We celebrate another wonderful year of English Club at Baikal! It's always so amazing how God brings exactly who He wants to be here and connects our hearts to Him and one another in special ways.
Our theme of this week was God's Power and our theme verse that everyone memorized was 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control." While this theme proved to be very powerful and created many great conversations, when I think back on this week, Isaiah 55:10-11 is what sticks out to me most. We were encouraged to share God's Word, knowing that God would be faithful to use it for His perfect purposes. In this, there was a relaxed atmosphere and a freedom, trusting that God was at work.
 |
| We packed 6 people and all of their things into this one car!! |
We had a team of 8 people help us this year from New York, Massachusetts, and Maine. They were a great group, both prepared and flexible. Their addition was a great help. It was fun to see how different people from here connected in different ways with each of them.
Once everyone arrived at camp and we got everyone registered, we divided into several discussion groups, based on language levels. We met twice a day in these groups. We got to know one another more deeply through questions and ice breaker games, and looking at the Bible together (specifically focusing on texts that show God's power in different aspects of life).
Each group found a little place to nestle in. We're thankful for good weather!!
This year for the first time we gave a little language test to people beforehand. For the most part, it worked really well as far as people being on the same level as the others in their groups.
We started each day with morning exercises. I noticed that Kathy explained things so clearly, that even Alex (who is blind) was able to perfectly follow her instructions for exercises. Everyone really liked that we did this on the beach- a beautiful and invigorating beginning to the day!
We also had group games each day. Our kids really enjoyed this time.
 |
| Water Volleyball on the Beach |
This was a relay race of running with water to fill a bucket several yards away. It took many trips!
This was a hoola-hoop relay race. The team that came had some really fun ideas to use for these game times. Each day we also had special groups that people could choose to attend for music, drama, crafts, and sports. I didn't get so many pictures of these, but it was a highlight for many people.
In the afternoon, we had free time. This was a great time for hanging out on the beach and talking with people. Often people would start up a game during this time, too. This is the game of Kubb- a big hit!
Each evening, we had a special program. In this time, our guests from the States shared stories of how God has worked in their lives. We also sang songs. One of the songs that was really popular this year was the verse John 3:16. This was a very meaningful time for everyone and created great conversations afterward.
On this evening, we sang outside during the sunset, but we moved into the tent quickly afterward because there were a lot of mosquitoes.
Mainly only the kids participated in skits this year. Diana was great with the kids and helping to guide them. She had this funny skit were Ike's head looked like it was on a platter.
Diana and Ella, hanging out in the car.
Leif's mom, Irene, came again this year. It's so nice to have her help. She was available to be with the kids and take them to the beach during our discussion groups. We all treasure having her with us.
Being at English Club at Baikal is one of the kids' highlights of their summers.
Ike, playing on a fun tire structure. He liked jumping off of it.
Hanging out on the beach during free time.
A lot of people would warm up in the banya before and after swimming in cold Baikal.
 |
| Ella, jumping in! |
This stream that connected with the lake is fed by springs and was even colder than the lake water!
Because we had so much great help this year with the team from the States, I was freed up to be a "helper", wherever needed. I love this role. On this day, I helped in the kitchen. Renata was the head chef and did a fabulous job. There were over 80 people there!
Everyone loves hot dog night! We set things up so people could walk by to get their hot dogs, buns, and toppings.
Sometimes the kids came with me to run errands. We were about 20 minutes from the closest village.
 |
| Getting Bread at the Store |
Being in God's beautiful creation often stirs up beautiful things in our souls. It's such a privilege to share this week with people from both near and far, both believers and those who don't yet believe. It's a time of drawing nearer to the One who created it all!
We roasted marshmallows. The fire was so hot we had to put the sticks in the sand and stand away from the heat!
Zhenya and Marina performed a fire show for everyone- an amazing ending to an amazing week! Many people stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to talk.
As God promises in Isaiah 55, we trust that His word that went out this week will accomplish His purposes.
