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!!!!