English Camp

We had a busy/fun/cold/tiring/exciting week at camp. This was our little "home" while we were there. The students stayed in yurts (traditional nomadic homes).



I found that being at camp with Anneka was busier than I'd anticipated. She was my only "responsibility", but with a crawling baby and no place to put her except on the sand or dirt, I found myself carrying her a lot, and this gang (and more!) of children followed me around wherever I went. There were times when I was SO ready to have my space, but overall I enjoyed the kids. I also connected with some of the workers and students in ways that I wouldn't have if I'd been tied up with other responsibilities.



Every evening, a Russian speaker shared about the "key to life" and got the students thinking about important questions, such as why we are here. Here, some Americans are leading a worship song in English. Most of the songs were in Russian, but as an "English Camp", we sang English songs, too.



Anneka LOVED the sand and loved to eat it. She was so quick!



This is one of the kitchen workers, feeding Anneka. The camp is owned by the deaf church, and the staff was SO WONDERFUL in welcoming us and serving without complaint. There was a mixup and the staff didn't know we were coming this week. They were so gracious and flexible- it was amazing. Such a reminder of how we really do shine like "stars in the universe" when we don't grumble or complain.



Leif was SO busy at the camp. He was the sports instructor, and this included leading exercises in the morning, pre-planned games in the mid-day, lifeguarding at free time (or leading other sports when it was cold), and leading organized games in the evening. Many students said that this was their favorite part of the camp.



During the English lessons, Leif often helped in the kitchen. Here he is with Zhenya and Sveta, peeling carrots with sharpened table knives.



a picture of our little family



On the second-to-last evening of camp, the speaker shared about the hope that we can have in Christ and gave the students opportunities to give their lives to Jesus. Eight of them publically decided this is what they wanted to do. (these are two of them). Others of us lit candles as a declaration that we want God to shine through us.

For many weeks before the camp, there were only 6 students signed up. At the very end (the last two days!) many more signed up (maybe 40? I don't even know how many). Things seemed so scattered and overwhelming. It was amazing how God was the one who put the camp together. We are so thankful for the prayers of many and for a wonderful week!