Today was our first official day of camp and tournaments! We got up bright and early, had breakfast at 7:30 and then went to a meeting with the Ukrainian leaders at 8:30. Our schedules for the week were passed out and we prayed together as a unified team.
To start off the day of camp, everyone met in the church and we all sang and danced along to the songs played by the Ukrainians. It was fun to try and follow along to tunes we had grown up with as children; it does get a little tricky when those tunes are joined with lyrics in a completely different language, but that is probably where a good portion of the fun comes from during the attempt. A lot of our returning team members were able to see some of the children they had worked with in past camps. We were not able to see as many this morning as expected due to the rain keeping some at home. On the plus side though, it isn't expected to rain the rest of the week and the number of children has typically increased throughout the week in the past. So we're definitely looking forward to seeing that later in the week! Each station went very smoothly thanks only to God. There is a lot here that is out of our control.
After the camp wrapped up for the day, we met for lunch and shared stories from the day. One of which was the observation that one of the Ukrainian leaders, who was a camper two years ago, chose to accept Christ and has grown so much in her relationship with Him that she is now working with the children and youth to help them connect with Him, just like she did. It's just so amazing to see how God puts His hand on someone's life and how He weaves their story together, while intertwining it with the stories of others...
We closed lunch in prayer, considering these things, and then proceeded to about a 3 hour block of open time. This was spent preparing for tomorrow, meeting with individual stations to see what could be improved, fellowshipping with eachother, and ofcourse a nap here and there.
In the evening at around 5:30, we met for dinner and then walked to the grounds at 6 to participate and help with the sports tournaments. These tournaments are for the older youth, from about 15 to those in their 30's and beyond. Some of the boys and girls on our team decided to play in the soccer games, and were dressed head to toe in uniforms they had bought in Kiev. Our skill level is definitely not anywhere near that of the Ukrainians, although we did add to their entertainment for the evening. Other members of the team were asked to ref the basketball games, while some of the women in out group hosted the women's coffee house. There was also an ESL class during this time, and there were many Ukrainians present.
When the games have finished and the tournaments are completed, everyone heads over to the church for the final presentation of awards and prizes, as well as music, and a testimony about Christ and the good work He has done in our lives and the lives of others. By this point we are all exhausted, but extremely thankful for all God has done and all we know that He will continue to do. All the glory goes to Him always, and we can take no credit for the product, but merely be tools for His use.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for us; they have helped a great deal!
Next update will be tomorrow, have a great day/night!
Hey Allie and team. We are so excited to hear about your trip. We almost feel that we are right there with you. Praying that many children and adults will come to know the Lord as their personal savior through your team's witness. You are in our prayers. Keep the pictures going. Love Aunt Gabriele and Uncle Rusty
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