We’ve Been Busy
My apologies for a delay in writing. My last post described preparations for the big 45th Anniversary celebration of Ostroda Camp – and what a great day it was! Although I couldn’t understand hardly a word (the interpreters were all very busy through the day with various tasks), it was great to see the reactions to pictures, camp artifacts and stories shared about memories of time spent here. Ben was able to finish the new camp sign in time to unveil it. I know I’m biased, but I think it’s pretty amazing. Just another example of how God gives us each our own unique gifts and then uses them for His glory if we are willing to serve. Here’s a the old sign and its newly created replacement.
I’ll add some more pictures from the day to our photo album on Facebook, but here’s one of the kids ringing the bell to call everyone to the chapel. Anna and I also had the privilege of singing as part of a small ensemble we pulled together for the grand finale in the final session. We sang Agnes Dei. After much (much, much) practice, God pulled our voices together to close out the day. Several people joined us even when we sang in English, but when we switched to Polish… WOW! The place was just filled with worship when we hit a final chorus in both languages a ccapella. It was awesome!
Once again we flipped the camp, this time preparing for the arrival of new team members from Missouri and Michigan, and 68 Ukrainian Children plus their counselors. The American team arrived late last night and we spent the day getting to know one another, going over the camp schedule and making final preparations. At the last update I heard, the bus from Ukraine was at the boarder. They expect this to be about a 2 hour process as the line of vehicles is TEN miles long and everyone over age 12 is fingerprinted. Once they are in Poland, they will have another 8 hours on the road to reach Ostroda Camp. We expect them early in the morning, and we are ready. During this camp, we are playing a supporting role. The group from Missouri is doing the teaching and leading. There will still be lots and lots for us to do, but I’m hoping this means that I can spend more time just loving on these kids!
I really do have some spiritual thoughts to share sometime, rather than just news updates. But the hour is late, I am very tired and brain-dead, and tomorrow begins early. So I’ll just leave you with this… God is working and I can’t wait to see what He does with this week of camp.
The Journey Back 