One Down, Two to Go

Liptovsky Hradok camp officially ended two days ago, and I am finally beginning to feel well rested again. We went into camp a little tired, a little sick, but super excited, and came out exhausted but completely happy and satisfied.

From the very first night that campers came, all of us knew that this camp was going to be special. Generally, the first night of camp, and even into the next day is a very awkward time. Students are quiet and nervous, and it can be difficult to draw them out. However, almost as soon as our campers stepped out of their cars we felt a sense of community throughout the camp. Everyone was eager to talk and dance and sing. As a leadership team we were completely blown away by what we saw. It was such a joy to work with such willing and friendly students.

This camp was also different in that 1) it was the Slovak teams first ever Kecy Camp, and 2) we did not have a complete North American team coming over to help. Our American team consisted of married couple Jodi and Troy, college librarian Julie, Kari's boyfriend Hudson who lived in Slovakia for thirteen some years, and Noah whose family are missionaries in Czech. They were a little bit of a rag-tag bunch that was thrown together somewhat at the last minute, but what incredible people! They were so willing to step in anywhere they were needed and they kept such great attitudes. We were all so thankful for the fun and energy that they brought to camp, and I'm afraid we are going to miss them at our next camp.

Because our North American team was so small, the interns (me and Holly and Stano) ended up having to teach some of the English classes, which is something we won't normally have to do. I was quite nervous at first, especially since I was to teach the advanced group. I felt like since they were advanced I had to be really on top of my game. God is so good though. I ended up with one of the smallest English classes: four students and two Slovak helpers, and I don't think I'm being biased when I say that we had the best group in the entire camp. Each of those students are now so precious to me! We had so much fun in our classes and worked together so well during our sports and activities. I feel so blessed to have met and known them.

Now that camp is over I am resting as much as I can, and reflecting over the last week and a half. Parts of it were so tiring and so difficult, but other parts were so fun and so exciting. I do miss some of the students and leaders already. It is emotional suicide to pour yourselves into people that you may never see again and relationships that will probably not last, but it is what I'm here to do.

Please continue to pray that God will use me in my weakness and in my exhaustion. Pray that I will not listen to the lies of Satan when he tells me that I am worthless and that I have no purpose here. And pray that God will heal the holes that will be left in my heart when I leave Slovakia at the end of the summer.