An emotional day

I started this blog earlier in the day going one particular direction, but after the events of this evening - I knew I had to take a different approach. 

Our day started out much too early, following an exhausting day yesterday. Many of us were short on energy following a train ride, a hike in the mountains, worship time and swimming. We also noticed our campers were also feeling a bit sluggish during English lessons today. But relationships continue to be made daily. Many of our team have had deep conversations with some of the Polish youth regarding their faith and beliefs. This has been exciting to see walls being torn down, brick by brick. 

Praise God for giving us the right words to say in these situations. And thanks be to the translators who have helped break down language barriers. 

We have also witnessed great growth in one another. God has helped some of us come out of our shells to be 'uncomfortable' and to be a vessel for God. It is heartwarming to see the younger male campers look up to the men on our team. Or to see our teens making connections and lasting friendships with other teen girls from Poland. 

Today, students were encouraged to participate in a labyrinth of sorts. They would go, individually, station by station, to examine themselves and their relationship with God. It was heartbreaking to discover some of their stories. Young children coming from broken homes. Young children who are the sole believer in their family. Young children who feel they are not worthy of God's Mercy and Grace. It was our job to convince them that they are indeed worthy and loved more than they could ever imagine. 

We gathered afterward, the Timberwood team and our Polish youth group friends, to debrief. It was an emotional experience, sharing stories and praying together. The Holy Spirit was working through each and every one of us. 

Tomorrow is our last day of English lessons; however, camp runs through Saturday. We ask for your prayers for many on our team who are feeling rundown. We recognize Satan will do everything in his power to keep us from spreading the Word of God. Pray that we stay strong end healthy until the very end. We have done big things and we're not about to stop now. 

We also pray for every single child, regardless of nationality, that they will come to know the love and compassion of their Savior and that they are more than worthy.