Week 3 Camp

Another week has gone by, it's hard to believe how fast it went. It was a really interesting week. We had 56 kids aged 15 & 16, and nearly 30 staff members. The week started out great with a long hike along a different path than we had gone on before. First we went through a forest like back at home, very open and leaf covered, most of the forests are not that open in the area so it was pretty nice. Once we got to the top there was a huge open field with an awesome view of the entire area. We played cards, frisbee, and of course some soccer there for a while. On the way back we went through some areas with huge leaved plants and one that looked like a bamboo forest. In the afternoon it clouded up and then rained in the evening, but we were able to have a campfire. It took these kids a little while to warm up to singing but in the end they did get into it.

Tuesday it rained on and off for most of the day, we weren't able to go to the river or on a hike but we did start a campfire and then had to finish up in the dining pavilion when it started raining again. We had lots of free time with options of jumping on the trampoline, doing crafts, or playing games. It only rained a few times the rest of the week. The rain didn't seem to help the water situation, it's still pretty dry but we are making it. One thing the rain did do was wash tons of silt and mud into the river, so we weren't able to bathe in there like we did last week. With no water for showers we have been relying on ample amounts of deoderant to keep us smelling nice.

Rebecca continued to help with crafts throughout the week and Mark didn't really have a specific task other than being with a team of kids. There weren't as many behavior problems this week and the kids were much more willing to stay with the group. They were also quite into the program and especially the memory verses. We had small group discussions where we got to share deeper things with the kids and talk about important issues like having a personal relationship with God instead of just having the head knowledge and going through the motions. We are praying that God used this to plant seeds and water them as this is a very crucial time in these kids' lives.

Some other highlights from the week were: Rebuilding a dam in the river with a group of guys so we could have a deeper swimming spot, spending time with Berkey who was such a gentleman and who did Rebecca's hair on our last trip, spending time with kids in their cabins for quiet time, and the girls' secret outing to the river.

Now we are back in Bucharest for the night. The high school team from California is leaving tomorrow morning, so we came back here too so we can talk through our experiences at camp. We are looking forward to showering (woohoo!) and sleeping in a house instead of a tent. Rebecca just left for Starbucks with some of the girls who are staying for the rest of the time. Since we are here I am going to post some pictures. We'll do a lot more when we get back but this will show a little of what we've been experiencing this whole time.

Also I just wanted to again thank everyone for their support of us and our trip. We are so greatfull and we know the prayers are keeping us going.

Rebecca and Mark on the top of the mountain.

Mark and his friend from last year, Bogdan.

Rebecca and new friend Miki.

Us with the Saru family, Christina, Elena, and Aurel.

Us with Claudia and a friend.

An Orthodox church in the mountains.

A beautiful mountain sunset, after a rainy day.