I woke up this morning in my flat in Praha and sighed. I didn't have to leave today for a camp! Time to rest before Saturday when I leave for the last English camp of the summer for me.
In mid July, I started this marathon of camps by helping with a City Camp in the Cerny Most area of Prague. I worked with an incredible team from Texas and the REACH Global team, along with some awesome Czechs to reach out to children in this neighborhood. Stumbling over the little Czech words that I know, and learning that games and laughter translate well across cultures, I began to become energized. I love spending time with people and now I was able to start a period of time where I would be surrounded by people. The City Camp was a success and we even had a few children accept Jesus.
The next week, I went off with the RZ Czech Brethren Church to the northern mountains for Family English Camp. Traveling with us were two woman from Iowa and a man from Texas who came to teach the adult English classes. I worked with another missionary to teach the elementary age children for the week. We had a lot of moments that called for adaptability and all of us were able to laugh and move on with life. I also taught some martial arts during the 3 days of rain. Our focus for the week was the story of the Prodigal son and my group of 10-12 year olds went from thinking the father was stupid for forgiving his son to believing that he wasn't stupid for forgiving his son. I loved watching the transformation and watching Christ work in my teammates and students. I was given the privilege to sing on the worship team in the evenings. We sang wholesome songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "We Will Rock You".
I then headed back to the Czech mountains for my Czech Church's retreat. Seven days with my church family in an incredible hotel that reminded me of a castle, with 5 awesome women sharing a room with me, and gorgeous weather. The focus of the week was on family and how to show Christ's love to one another. I didn't always have a translator but found ways to be filled through the talks. I even understood one whole sentence all by myself! It was a stretching time for me, having to use more Czech and be patient with communication. I began to get frustrated that I couldn't communicate at the level that I wanted to. Patience. Yet, the chance to connect with the young adults in my church was wonderful! We went on day trips together and had some deeper conversations. They were very supportive of me as I tried to communicate and pick a song to sing. I was asked to sing and play guitar for the group. It was lifegiving for me and to God be the glory! I am looking forward to singing more in the months ahead.
The most recent camp that I attended was a Young Life camp for all of the Czech Republic. I taught the first martial arts workshop. I loved it! I love working with other martial artists and seeing the students confidence grow as they begin to understand what they are doing. I had fantastic martial artists helpers and translator. The biggest challenge we faced was getting the girls in the class to be okay with hitting a person. Well success was found when one girl kicked our helper, Michal, through a slightly opened door causing some bleeding. Michal and I were grinning from ear to ear. There was a group of 30 Americans from all over there to assist with the camp. It was a rough transition from me to come from a place where I was the only American to having 30 of them around me! But I'm thankful for this experience in many ways. One way is having some much needed processing time with long term missionaries in Europe as well as being an American with the group from California. As a staff, we focused on building relationships and interceding for other leaders and the campers. The camp is still going on! Prayers are more than welcomed!
God continues to show me small ways that He is working. It's humbling that He choosing to use a broken vessel like me to accomplish His plans.
