Camp #2: Havlickuv Brod

Camp number two is complete! We had a great time with Havlickuv Brod.

It was cool to see God move in the hearts of the students this week. On Thursday night, the Gospel was shared. Afterwards, they had the chance to go through the Labyrinth, which includes different stations that create a cool time of reflection. Afterwards, everyone had the chance to come back to the main room where there was a tea and quiet music. This created a great atmosphere for contemplation and discussion, and many great conversations went on. Lots of good questions.

It was beautiful to see kids go through this experience, really soak up the stories from Scripture, and be willing to ask and answer questions. For some, this was their first time asking themselves deep questions about what they believed. Super cool. It was a privilege to speak with a few of them during this time. 

Our intern team was also thankful for the group from a church in Alaska who came out to do this camp. 16 fresh Americans really boosted our energy in games and English teaching! They were a great group.

Here are some pictures from the week! 

goodbyes at the train station... these were a little hard.

Hradic Kralove Camp

Camp! 

The first two days were pouring down rain and cold. it was a test of faith and endurance for sure.... wondering what we would do with 50 students for a whole week if the weather continued as such. but God was faithful even in that.... the third day cleared up, and was cool and breezy enough to play sports. hike day was warm and sunny, and water sports day was hot and perfect for our water balloons and slip and slide. (pictures to come soon!)

It was a great first experience with English camp. The students were enthusiastic and fun, and my class had a great attitude towards learning. I personally was super blessed to have an expert helping me, an awesome guy Caleb who has grown up as a missionary kid here in Czech. He chose to come help us because of our small American team, and he was quite literally a rock star the whole week.

(Also, he and I may or may not have sung an acoustic version of Dynamite for the campers, just for a good laugh... :)

It was really cool to see how through the week of songs, dancing, games and English lessons, walls began to come down. Conversations were rich with discussions of God, beliefs, culture and change. I was encouraged by the students' willingness to consider tough questions, as well as their ability to ask them. 

The young Christian leaders here blow me away with their courage and willingness to serve. Our conversations and time together were mutually encouraging. Most of their Czech leadership team was comprised of people my age, yet they certainly set an example in their speech and love. 

Story of the week:

I spoke with a few really sharp and insightful girls about Czech culture. I got a better picture of perceptions of Americans who come here. According to their thoughts, people of my generation (born around the time communism here collapsed) generally appreciate the Americans who come here. They like speaking English with native speakers, and are surprised at US interest in Czech Republic. Some people from older generations may have a more negative view of obnoxious Americans, but this is honestly not the outlook on the whole.

This sentiment has been echoed from other sources as well. It is encouraging for sure.

We start a new camp tomorrow! More to share soon. Thank you for your continued prayers!

Brianne

Pictures are now here:

hike day! 

                                                           yes, even a camp dance party. 

 English lessons. 

You choose what the funniest thing about this picture is... 

                     (I think it's the man in overalls who is unhappy about our overly-enthusiastic picture taking)