It's been awhile since we've sent an update, so sorry about that! This last month has been a whirlwind of activity with getting ready for English camps and for baby Abigail Joy.
We're into day 3 of our High School camp and it's been going great so far! There are 35 students at camp, all having a really great time. One thing that's been fun to see is all the returning students from last year and their excitement to be here this year. Last year they were all at a day-camp and this year they're getting the full thing and are really enjoying it!
They've got 3 hours of English class in the mornings with some free time after lunch, then American sports in the afternoon followed by dinner and an evening program. During the program we play games, games, games, sing some fun English songs and listen to Joel and/or Jay Amadio as they share about "Thinking Again" about life, relationships and God and then have some discussion groups. After that we have some sort of evening activity. Last night was a Mexican night complete with a pinata, musical chairs and nachos--which had everyone running for some water to wash down the salsa!
We're having hot, hot weather here so yesterday for our American Sports we headed down to Lake Bled for some water sports. In the end people were having so much fun just playing in the water and relaxing in the sun that we decided to just go with the mood of the group. It was a good choice!
Tomorrow is our big day with the Amazing Race. It was a favorite of everyone last year and everybody is looking forward to it again this year. Even those that weren't at camp last year! It will be about 6 hours long and take place in and around Bled, ending with a Medieval night and bonfire. Also tomorrow night and Friday evening we'll be sharing the gospel with the students. For many of the students this will be our first time to share it with them. And for all the students from last year this will be about the 20th time they'll be hearing it from us. Throughout the year we've been sharing it in different settings and for quite a few of the students they've been picking up new pieces to it in understanding each time. I remember at our Christmas party last December Joel asked the students why Jesus came to earth and one boy said, "to die for us" but when Joel asked him "why?" he didn't know the reason. It's been so fun to watch the Lord drawing their hearts to Him one step at a time.
In the mornings before breakfast the Americans all gather for some devotional and prayer time. Joel has been inviting the students to come to that if they wish and several students have. One girl in particular was going this morning because she said she is "curious about what this Christianity thing is about." Another girl went yesterday and said she enjoyed hearing everyone pray about camp, classes and students from their hearts instead of reading a traditional prayer.
We're pretty excited about what God is doing in these students lives!
Now onto a BABY NOTE for you all. I would like to thank you all for your prayers and notes of encouragement! We have felt just covered in prayer and love throughout these past 8 months! We've got just 5 weeks to go before meeting our baby girl. Kristi Patty and Lori Jackson threw a baby shower here for me along with other missionaries in the country and then the team from Cornerstone came loaded with gifts from their church and we felt so loved, prayed for and cared for. Our little girl is going to be the best dressed girl in town! We might even have to change her a couple times a day just so she can wear everything she has received! Thank you all so very much!
Here are some prayer requests for you!
ENERGY for the American team!! The students are so excited to be at camp they are only sleeping about 5 hours a night! Yesterday morning almost all the students were up by 5:30am!!
Joel and Jay as they share this week and for Drago as he translates. Pray for clear understanding and minimal distractions in the room.
Please pray for me as I travel back and forth, it's about a 45 minute drive through small villages and highways.
Safety as we play games, do the Amazing Race and travel around town.
For the Lord to draw the students hearts to His and that they would receive His love in a new way this week.
Expecting great things,
Joel & Amy
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