Field Trip Day

Abby's Turn::             

Exhausted. I think it is safe to say that that is how our entire team, actually our entire camp, is feeling this evening. Our legs our tired and even though we may need a break for sleeping tonight, we know that our God does not! (because he will be in MN at work at VBS at Timberwood!) He is always at work and we find confidence in that as we got a chance to see a glimpse of his hand all day and as we are expectant of what tomorrow brings.

            Our field trip started out with a first for many on our team- a train ride! We were already loving the beginning of our day and the chance it got us to switch things up a bit from the usual English camp day. Once we arrived to the bottom of the mountain of which we were going to climb, we boarded a ski lift to take us up the first part of the mountain. This was my third time on this ski lift and it has been incredible every time. The view and the creativity of our God never gets old.

            At the top of this first part of the mountain everyone at the camp had a chance to go down the alpine slide. This seems to be a favorite for us all! Shortly following, our hiking adventures began. The terrain of the hike was steep at parts and flat at others. The Americans were told, by myself of course, that it would be slightly inclined for most of the way with only one steeper part. And it was!...for the parts I had been on before. The second half of the hike was new. And steep. Let’s just say that I was scared of what the team had waiting for me when we finally reached our destination. With screaming calves and feet, sunburned arms and faces, we sat down to enjoy a bonfire with more meat roasted on it at one time than any of us had ever seen. I think Carl sums it up best in his proclamation while roasting his kielbasa- “I love Poland!”

            The hike ended up being a little more challenging than we had expected so we decided to take another ski lift down the mountain. Again, an incredible view and moment to worship our God. Another reminder of how big and mighty is the God that we serve.

            Throughout the hiking, alpine sliding, and meat roasting, relationships were continued to be formed. It is fun to walk by people and hear them talking about how God created the universe or what they thought about God. Whether conversations that happened consisted of fishing or salvation, it was fun to come back tonight and hear how much God is priming the pump for many of these students and encouraging others. All the while, we as a team are encouraged left and right. God has been working in each of our hearts on the American team. Domi left us tonight with the truth that God is the one at work. That we do not have the feel the burden or pressure to say the right things or being the one to have all the ‘spiritual conversations’, but that God is using each of us on this trip in different but vital ways. Incredibly encouraging to hear her heart for this time that we are here and this camp. Please be in prayer for her as she has poured her entire being into this camp for many months. She has been a blessing to us and I know that God is using her in big ways in this church. She is the one who will be leading this group long after we are gone. Prayers for her would be appreciated!

            I do want to say that this team has been awesome. You have had a chance to hear from them each day about what is happening here- but they haven’t told you how incredible they are. They are a group of people with true servants hearts. They are always looking at what needs to be done and doing it with a smile. They love these Poles and it is evident in their interactions with them. Their faith is incredible. Their attitudes are unmatched. I am blessed by each and every one of them. Thank you for sharing your family and loved ones for these 15 days.

3 days left of camp and we are expectant of what God has in store.

Please be praying for::

- A good nights rest tonight. I know that it is much needed.

- The hearts of the campers. Tomorrow night is when the gospel is shared and they go through a personal prayer experience (labyrinth) where they will be faced with questions about faith. This is a huge night for many in this group.

- Continued health of the team

- That we would each individually be seeking God. Leaning into Him. Being filled by Him.