Wednesday at English Camp

Hi friends,

Most of Wednesday's activities are coming to a close, and it has been a very good and a very hectic three days of English Camp so far. We just finished our small group discussions and everyone is now dispersing to play sports, games, and cards around the school. I am having a great time hanging out with these students and the time has flown by so fast here.

There are no shortage of opportunities for me and my teammates to connect with the students and build relational equity through this week. They are doing the same with me... I'm not really wanting to leave at all and I really love these students we are getting a chance to hang out with. Now, one of those means is through me and my teammates taking opportunities to act crazy and do some goofy things to make things fun... such as impersonating Brittany Spears or a really (and I mean, really) bad singer that Simon would throw out of American Idol. I personally have enjoyed letting my hair down this week.

Pray however that the deep connections also happen... one thing that God has blessed me with is a great Risttee/Estonian small group partner in Kati and a group of students that are really open and sharing. We are talking about being human, which includes our unique value in Christ, our inability to measure up even to our own standards, and thus our need for grace and forgiveness which is offered freely and richly by Christ. We are going to be talking about that in our small groups tomorrow night. I am encouraged that spiritual conversations have already started in our group and really pray that they deepen tomorrow.

We are also a little tired. Sleep came at a premium last night and I'm feeling it a little, so pray that my rest is good. Also, we had a couple of injuries at camp yesterday... two students hurt their ankle really badly playing sports... they are in really good spirits but I also hope that we don't see any more first aid needs. LIke I said, the two students who twisted their ankles are in good spirits and have gotten a LOT of support and I pray that they continue to have a great time at camp and that God uses those experiences in their lives to encourage them in some way.

I'm off to hang out more. Hmmmm.... caffine?

chris <><