Tuesday, July 5, 2011

To Be Blessed

The Poland and American teams meet each morning for reflection and prayer let by Piotr, our camp director, and pastor of his own church in Krakow. He prayed from his heart and asked us to take today and bless someone and to do something nice for that person.

Since it was our first day back to English lessons, we surely were going to need as many blessings as we could get! The children rose to the occasion and were very good...maybe the children were just tired.

Ms. Diane was a guest speaker and went to the Level III classroom all dressed as nature guide. She taught about tracking forest animals by the way they hop, leap, waddle or walk. Did you know, Poland does not have chipmunks? Or as least the children don't think so.

Ms. Pam's class played a competitive game of Jeopardy, which reviewed all the topics we have covered so far. The children brought sunshine inside with posters of the sun and listed things that make them happy.

Ms. Judy held down the fort in the Lever II room while Ms. Diane was upstairs and taught the Our Father prayer in sign language. She also had the children draw a sun and list things that made them happy and played some games. The children played restaurant and used their English skills as they pretended to be waiters and customers. It was very comical!!

We kicked off Carnival Night with a video that Randy and Cathie selected. It was about the American nation and words of wisdom from leaders throughout history. The children went to booths to enjoy face and hand painting, bozo shoes, crush-a-cup, photo booth, cookie eating contest, craft table and finger crochet bracelets. The children enjoyed winning prizes and having fun with their friends.

We are truly blessed not only by Piotr but by everyone here.

We thank God for all He has done for us.

Pam, Judy and Diane

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy Fourth of July to America!

We celebrated 4th of July by taking the day off. The children got to go to the indoor aqua park, while the American team was taken by bus to a nearby town of Zakopone. The children had a blast in all the water. The Poland team came back exhausted. In fact, Luckasz, who was supposed to write this post came down with a terrible cold. We hope he feels better soon you can read "through the eyes" from someone from the Poland team.

The American team dashed in and out of the rain in Zakapone, but was able to take a tram to the top of a mountain. We saw spectacular views even though the tops of the mountains were hidden by dark rain clouds.

We kicked our evening worship with the American team singing our National Anthem. The children returned the favor with a rousing rendition of their Polish Anthem. It was a very touching moment. They have only been free from Communism for 23 years.

A short post because we need the rest.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Parent Day at Camp

We proudly welcomed the parents at camp today. Students were able to spend the morning and early afternoon with their parents. They shared such activities as going to church, swimming at a nearby pool and going shopping to stock up on supplies for their rooms! The formal program began in the late afternoon. Parents, children, leaders and teachers all joined together in the dining hall to sing, play games, and share classroom performances. Ms. Pam and Marysia’s level 1 class assembled onstage to perform the song “This is the Day that the Lord Has Made” including their own hand motions. Ms. Diane announced the level 2 performance, and Ms. Judy helped the children sing “Trading My Sorrows” complete with sign language. Mr. Randy played guitar as his and Ms. Cathie’s level 3 class sang “America the Beautiful” in honor of the 4^th of July which is tomorrow! Following these performances, parents were able to visit the classrooms. All classrooms were adorned with posters packed with information about each student and their experiences at camp. It was amazing to meet to parents of these wonderful children and celebrate their accomplishments. The parent visits ended with sharing a meal of kielbasa that was out of this world!

Earlier in the day…

One of the rewards of doing foreign missions is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the country. Upon the request of Diane, Judy, Randy and Cathie, Piotr kindly arranged our bus driver Stanislaus to drive us to the town of Oscwiecim to visit the memorial museums of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Pam, who had been there before, kindly watched Emma and Josh assisted. The rolling hills of farms and villages with red and green roofed homes, clustered around a central church, dotted the countryside. Yet it must be remembered, the terrible strife that affected the Polish people during Nazism and Communism not so long ago.

Walking into Auschwitz made us feel like we were walking back into time. There was no sun; the day was dreary with intermittent heavy rains. How can people treat other people like herds of cattle? In most places, cattle are even treated with more respect. We imagined, through the voice of the guide, the door of the gas chamber shutting on us just like it was to the millions of Jews, Poles, and other European people so many years ago. To be stripped of not only clothing, but to be humiliated was beyond our comprehension. Walking through the barracks sent chills down our spines. These people surely have already had their crosses to bear and are in the highest level of heaven.

Submitted by Diane, Judy and Pam

Saturday, July 2, 2011

A Day of Many Talents!

"Oh no! Diane it's quarter after....I have to go to the classroom", Judy said. "Okay, I will be there in 10 minutes...."said Diane.

Where is Diane???? She missed breakfast thinking it was quarter past seven! All day Diane asked, "What time is it?" We might have to buy her a watch!

Today teaching was a little bit rocky for the classrooms. The children had it set in their minds they did not have "school" since it was Saturday. The day off will be Monday with a trip to the Aqua Park for them....I think they expended all their energy already today.

I would like to share a great moment I had in teaching today. The children were making a page for their booklet on one of three topics: Food, Sports or Fashion. They were to take magazine pictures pertaining to their chosen topic, glue them and also identify in English the picture. One shy girl asked me, "What it is?" I asked her say it in an English sentence. She put her head down and started to struggle. I helped her and said the words I wanted her to say and asked her to repeat it. She said the sentence very slowly..." Please tell me what this is? Them a great big smile came on her face! She just spoke her first sentence in English!! She then repeated it again also using the word fruit in it. Just seeing her smile made this trip all worth it. It actually made the hair stand up on my arms. What a magical moment! God is good!

Piotr said, "Come outside and you will see the neighbor's daughter's ceremony before her church wedding" . What a great opportunity to be part of Polish tradition....if only at a distance. I took some pictures and videos. The people were dressed in traditional dress of the region. It was very exciting to be paparazzi for a few minutes.

Pam, Diane, Josh and I took a walk in the drizzle to town. It was fun conversing with people and saying Dzien Dobry! (which means good day.)
Generally, the polish people are very subdued unless you know them personally, but if you just smile and make eye contact with them, they are more than happy to return your smile and greeting. We were able to see snow on the Tatra mountains in the distance. They were majestic, just as God wanted them. The world He created is full of wonders. I am so very fortunate to have this opportunity to visit my grandparents homeland.

On another note, it was Talent Night at the camp. There were a lot of laughs as the children performed skits, and musicals. Marysia, a member of the Polish team and her fiance' Mariusz, danced to a melody of songs. Maryisia's beautiful blue dress swirled as she looked lovingly into Mariusz's eyes. Magda sang a solo performance of "Let It Be", by the Beatles, Randy was a big hit playing his guitar with a medley of songs, bringing down the house with "La Bamba", Marta O. gave a little performance of her ju jitsu talent. Then Lukasz announced " it time for some adorableness", and litte Emma appeared on stage in her blue princess gown. She demonstrated ballet and acted out an animal story coached by her mother, Cathie. The American team presented the finale' The Doctor is In". Josh had the sneezes, Pam had a cold, Judy was throwing up, Diane had the itches and Randy was pregnant.....we will let you take it from there.

Dobronoc!

Judy

Friday, July 1, 2011

It's Raining, It's Pouring (Again)....But We Are Fashionable Today!!!!

Even though the rain continues, it is not dampening the spirits of the leaders or the campers. Friendships are developing between the children and leaders alike. We enjoy the formal time we spend together and the little moments in passing.

The middle level class, under the direction of Diane and Judy, made their modeling debut today. It was to be a simple classroom activity to learn clothing vocabulary. Children donned simple props: an apron, belt, scarves, hats, bandanas, a robe and a belt. Enthusiasm mounted as we learned that the other classes wanted to attend our fashion show. Before long, 54 children assembled in the dining hall to hear announcers describe the unique qualities of their model's clothing. We had the beautiful princess Emma escorted by her lovely mother Cathie. We had Dominika from India in her Sari; Maks from Africa in Safari wear; high fashion Karolina from Italy; Kamila with her beautiful dress and Japanese fan; darling Kinga in her apron with matching bandana; and Marta the pirate. The student's personalities are blossoming, and we all are drawing closer together in friendship and love.

We dined on  mystery meat at dinner today. We found out later that it was chicken meatloaf with eggs cooked in the middle. It is like suddenly discovering a hard boiled egg in the middle of your loaf. (Maybe you would need to see it!) When you slice it, you get a slice of egg in the center of your meat. Randy made the astute observation that the chicken and the baby are reunited in death.

Those of you who know me (Pam), know that I am prone to get migraines. Well today was the day! Days like today make me really appreciate having the love and care of those around me. I am so appreciative of the wonderful team we are part of here this year. Everyone works well together and steps in however and wherever needed. I am so thankful!

As always, thank you for your prayers!
Pam and Diane (With our team)

"What Day Is It?" - Thursday June 30/Friday July1

"What day is it?" asked Pam as we went for an afternoon walk during our free time. An honest question when each day rolls into another with a similar schedule and when we have been housebound for most of the camp so far.(I'm starting to hear Rain, Rain Go Away in the background). So with a break in the clouds, the American team (minus Emma and Randy who napped instead) went for a walk through the village and up a hill to get a glimpse of the Tatra Mountains peaking out of the clouds. The hotel dog, Chopek, accompanied us much to our concern as he did not look before crossing the street and nearly got hit as well as slowed down the traffic numerous times. He finally was chased home by 2 dogs who were the parents of 6 fluffy puppies. Anyone want us to bring one home for them?

Emma mentioned today that "When summer comes, I want to do crafts outside." It has been cool and rainy. Not quite summer weather as we head into July. The forecast says more rain ahead. At least we are not sweating like those we've left at home. We have had a few opportunities to do the evening games outside between showers which is a blessing as 55 kids in a large dining room can be deafening.

In the evening after supper, we have games for about an hour and then a worship time with explanation of the words and a short message. The worship is mostly with DVDs, but Randy and I are planning to have our class help lead worship some time next week.

Our classes have had a variety of topics covered - animals, food, body parts, etc. with role plays of going to the doctor or a restaurant and funny songs. On Friday, the level 2 class, presented us with a fashion show in which Emma participated sporting her blue Cinderella outfit. She has become the camp mascot for sure.

Please pray that we are sensitive to the kids needs and have opportunities to reach out to them daily in meaningful ways. We need wisdom in bringing God's truth into all our lessons. Some of the parents will be visiting Sunday - pray for open hearts as they hear the Gospel.

Cathie

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Third Day and Pillow Crafts!

I am reflecting for the team today. Where do I begin to share the discoveries and excitement?

The stuffing and fuzz was flying as 54 children crowded into our dining hall after formal English lessons to make cut-and-tie fleece pillows. At first, the girls took up two long tables and when the boys joined in it was amazing. The best part for me was having conversations with the children and learning many new Polish words. I’m getting better at the pronunciation, but on both sides I think spelling the word is key. So the English/Polish learning takes place all day long . Judy and I were very amused to learn what the animals say from a Polish perspective. Our dogs say bark, bark, and their dogs say who, who. When they said their ducks say, fok, fok, we quickly told them American ducks say quack, quack.

The food served by our cooks is delicious and traditional Polish. The main meal is at 2:00 and begins always with tasty different soups. Today our cook painstakingly made little dumpling balls stuffed with ground meat. It was called Kuluski something. Did you know that cucumbers and tomatoes are served at breakfast and almost every meal? Dining with Marta, Benia, Lucas, Marysia, Sonia, and Piotr is fun. They tell us the names of all the interesting foods.

The ski village of Bialka Tatrzanska is charming. It’s just a 3 minute walk past small yards with cows, chickens and sheep to the cukiernia (bakery.) I found treasure there in the best poppyseed roll that Judy and I ever tasted!

Tonight’s game in front of our chalet in this lovely spot was “pass the ring cookie with a straw”. Next was the name game where a folded parachute divided the children into two teams that couldn’t see each other. The parachute was lowered by chant of three, two, one, then one child on each side stepped onto the playing spot. Whichever child named the other correctly, got to take the looser to their side to build a bigger team. Pam and I were tricked into facing off against each other. We had Polish names running through our heads like Marta, Julka, Maciek or Weronika and we were almost speechless and couldn’t think of each other’s name as the parachute was lowered!

Worship begins at 7:30. When Piotr had technical difficulties and the children were bored Judy jumped right in leading If You’re Happy and You Know It. Randy sang and recorded many worship songs on a CD as gifts for all the children! During class his CD came in handy as we reviewed the meaning of the words for the children from sheets Pam prepared for us. I was so touched when the girls exclaimed, “this is the best song ever”when You Are Holy came on the screen as they danced and sang.

It’s fabulous to work and pray as a team!

Delightedly by Diane