration. Our days have been hot and humid here. Please keep all of the campers in your prayers as they recover.

After their rest, the children had a chance to walk to a nearby Pavilion. Two dancers who have been staying at the same facility as us, have been teaching at a dance camp this week. They invited us to come watch the children they have been working with perform. It was a nice surprise for everyone.

Our time of worship was extra special last night as we were able to worship outside. Piotr, Lukasz, and others worked hard to create an awning to worship under. We took the projector and worhsip DVDs outside and enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship together.

Please continue to keep this camp, the campers, and the leaders in your prayers.

Dzien Dobry!

Today I awoke to a beautiful sunny morning. The hillside all around my room is stunning. Dotted with houses, farms, I can even see a church steeple. I washed out my two pair of shorts I brought and a few shirts in the sink...fun, fun!
I put them on the clothesline on the tiny balcony. They were still pretty wet. After a few hours we heard thunder in the distance. I ran back up the steep hill to take down the laundry. Guess what? They were dry! It has been so hot I guess it doesn't take long. I ran back down the stairs and started down the road. Boom! Thunder....and then wham....a drenching rain. I got back to the activity building soaked. Not fun.... 20 minutes later...out came the sun, followed by the heat. It took
me awhile though to dry out. I guess I should bring an extra set of clothing to the activity center.

Our classes started out in the morning with saying the Our Father prayer, we even included sign language. The children caught on quickly. We then discussed what feelings we have. Happy, sad, excited, embarrassed, silly, worried and soon. The children then had to use any feeling word and write a sentence on some cute paper. Three sentences later they were finished and now are hanging in our classroom so we have something when the parents come for a visit on Sunday.
Kathy and Daniel Abraham presented their unit on Japan. The children experienced making origami cranes from the story Kathy told called Sadako and the Thousand Cranes. Daniel brought  yen from Japan for the children to see. He also taught them how to say hello,  goodbye and how to count in Japanese. We divided the children into two groups so it wasn't as chaotic as yesterday. It still seemed to be too large of a group for the children to really learn.

At craft time, we painted 'stained glass windows', played games, and some of the girls made decorations for their hair with ribbons.

After what the Polish people call supper, (which is very light, typically sandwiches) the kids went outside to play relay games. Cookies had to be passed from one to the other on a straw in a persons mouth. No hands allowed! Also, how many people can you fit into a square marked with chalk. Imagine how hot it is and all the sweaty bodies piled on top of each other. Pretty ripe!

We worshiped together with songs. More hot bodies stuffed into a room. But the excitement was contagious and even some of the shy children were able to tell us using their English what the words of the song meant. Sharing the power of God is the same in any language.

Blessings!
Judy

Fourth of July

News from Poland…..We’ve had an exciting day here!  We celebrated the 4^th with our Polish brothers and sisters.  In the morning English lessons Judy taught about our Independence Day, and the kids all learned a bit of U.S. trivia.  She also shared a brief history and cultural awareness of our Native American culture.  Judy also showed the kids how to make dream catchers, which was quite an undertaking! 

At break time we shared cup cakes with the kids to celebrate the 4^th.  The kids had never seen cupcakes before, so that was quite a surprise for them!  They were also very happy to receive 4^th of July t-shirts J

Another surprise for the campers was that they all got to go to the nearby grocery store to purchase snacks. Besides making dream catchers, the campers also made flags, patriotic pins and hair ribbons, and in the evening we all learned a couple of dances.  Lukasz and Judy dominated the spotlight J

We ended the day with enthusiastic worship, and the adults are all enjoying each other’s company…..lots and lots of laughter the whole day!

Dobronoc!

Expectations

July 3, 2012

This morning Piotr led the American and Polish leaders in a time of fellowship and prayer.  During part of this time we each shared our expectations for the upcoming weeks. Expectations included serving Him, serving children, teaching English and having fun, experiencing joy and happiness, “ recharging batteries,”  experiencing the Holy Spirit’s presence, and serving Him in any way possible. Piotr shared that he had some similar expectations, yet in the past 2 days they had changed. He shared his hope that he will be surprised by Him. We are all sure that God has the perfect plan for this camp and has great things in store!!!!

Our expectations were to have fun, joy and happiness? Yes! We experienced fun, joy and happiness through our first day of English classes, crafts, games, and worship songs!!!

English lessons included many different activities, but all classes spent time with introductions, getting to know you activities, jingo and introducing a reader’s theater for “The Lorax” which will be performed for parents.

Many campers are now wearing a new accessory as they stamped leather bracelets. Fuse beads were also a huge hit and a repeat performance has been requested!

Tonight was the first night of our yearly team competition. We played a warm up game for teams to get to know their members. Then we had a version of a relay race where teams had to put themselves in order according to height, age, and number of siblings. We don’t have the totals right now, but the green team just might be in the lead. We have Americans on 3 of the four teams so the competition could be heating up!!!

The last point of the day, but absolutely not the least important was a time of worship. Some of the campers have already said that this is their favorite part of camp.

Please pray the our excitement continues with joy and happiness as we are now in full swing of this year’s camp experience!

God bless you all!

The 2012 Poland Team

HOME

Even though we are at a different location this year, coming to camp has still felt like coming home! For some of us home was found through the returning campers we worked with and came to love last year. For some of us home was found through the Polish leaders as we began to work with them once again. For some of us, home was found through our dear friend Piotr. "Home" may be found in the delicious soups and food, the long walks, the beautiful scenery, the evening games, or the sound of campers footsteps going up and down stairs. Whatever it might be...for the next 2 weeks we are home.

This "home" was blessed with the arrival of 40 campers today. About half of them returned from last year, and about half of them are new to the Christian English Language Camp. English assessments went well and each camper has been assigned to a class that we hope will best fit their needs.

Please pray as we begin classes tomorrow.

• That we have placed students in the classes that best meet their needs or that we recognize any needs and make adjustments to meet them
• That new campers feel safe and comfortable in classes and all camp activities
• That campers will see His love through us

As always...
Thank you for your prayers!
The Poland Team

We arrived safely in Poland and had time to spend in Krakow before traveling to the camp location in Rabka. In Krakow there was much excitement because of the soccer games! There was a lot of fun and noise--unfortunately through the night. Worship at Piotr's church was even more exciting as we praised God and shared Holy Communion with our Polish brothers and sisters. The music was spirit filled and we could even "pretend" we were singing in Polish. "Bo" was kind enough to translate Piotr's message for us and other parts of the service. After the service we were treated to a social hour with the congregation with typical luncheon food. It was wonderful to see members of the congregation we had met in previous years.

Our Polish friends arranged to have "Chicago" weather here for us. It has been hot (35 degrees celcius) and humid. Rabka feels a little cooler than Krakow--but that may just be because of the breeze. Of course--we are surviving without air conditioners!!!!

Our team is working very well together and beginning to feel like one big happy family. We organized all our English lesson materials and craft supplies in record time, and are ready for the campers to arrive.

Rabka is absolutely stunning. Our "camp" is located in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains, so every direction you look is beautiful.

Please pray for us as we meet the chidren.

• That they feel comfortable and welcome
• That good relationships are built
• That they see Him through us

We have begun our Journey!!!!

Amazing! We will be leaving for the airport in just a couple of hours. Please pray for safe travels. We will try to post once we arrive in Krakow. If that is not possible, we will post Sunday evening when we arrive at camp. Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Okay...so here we were packing with great teamwork last night. Things progressing smoothly.  God must have known we were all anxious about weight limits for each bag. Daniel carefully weighed each one and announced to Randy 47 pounds...46 pounds... 48 pounds....you see we are only allowed 50 pounds per bag. Even if you are over by just a little bit the airlines charge a 200 fee. These supply bags are not free. They cost 70 per bag. We are taking 5 extra bags over. The last bag was packed and guess what????  We had extra room enough for the s'mores for the kids to make. (Marshmallows are not available where we go.) God is good! Lukasz (one of the Polish leaders) will jump for joy at the news!

The next trick is getting all of the baggage and people to the airport. Thanks to Diane Barbret...who was on the team last year...for helping us with transportation issues. You are the best!
 
I don't know if any of us are sleeping well. With all the excitement of fewer than 24 hours to go...our own personal packing to get done...tying up loose ends for being away from family...making sure we don't over pack but not forget anything either.

Thank you to all of our spouses who are left behind to hold down the fort. We all appreciate your love and support. We will pray for you too!

Please God, keep us safe on our travels. Help us to be able to serve you as we serve others. Use our minds to prepare the lessons to the best of our ability...use our hands to help guide the children through crafts, use our feet to walk into Poland with our head held high..use our voice as we worship and sing your praises and use our eyes to see the blessings you have given us.

We ask you this, in YOUR NAME....Amen!

You will hear from us again when we get to the other side of the "pond"!

Packing Night

Packing night was quick and easy! We found that there were a few extra pounds available in our suitcases, so we are considering cashing in Josh's ticket and packing him in a duffel. Only about 39 hours until we leave for the airport!!!!

Judy packing a duffel bag!


 

 Kathy and Emma have their own packing style! 

Randy recording the weight of each duffel and the items inside.

Ta da!!!!!!

Please pray for our Polish leaders who make camp so fun!

 
        
       

                                

Prayers were answered! My friend, Catherine Borghoff was able to get us 50 empty egg cartons! Thank you Catherine, for bringing them all the way back from Wisconsin! These will be made into Mancala games for the African unit.

It is coming down to crunch time. Can you believe it is only one week away from our trip?  Many things still need to be done. We need to cross the T's and dot the I's. Poor Pam, our fearless leader, is inundated with things to do and does it all with a smile on her face. We are so blessed that she is able to keep us all focused  and headed for our common goal.

I feel a strong connection to our brothers and sisters in Poland. Bringing our Christian faith to the young people and showing them how to lead a life full of blessings from our Lord and Savior is beyond awesome. Teaching the English language is fun but secondary to bringing our Christian faith to them.

Piotr Gasiorowski is our leader in Poland and is the pastor of his church near Krakow. He is always there to guide us through the day and has a calming effect on everyone. This is his dream...bringing all of us, children and adults, deeper in our faith to God.

The countdown begins!........

Please pray for us as we pray for you!

Judy

Commissioning

Wheatland Salem Church
Our Poland Mission Team was commissioned on Father's Day--Sunday, June 17, 2012.  Wheatland Salem Church prayed for us, the Polish team, and the children/youth coming to the Christian English Camp. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare to leave for Poland on June 29.

June 15, 2012--Egg Cartons Needed

60 Egg cartons needed!
Styrofoam or cardboard will work!
Please give to any team member if you have some to share with us!

June 15, 2012--Lesson Planning

Our team is in full out planning mode!

This year we are splitting the students into 3 levels for a portion of the lesson time.

Level 1 lessons are being planned by Randy Markham and Pam and Josh Moga.
Level 2 lessons are being planned by Daniel and Anand Abraham and Judy Peters.
Level 3 lessons are being planned by Kathy and Shalinee Abraham.

During the other portion of time we will focus on a lesson theme as a whole camp.

Whole camp lessons include a reader's theater of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and country studies including stories, activities, and projects.

Poland 2012

Our Team!!!!

Josh Moga, Shalinee Abraham, Daniel Abraham

Pam Moga, Kathy Abraham, Judy Peters, Randy Markham, Anand Abraham