The boys from Fagaras and Medias have quickly assimilated into the camp routine. There are all types of kids here this week. Here are just a few experiences I had today with some of them.
Marian is an older teen who is at the camp for the first time and likes to practice his English at meals..bread, plate, cup, knife, tea and so on. He is shy and sweet and would melt into the background if we let him, but no one on the team will. We see him.
Bogdan is the cutest boy on the face of the planet (of course my boys excluded) and he has a smile that crosses his 9 year old face from ear to ear. He likes to hold hands and say things like “I don’t like the food I don’t want to eat it (after he has finished it)” and I reply, “really?” and he says “Ba-Da”, which means...oh yes I do want to eat it, see it’s already gone. We play this game and many others with words in Romanian and our bond grows. So it is with Heather, Kris, Tracy and the others who he surrounds himself with. We see him.
“Cassette” is a 18 or 19 year old who knows more about components, blue tooth and binary code than some of the engineers I work with. He brought an ENTIRE DVD system with speakers to camp in his duffel bag, including a remote. He is brillant and trapped behind a lack of social skills and other disabilities. He taught me everything I now know about how components talk to eachother...amazing. I see him.
Gezha is a very dramatic boy. The first day he had me singing the theme from Titanic on the wall by the river because it is so dramatic. He likes to act out scenes from movies and lives in that fantasy land. I see him. Not his character, but who he really is. A boy who wants more. A boy who feels things deeply and loves to draw and create, but lives in a world where that is not practical. This week, he is allowed to show his emotions, in song, on paper and be seen for who he WANTS to be someday. He told me....I just need to find my talent. My hope is that he realizes God gave him that talent and no one can take that away from him.
Elvis is the ring leader. His past behavior at camp almost kept him from coming and to be honest when he arrived there were a few groans. This means a different dynamic in the camp. He likes to test, challenge and control the kids and the leaders. But...he also just needs to be seen. He also needs to SEE. To see he could be a leader without threatening the kids. To see he can get positive attention from others who see HIM if he would show respect. When he does, so do we. When he doesn’t, he is disciplined. He is 20 years old and I wonder if this is the week that he will learn something he needs to make it on his own. We see him.
Toma likes to play with our hair...we call him Coafor (hair stylist). Cozmin has made 5 or 6 friendship bracelets, Traian wants to play with a minge (ball) constantly and so on and so on. Cristan is the “doctor” and gives a great massage and is very intelligent behind a demeanor that would leave you asking if he had special needs. Of course he does. They all do. And so do all of us.
We each need to be seen. To know we are existing on this earth, in this life. We are all part of the flock. God sees each of us and as we are his eyes this week to these boys, they are being gazed upon by God, who created them, sees them and loves them.
Peace-
Jenn
Friday, July 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Waiting...
Today was a day of waiting. We woke up around 8:30 am and had breakfast. We each ate whatever we wanted. It was a good restful weekend so we were all rested this morning.
I was waiting to see the boys from Medias and Fagaras for less then a year and today we waited a few hours longer then expected. We sat on the wall waiting and waiting. We sat in the sun getting a tan and waited. We were hungry, but waited. After 1pm they came, but we still had to do the orientation, cabin set up and lunch set up. We didn’t eat till almost 2pm.
It was so wonderful to see many familiar faces and to get to know new ones. We had about 30 children come to camp which is a smaller number then usual. We had lunch and the kids became familiar with the camp and where they will be sleeping.
Talking to some of the kids I heard some sad stories about some of the kids who did not come this year. Some of them moved to a different placement center, some went to work in Sibiu, and others went home. But one story in particular made me really sad and that was hearing that Andrei (who was deaf and mute) passed away due to some medical difficulty.
This is the second kid who I heard passed away and it’s even more sad to know that they weren’t given the right care. Maybe it was due to the fact that they were from a placement center, or the fact that they were of gypsy ethnicity or because the doctors they were taken to didn’t know what they were doing. Whatever the reason, these kids deserve to be loved and taken care of just like anyone else.
The first day went well. The kids really enjoyed getting to know a new team. So far they are well behaved.
Please pray this week for good health, rest, and blessings on these kids.
Jilda
I was waiting to see the boys from Medias and Fagaras for less then a year and today we waited a few hours longer then expected. We sat on the wall waiting and waiting. We sat in the sun getting a tan and waited. We were hungry, but waited. After 1pm they came, but we still had to do the orientation, cabin set up and lunch set up. We didn’t eat till almost 2pm.
It was so wonderful to see many familiar faces and to get to know new ones. We had about 30 children come to camp which is a smaller number then usual. We had lunch and the kids became familiar with the camp and where they will be sleeping.
Talking to some of the kids I heard some sad stories about some of the kids who did not come this year. Some of them moved to a different placement center, some went to work in Sibiu, and others went home. But one story in particular made me really sad and that was hearing that Andrei (who was deaf and mute) passed away due to some medical difficulty.
This is the second kid who I heard passed away and it’s even more sad to know that they weren’t given the right care. Maybe it was due to the fact that they were from a placement center, or the fact that they were of gypsy ethnicity or because the doctors they were taken to didn’t know what they were doing. Whatever the reason, these kids deserve to be loved and taken care of just like anyone else.
The first day went well. The kids really enjoyed getting to know a new team. So far they are well behaved.
Please pray this week for good health, rest, and blessings on these kids.
Jilda
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Gifts from camp
There’s much to do Saterday morning - this last day of camp for the children of Turnu Rosu and Fagaras. Bags packed, bedding hung out to air and cabins cleaned for the last time. The traditional breakfast comes first and helps brings smiles to many faces this morning. Everyone enters the fellowship hall a little subdued, partially due to staying up late for the camp fire the night before but mostly due to the fact that the girls are sad to be leaving camp today. Once they see the tables that have been set for them already, the happiness quotient goes up a little. Everyone is being treated to a special tradition at the camp: Finnitti and bread! If you’re familiar with Nutella just imagine that a little creamier an sweeter and you have Finitti. It’s quite the treat!
Once the chores are done we come together once again in the fellowship hall. Prizes and certificates are awarded for cleanest cabins and best helpers. The best prize for us is to see the pride they feel in themselves when they are called up! It’s so clear in their faces and how they carry themselves. It’s a gift to be able to witness this! All the children were able to receive the prize of a beanie baby as all cabins suceeded in returning their brooms, mops and buckets (in tact even!). What a gift to watch even the “coolest” of the girls search through the pile until they found just the right one that brought a pure innocent smile that lit up their face! Then gift bags filled with goodies, socks and hand knit hats are given out along with the annual camp t-shirt. With all the gifts the children receive I still feel like I have been given so much more from my week with them.
With everyone in their camp shirts we gather in front of the capella (gazebo) for a group photo, and then lots more photos of everyone trying not to miss anyone else! The girls love having their pictures taken! It’s easy to get overwhelmed or annoyed by all the requests to take or be in multiple photos. But I just have to remind myself how grateful I am for those same photos once I get home! In the simple gift of picture taking I, again, receive a much bigger gift.
After one more meal together, hugs goodbye given, and vans loaded wtih children, the team climbs up on the camp wallto wave goodbye ‘til the vans disappear around the corner out of sight. Another tradition here - another gift that fills me with grattitude.
Speaking of gifts - the team gets to head into Sibiu for an afternoon of shopping, strolling and dinner after we have cleaned up camp. Many of us find little trasures to gift our friends and family, and it’s fun just to be out. the city center of Sibiu is a beautiful in a very old European way. We end the day with a fantastic meal at a nice restaurant called La Turn. Our meals all far outdo any of our expectations! Completely relaxed and satisfied we return to our home away from home with one last gift from Jill: we all get to sleep in tomorrow! Big and small the gifts have been plentiful today! My suitcases that arrived full of camp supples may be alot lighter on the return home, but I will be going home with countless gifts that could never be contained by a suitcase!
~Tracy
Once the chores are done we come together once again in the fellowship hall. Prizes and certificates are awarded for cleanest cabins and best helpers. The best prize for us is to see the pride they feel in themselves when they are called up! It’s so clear in their faces and how they carry themselves. It’s a gift to be able to witness this! All the children were able to receive the prize of a beanie baby as all cabins suceeded in returning their brooms, mops and buckets (in tact even!). What a gift to watch even the “coolest” of the girls search through the pile until they found just the right one that brought a pure innocent smile that lit up their face! Then gift bags filled with goodies, socks and hand knit hats are given out along with the annual camp t-shirt. With all the gifts the children receive I still feel like I have been given so much more from my week with them.
With everyone in their camp shirts we gather in front of the capella (gazebo) for a group photo, and then lots more photos of everyone trying not to miss anyone else! The girls love having their pictures taken! It’s easy to get overwhelmed or annoyed by all the requests to take or be in multiple photos. But I just have to remind myself how grateful I am for those same photos once I get home! In the simple gift of picture taking I, again, receive a much bigger gift.
After one more meal together, hugs goodbye given, and vans loaded wtih children, the team climbs up on the camp wallto wave goodbye ‘til the vans disappear around the corner out of sight. Another tradition here - another gift that fills me with grattitude.
Speaking of gifts - the team gets to head into Sibiu for an afternoon of shopping, strolling and dinner after we have cleaned up camp. Many of us find little trasures to gift our friends and family, and it’s fun just to be out. the city center of Sibiu is a beautiful in a very old European way. We end the day with a fantastic meal at a nice restaurant called La Turn. Our meals all far outdo any of our expectations! Completely relaxed and satisfied we return to our home away from home with one last gift from Jill: we all get to sleep in tomorrow! Big and small the gifts have been plentiful today! My suitcases that arrived full of camp supples may be alot lighter on the return home, but I will be going home with countless gifts that could never be contained by a suitcase!
~Tracy
Friday, June 26, 2009
A Day at the Camp of the Good Shepherd
Well, it’s Thursday and the girls are already dreading the end of their time here. There are a range of emotions and behaviors they exhibit. For some, tears are already flowing.
Today the craft was making a small box out of printed file folders. A piece of reflective paper was placed in the bottom of the box since our theme is “Reflections” (or “shine your light”). The girls also put together a bracelet to put in their boxes. The kids were very excited to make such a nice rememberance. Di and I are the “Cabin Inspectors” this week. That means we go to each cabin during their game time and rate the cleanliness of their cabins on a scale from 1 to 10. These girls are expected to keep their cabins clean--beds made, clothes folded, shoes arranged carefully, and a clean, mopped floor. Many of them decorate their cabins with the crafts they make each day. Four campers live in each cabin with two single bunk beds and an empty loft. The beds come with sheets, a handmade donated quilt, and a pillow. The inside of each cabin is unique and inviting with the homey quilts adorning each bed. In our inspeaction, most of the cabins rate an 8, 9, or 10 with a couple of 7’s and 8’s thrown in. There are 12 cabins, but we only inspect 10 of them because their caregivers reside in the other two.
Our day begins with the Romanian team and the American team getting together to learn the schedule for the day. Then together we set up the dining area (which also is used for worship and crafts). After breakfast the girls clean their cabins and then come to make some very special keepsake crafts. They may or may not have individual time before they are introduced to the many fun games that have been prepared for them. Lunch time comes next followed by a “rest time”. Tracy, Di, and I used the rest time to take a walk along a dirt/rock road led by one of our camp dogs, Dax. We admire the lush green colors all around us and the mixture of homes along the way. About a mile up the road is a store/restaurant/motel where we rest. We’ve been lucky to take our walk between rain showers and downpours. We all get together for some fun and games before dinner. After dinner, when the dishes are washed and put away, the tables and chairs are rearranged for our worship time. Heather and Jenn have planned awesome music. Jenn has created skits that will allow the Romanian campers to “see” the Biblical passage that will be presented. Our Romanian volunteers translate our English into words the campers will understand. We have all demonstrated positive examples of how we work together, and we are quick to let the campers know when they do the same.
Jilda has been taking pictures non-stop. Of course, the kids all want their picture taken. They pose as if they’re super models! Several of the girls call Jill “Mommy Jill”. She is always needed for one thing or another at this camp. Rest time is nothing she gets here! Haley is an essential part of the games that are played. The girls really relate to her.
The time that we spend here at the Camp of the Good Shepherd is so rewarding! These girls come from two different orphanages and crave the attention we give them.
Even with the language barrier we become close. Year after year we return to give them what we take for granted and to give them hope. We are so glad we’re here!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Kris
Today the craft was making a small box out of printed file folders. A piece of reflective paper was placed in the bottom of the box since our theme is “Reflections” (or “shine your light”). The girls also put together a bracelet to put in their boxes. The kids were very excited to make such a nice rememberance. Di and I are the “Cabin Inspectors” this week. That means we go to each cabin during their game time and rate the cleanliness of their cabins on a scale from 1 to 10. These girls are expected to keep their cabins clean--beds made, clothes folded, shoes arranged carefully, and a clean, mopped floor. Many of them decorate their cabins with the crafts they make each day. Four campers live in each cabin with two single bunk beds and an empty loft. The beds come with sheets, a handmade donated quilt, and a pillow. The inside of each cabin is unique and inviting with the homey quilts adorning each bed. In our inspeaction, most of the cabins rate an 8, 9, or 10 with a couple of 7’s and 8’s thrown in. There are 12 cabins, but we only inspect 10 of them because their caregivers reside in the other two.
Our day begins with the Romanian team and the American team getting together to learn the schedule for the day. Then together we set up the dining area (which also is used for worship and crafts). After breakfast the girls clean their cabins and then come to make some very special keepsake crafts. They may or may not have individual time before they are introduced to the many fun games that have been prepared for them. Lunch time comes next followed by a “rest time”. Tracy, Di, and I used the rest time to take a walk along a dirt/rock road led by one of our camp dogs, Dax. We admire the lush green colors all around us and the mixture of homes along the way. About a mile up the road is a store/restaurant/motel where we rest. We’ve been lucky to take our walk between rain showers and downpours. We all get together for some fun and games before dinner. After dinner, when the dishes are washed and put away, the tables and chairs are rearranged for our worship time. Heather and Jenn have planned awesome music. Jenn has created skits that will allow the Romanian campers to “see” the Biblical passage that will be presented. Our Romanian volunteers translate our English into words the campers will understand. We have all demonstrated positive examples of how we work together, and we are quick to let the campers know when they do the same.
Jilda has been taking pictures non-stop. Of course, the kids all want their picture taken. They pose as if they’re super models! Several of the girls call Jill “Mommy Jill”. She is always needed for one thing or another at this camp. Rest time is nothing she gets here! Haley is an essential part of the games that are played. The girls really relate to her.
The time that we spend here at the Camp of the Good Shepherd is so rewarding! These girls come from two different orphanages and crave the attention we give them.
Even with the language barrier we become close. Year after year we return to give them what we take for granted and to give them hope. We are so glad we’re here!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Kris
Heroes of Christ
Wednesday was a day of watching the children be heroes to each other and occasionally being heroes ourselves. To be a hero isn’t exclusive to having a super power. It means heaving a heart to help others and that is what I saw today.
It was the little things I saw that inspired me. Passing the bread politely, inviting someone into a game, things that even I somethings take for granted. Some of these girls that I’ve known for the past three years have changed. The changes are some that are simple that some would expect every child to know. They have learned to play with others kindly, follow directions and be quiet at the night’s worship so everyone can hear. To me, I feel like by coming here, I have made a difference in their lives.
Worship time that night was amazing, thanks to Diana (Trust the Art Degree). Diana and I dressed up as Luminera and Reflector, God’s Heroes. Di and I worked together to create the best costumes. Luminera (DI) was in a magical red and blue get-up with a duct tape belt and holster for a lighter. I, Reflector, had the most ridiculous costume ever. We covered Iulian’s helmet with tin foil and pasted a big R on the top. Then I had a shield made from a mirror and duct tape. The kids loved it! We lit candles and read the word of God to our PIPs (People in Peril). The rest of the team was our PIPs and did a good job at it.
I hope the rest of this week will stay positive as it has for the most part so far. I keep thinking to myself, are these the same girls that I’ve known for the last 3 years? In the end, I realize that the true hero in this story is God. He is the one who brought us here. He is the one who has a plan to touch the lives of these children and this team. I pray that I will always be his instrument of light and joy to the world.
Amen
~ Haley
It was the little things I saw that inspired me. Passing the bread politely, inviting someone into a game, things that even I somethings take for granted. Some of these girls that I’ve known for the past three years have changed. The changes are some that are simple that some would expect every child to know. They have learned to play with others kindly, follow directions and be quiet at the night’s worship so everyone can hear. To me, I feel like by coming here, I have made a difference in their lives.
Worship time that night was amazing, thanks to Diana (Trust the Art Degree). Diana and I dressed up as Luminera and Reflector, God’s Heroes. Di and I worked together to create the best costumes. Luminera (DI) was in a magical red and blue get-up with a duct tape belt and holster for a lighter. I, Reflector, had the most ridiculous costume ever. We covered Iulian’s helmet with tin foil and pasted a big R on the top. Then I had a shield made from a mirror and duct tape. The kids loved it! We lit candles and read the word of God to our PIPs (People in Peril). The rest of the team was our PIPs and did a good job at it.
I hope the rest of this week will stay positive as it has for the most part so far. I keep thinking to myself, are these the same girls that I’ve known for the last 3 years? In the end, I realize that the true hero in this story is God. He is the one who brought us here. He is the one who has a plan to touch the lives of these children and this team. I pray that I will always be his instrument of light and joy to the world.
Amen
~ Haley
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Lord I Am Amazed by You…
It is 6:30 in the morning. I am groggy and I drag myself out of bed, barely able to shuffle to the shower. The treasured 3 minutes “ALONE” in the shower is not to be missed. Well…anyone can walk into the bathroom at any time, but if you are fast… I let the water pound upon my head to wash away the cobwebs and wonder what the new day will hold. The Camp of the Good Shepherd begins to come to life. The kids are up and preparing for the day. I can hear their voices speaking in a language that I am technically too tired to understand, and yet I do. Lord, I am amazed by You…
The team gathers in my room to share a time of devotion. I read Romans 12:3-21. As I am reading I contemplate the unique gifts God has provided for the team. God has sent servants, artists, teachers, musicians, memory keepers and makers, encouragers, prayer warriors, leaders, menders of open wounds and broken hearts, gentle spirits and bold professors of faith. He has sent innovators and motivators. I recognize the gifts of comedic relief, love, humility, compassion, mercy and fearlessness. Pulled together by our King and our passion for the least of these, we are a crew of devoted followers of Christ. We are the body of Christ. Lord, I am amazed by You…
The children are waiting patiently just outside the dorm. “Buna dimineata Haley! Ai dormit bine?” “Good morning Haley. You have slept well?” We are on our way to gather with the Romanian team to unite as one body in prayer. This is one of my favorite parts of the day. Voices are raised in prayer in two different languages speaking to one Lord. The circle of chairs is intentionally left open to invite others into it. The children are preparing for the day ahead and watch from a distance or up close to see and hear what we are doing first hand. When we are finished praying and the “amens” and “amins” are spoken, the children immediately say “Good morning! You have slept well?” to anyone who will respond. We continue to wrap up loose ends with the daily assignments, gather our chairs and return them to the dining hall.
Dax, one of our lovable, scary looking and mangy dogs lets out a bark or twelve to let us, and any creature lingering near the camp know that he is ready to defend the camp and all who walk within its walls. Pamela is even mangier than Dax, and is busy nursing her orphaned kittens (she was an orphan herself so she has no qualms about caring for others including humans) and Rex, who is a fairly large and also mangy beast is hanging out in the back. He is new to the camp and arrived just a week before the children. Orphaned, hungry and alone he came to the Camp of the Good Shepherd. I could easily count his ribs last week, but not now. The kittens scamper over Dax and use his ears like toys. He looks at them wearily with one eye and they back off…well slightly. Rex uses the kittens as chew toys and Pamela snarls at him like a Mom in the park giving stink eye to a stranger even looking at her children. Lord I am amazed by You…
The multi-tasking begins. The team sets up the tables for the breakfast and chats about the day’s plans. The rain is coming today and we rush to prepare games before the forecasted torrential downpour arrives. I toss up another prayer request to please hold off the rain Lord for just a while longer. I hear the children gathering outside the dining hall door waiting to find that one special table where they will sit with friends and a camp volunteer. The perspective is always interesting from the dish room where I am assigned today. Volunteers have taken their place at different tables and the first children bursts into the door, looking around to see if there is an open place at their special volunteer’s table. I am seeing faces of joy when they see an open spot and faces of longing when they realize the last spot has been filled. They are children and quickly shift to plan B and find their second favorite volunteer. The food is blessed and the feeding frenzy begins. The new tablecloths this year seem to muffle the noise a bit and the children enjoy how nice they look. Breakfast is yogurt, bread, margarine, jam, “cheese” (and I use the term loosely), salami and hot tea…(well by the time it is actually served, it is lukewarm tea.). It is filling and the children are satisfied…as for me, I confess…I added a bit of granola to my yogurt, ditched the rest of the offerings except the coffee with the spoon standing up in it. I prefer the coffee brand “Janitor in a Drum” because it is industrial strength. After all we are at camp… Lord, I am amazed by You…
The action in the dish room has already begun. Serving dishes and tools are already being flung at us. Jilda and I duck and dodge out of the way of incoming spoons, plastic serving bowls, and plastic cups. If you can dodge a knife you can play Romanian games. Clearly, Jilda and I will be well prepared for game time. We make a pact to finish the dishes in less than an hour. Yes, it is a lofty goal, but doable for us veterans. Jilda and I do the double wash, meaning the ooooooooooo and goooooooo go into the first bucket of hot soapy water and once the initial gunk is off it goes to the “official” wash bucket. Then, the dish is onto the bleach dip, rinse dip and into the hands of capable Romanians to dry. All the while Jilda and I are pushing to keep on track with our goal. The team completes the dining hall clean up. The dishes are done and we have met our goal. We are released to continue our service in another area of camp ministry. Lord, I am amazed by You.
Craft time is next and the team sets enough places for all the children to make purses and it involves GLUE. Glue is my personal nemesis. I am completely craft challenged when it involves anything sticky. The children are cutting, gluing, sewing, smiling, laughing, creating, SHARING, and filling their purses with our felt pens, while I am busy trying to get my fingers apart after helping a child. I call out, ”Hey…Tracy and Heather, please check the bags for markers before they go out the door.” Clean up, clean up everybody everywhere. Clean up, clean up everybody do your share! My “Angel” asks Jenn to deliver to me the purse they created. They have written my name upon it…”Jiil” in delicate lace. It is the most beautiful purse I have ever seen and I treasure it. Lord, I am amazed by You…
The children gather for game time. Ionut is in charge of game facilitation. He is a great young man who has been a camper, a Romanian volunteer team member and now is a leader of ministry at the Camp of the Good Shepherd. He was rather shy as a boy, but has been beautifully transformed into a confident young man. I am thankful he is using his gifts because, while I enjoy playing the games (I can chase people with the best of them), I do not enjoy leading the games. God has given our team a Shepherd to lead games! YEAH! The kids are having a great time playing at the four stations. The team is spread out amongst the stations. I am running a gunnysack back and forth between stations and cheering the children on. The kids are shouting for their team members who have been mixed between the two orphanages who are here together at camp. Quite a change from years past when the children would belittle each other if they could not compete at a high enough level. They would not even consider being on a team with a child from a different orphanage. It is lovely to hear the encouragement. Lord, I am amazed by You…
It is time to set up for lunch. We are scrambling to get the plates out and the tables prepared for the large meal of the day. We are serving, soup, bread, meat with a pasta-ish noodle and a cucumber and tomato salad. Jilda and I are in the dish room eating our lunch between washing dishes and dodging flying objects. Now the real work begins…lunch has twice as many dishes and utensils. What is our new goal? Oh yes, to get them done before it is time for DINNER! ;) Two young guests visiting the camp ask to participate in the dishwashing ritual. I gladly relinquish my place to them to get on with other business about the camp. Using the same process they manage to get through the endless piles of dishes and finish up well before the deadline. Jilda makes one last swipe with the mop and shuts out the light. Jilda, the humble servant moves on to clean the bathrooms with Heather (not a great job by most people’s standards, but necessary). Lord, I am amazed by You…
It is shower day and the hot water is being finicky. We are trying to get 50 children washed and shampooed before the incoming rain. Alas, we missed the window of opportunity. The rain is pounding down on us and everyone heads for cover. It is “rest time” (which usually means when properly translated, the Romanian adults take a nap and the kids don’t) but today, after the showers the children have fallen asleep listening to the rain dance upon the skylights in their cabins. Marcel and I head down to the cabins after a few hours to bring an afternoon snack, a banana for all the kids and caregivers. We have cast aside the “NO FOOD IN THE CABINS” rule for just today. It is pouring. We go from cabin to cabin delivering the treat. Some are awake and some are asleep. Some sprawled out without a care in the world, some snuggled together with two or three to a bed sleeping. They are assigned individual beds and yet find comfort in sleeping three to a twin sized bed. Usually someone is sort of half on half off the side of it but they make it work. Lord, I am amazed by You…
The rain is letting up and we stall for dinner as long as possible. The banana has filled them up for the time being. The children initiate some free play. I must confess I looked for a quiet corner to regroup after a long day. Rats! Someone has found me. You would think I could find one place in the camp to hide for a few minutes after all of these years. I answer some more questions and make some more decisions then move on to setting up for dinner. Tonight we are having bread, a bean and “meat” soupy something (which was quite tasty by the way) and “hot tea”. The children are entertaining themselves with hand and singing games. Jilda comes breathlessly into the kitchen and says, “Oh, that was so much fun playing the hand games with the kids.” And the dish room activity starts again! There is always laughter in the dish room so it is not a bad place to serve, but by days end my back hurts. The tables the dish buckets are set upon are too low and the room is too small to accommodate more than 4 people. But it works. Still waiting for the new dishwasher to be installed. Here come the kids…they are ravenous. “Jill, te rog, mai paine!” “Jill, please, more bread!” more tea, more beans, more margarine, more jam… “Multumesc Jill!” “Thank you Jill!” Lord, I am amazed by You…
After dinner the evening fellowship will begin. We have a slight delay because the children have started playing a singing/dancing game, which involved something about a girl named Carolina (I think), and determining if you could be friends if after the count of three standing back to back, you both looked in the same direction. The game started out with only a few children. I am intrigued and venture over with five girls hanging off various parts of my body. “Let’s join them!” The circle opens. I see more children approach and I go to them. “Let’s join them!” The circle opens. I see more children approach who are typically on the outside looking in, a child also sees them and goes to them and says, “Join us!” and so on and so on and so on. The circle is getting larger and larger and larger. The laughter is getting louder and louder and louder. I see the delight in the eyes of Iulia, Roxi, little Marius, Angelica, Claudia, little Florentina, Nela, Tracy, Haley, Jilda, Kris, Ruxi, Naomi, Flori, Maria, Maria, Maria and Maria. One of the Romanian volunteers who is a nice young man interested in world politics was having as much fun as the children. “ Dany the Dancing Politician” as I like to call him would graciously and joyfully dance with all of the children. Ionut also helped to make each child feel special as he invited or accepted the offer to dance. The game went on and on and on. Another confession…I always secretly hoped that someone would pick me over and over again. It felt so special to be chosen and to dance and celebrate. I guess we are never too old to long to feel acceptance. Lord, I am amazed by You…
The shrill whistle blows and everyone rushes the main hall to grab a chair. It is time for evening fellowship. There is music and skits and lessons. The skit which was a lesson on love was about two “nerds” which were played beautiful by Jenn and Heather, however, the costuming expert and ROOKIE Di, helped to bring the characters to life. The joy of singing songs in both Romanian and English is overwhelming. My heart is full and satisfied. The children listen in rapture to the lovely voices of Jenn and Heather as they sing about compassion and our Savior. I watch more than a hand full of children singing along in English with the team. They beg them to sing it again and again. Our God is Mighty to Save. Fellowship comes to a close in prayer. The children hug their favorite team members and say, “Noapte Buna!” “Good Night”. I am off to prepare for lovely rest until we begin it all again tomorrow. Thanks for a great day! Lord, I am amazed by You…
Jill
The team gathers in my room to share a time of devotion. I read Romans 12:3-21. As I am reading I contemplate the unique gifts God has provided for the team. God has sent servants, artists, teachers, musicians, memory keepers and makers, encouragers, prayer warriors, leaders, menders of open wounds and broken hearts, gentle spirits and bold professors of faith. He has sent innovators and motivators. I recognize the gifts of comedic relief, love, humility, compassion, mercy and fearlessness. Pulled together by our King and our passion for the least of these, we are a crew of devoted followers of Christ. We are the body of Christ. Lord, I am amazed by You…
The children are waiting patiently just outside the dorm. “Buna dimineata Haley! Ai dormit bine?” “Good morning Haley. You have slept well?” We are on our way to gather with the Romanian team to unite as one body in prayer. This is one of my favorite parts of the day. Voices are raised in prayer in two different languages speaking to one Lord. The circle of chairs is intentionally left open to invite others into it. The children are preparing for the day ahead and watch from a distance or up close to see and hear what we are doing first hand. When we are finished praying and the “amens” and “amins” are spoken, the children immediately say “Good morning! You have slept well?” to anyone who will respond. We continue to wrap up loose ends with the daily assignments, gather our chairs and return them to the dining hall.
Dax, one of our lovable, scary looking and mangy dogs lets out a bark or twelve to let us, and any creature lingering near the camp know that he is ready to defend the camp and all who walk within its walls. Pamela is even mangier than Dax, and is busy nursing her orphaned kittens (she was an orphan herself so she has no qualms about caring for others including humans) and Rex, who is a fairly large and also mangy beast is hanging out in the back. He is new to the camp and arrived just a week before the children. Orphaned, hungry and alone he came to the Camp of the Good Shepherd. I could easily count his ribs last week, but not now. The kittens scamper over Dax and use his ears like toys. He looks at them wearily with one eye and they back off…well slightly. Rex uses the kittens as chew toys and Pamela snarls at him like a Mom in the park giving stink eye to a stranger even looking at her children. Lord I am amazed by You…
The multi-tasking begins. The team sets up the tables for the breakfast and chats about the day’s plans. The rain is coming today and we rush to prepare games before the forecasted torrential downpour arrives. I toss up another prayer request to please hold off the rain Lord for just a while longer. I hear the children gathering outside the dining hall door waiting to find that one special table where they will sit with friends and a camp volunteer. The perspective is always interesting from the dish room where I am assigned today. Volunteers have taken their place at different tables and the first children bursts into the door, looking around to see if there is an open place at their special volunteer’s table. I am seeing faces of joy when they see an open spot and faces of longing when they realize the last spot has been filled. They are children and quickly shift to plan B and find their second favorite volunteer. The food is blessed and the feeding frenzy begins. The new tablecloths this year seem to muffle the noise a bit and the children enjoy how nice they look. Breakfast is yogurt, bread, margarine, jam, “cheese” (and I use the term loosely), salami and hot tea…(well by the time it is actually served, it is lukewarm tea.). It is filling and the children are satisfied…as for me, I confess…I added a bit of granola to my yogurt, ditched the rest of the offerings except the coffee with the spoon standing up in it. I prefer the coffee brand “Janitor in a Drum” because it is industrial strength. After all we are at camp… Lord, I am amazed by You…
The action in the dish room has already begun. Serving dishes and tools are already being flung at us. Jilda and I duck and dodge out of the way of incoming spoons, plastic serving bowls, and plastic cups. If you can dodge a knife you can play Romanian games. Clearly, Jilda and I will be well prepared for game time. We make a pact to finish the dishes in less than an hour. Yes, it is a lofty goal, but doable for us veterans. Jilda and I do the double wash, meaning the ooooooooooo and goooooooo go into the first bucket of hot soapy water and once the initial gunk is off it goes to the “official” wash bucket. Then, the dish is onto the bleach dip, rinse dip and into the hands of capable Romanians to dry. All the while Jilda and I are pushing to keep on track with our goal. The team completes the dining hall clean up. The dishes are done and we have met our goal. We are released to continue our service in another area of camp ministry. Lord, I am amazed by You.
Craft time is next and the team sets enough places for all the children to make purses and it involves GLUE. Glue is my personal nemesis. I am completely craft challenged when it involves anything sticky. The children are cutting, gluing, sewing, smiling, laughing, creating, SHARING, and filling their purses with our felt pens, while I am busy trying to get my fingers apart after helping a child. I call out, ”Hey…Tracy and Heather, please check the bags for markers before they go out the door.” Clean up, clean up everybody everywhere. Clean up, clean up everybody do your share! My “Angel” asks Jenn to deliver to me the purse they created. They have written my name upon it…”Jiil” in delicate lace. It is the most beautiful purse I have ever seen and I treasure it. Lord, I am amazed by You…
The children gather for game time. Ionut is in charge of game facilitation. He is a great young man who has been a camper, a Romanian volunteer team member and now is a leader of ministry at the Camp of the Good Shepherd. He was rather shy as a boy, but has been beautifully transformed into a confident young man. I am thankful he is using his gifts because, while I enjoy playing the games (I can chase people with the best of them), I do not enjoy leading the games. God has given our team a Shepherd to lead games! YEAH! The kids are having a great time playing at the four stations. The team is spread out amongst the stations. I am running a gunnysack back and forth between stations and cheering the children on. The kids are shouting for their team members who have been mixed between the two orphanages who are here together at camp. Quite a change from years past when the children would belittle each other if they could not compete at a high enough level. They would not even consider being on a team with a child from a different orphanage. It is lovely to hear the encouragement. Lord, I am amazed by You…
It is time to set up for lunch. We are scrambling to get the plates out and the tables prepared for the large meal of the day. We are serving, soup, bread, meat with a pasta-ish noodle and a cucumber and tomato salad. Jilda and I are in the dish room eating our lunch between washing dishes and dodging flying objects. Now the real work begins…lunch has twice as many dishes and utensils. What is our new goal? Oh yes, to get them done before it is time for DINNER! ;) Two young guests visiting the camp ask to participate in the dishwashing ritual. I gladly relinquish my place to them to get on with other business about the camp. Using the same process they manage to get through the endless piles of dishes and finish up well before the deadline. Jilda makes one last swipe with the mop and shuts out the light. Jilda, the humble servant moves on to clean the bathrooms with Heather (not a great job by most people’s standards, but necessary). Lord, I am amazed by You…
It is shower day and the hot water is being finicky. We are trying to get 50 children washed and shampooed before the incoming rain. Alas, we missed the window of opportunity. The rain is pounding down on us and everyone heads for cover. It is “rest time” (which usually means when properly translated, the Romanian adults take a nap and the kids don’t) but today, after the showers the children have fallen asleep listening to the rain dance upon the skylights in their cabins. Marcel and I head down to the cabins after a few hours to bring an afternoon snack, a banana for all the kids and caregivers. We have cast aside the “NO FOOD IN THE CABINS” rule for just today. It is pouring. We go from cabin to cabin delivering the treat. Some are awake and some are asleep. Some sprawled out without a care in the world, some snuggled together with two or three to a bed sleeping. They are assigned individual beds and yet find comfort in sleeping three to a twin sized bed. Usually someone is sort of half on half off the side of it but they make it work. Lord, I am amazed by You…
The rain is letting up and we stall for dinner as long as possible. The banana has filled them up for the time being. The children initiate some free play. I must confess I looked for a quiet corner to regroup after a long day. Rats! Someone has found me. You would think I could find one place in the camp to hide for a few minutes after all of these years. I answer some more questions and make some more decisions then move on to setting up for dinner. Tonight we are having bread, a bean and “meat” soupy something (which was quite tasty by the way) and “hot tea”. The children are entertaining themselves with hand and singing games. Jilda comes breathlessly into the kitchen and says, “Oh, that was so much fun playing the hand games with the kids.” And the dish room activity starts again! There is always laughter in the dish room so it is not a bad place to serve, but by days end my back hurts. The tables the dish buckets are set upon are too low and the room is too small to accommodate more than 4 people. But it works. Still waiting for the new dishwasher to be installed. Here come the kids…they are ravenous. “Jill, te rog, mai paine!” “Jill, please, more bread!” more tea, more beans, more margarine, more jam… “Multumesc Jill!” “Thank you Jill!” Lord, I am amazed by You…
After dinner the evening fellowship will begin. We have a slight delay because the children have started playing a singing/dancing game, which involved something about a girl named Carolina (I think), and determining if you could be friends if after the count of three standing back to back, you both looked in the same direction. The game started out with only a few children. I am intrigued and venture over with five girls hanging off various parts of my body. “Let’s join them!” The circle opens. I see more children approach and I go to them. “Let’s join them!” The circle opens. I see more children approach who are typically on the outside looking in, a child also sees them and goes to them and says, “Join us!” and so on and so on and so on. The circle is getting larger and larger and larger. The laughter is getting louder and louder and louder. I see the delight in the eyes of Iulia, Roxi, little Marius, Angelica, Claudia, little Florentina, Nela, Tracy, Haley, Jilda, Kris, Ruxi, Naomi, Flori, Maria, Maria, Maria and Maria. One of the Romanian volunteers who is a nice young man interested in world politics was having as much fun as the children. “ Dany the Dancing Politician” as I like to call him would graciously and joyfully dance with all of the children. Ionut also helped to make each child feel special as he invited or accepted the offer to dance. The game went on and on and on. Another confession…I always secretly hoped that someone would pick me over and over again. It felt so special to be chosen and to dance and celebrate. I guess we are never too old to long to feel acceptance. Lord, I am amazed by You…
The shrill whistle blows and everyone rushes the main hall to grab a chair. It is time for evening fellowship. There is music and skits and lessons. The skit which was a lesson on love was about two “nerds” which were played beautiful by Jenn and Heather, however, the costuming expert and ROOKIE Di, helped to bring the characters to life. The joy of singing songs in both Romanian and English is overwhelming. My heart is full and satisfied. The children listen in rapture to the lovely voices of Jenn and Heather as they sing about compassion and our Savior. I watch more than a hand full of children singing along in English with the team. They beg them to sing it again and again. Our God is Mighty to Save. Fellowship comes to a close in prayer. The children hug their favorite team members and say, “Noapte Buna!” “Good Night”. I am off to prepare for lovely rest until we begin it all again tomorrow. Thanks for a great day! Lord, I am amazed by You…
Jill
Monday, June 22, 2009
Homecomings, Reunions and Introductions...
Last night we joined with the Romanian volunteer team and were treated to the most incredible Romanian BBQ by Iulian the Camp Director. He cooked and spiced and made the entire meal just right. We felt like we were home, and for some of us...we were.
Today we did the final preparations for the arrival of the kids from Turnu Rosu and Fagaras Placement Centers. About 11:30am, the team lined the top of the camp wall to wait for the infamous honking of the horn and the first view of the vans carrying the precious cargo we traveled across the world to see.
The girls arrived and jumped out of the van, to see just who came back to see them.
They were happy to hug and kiss and reunite with Kris and Tracy and Jilda who have not worked with them for a few years. They were easily in the arms of Jill, Haley, Heather and myself who they just saw 12 monhts ago. And they were curious and interested in finding out just who this “rookie” Diana was.
The day was filled with reunions and introductions. Each one of us met a new kid today because every year there are new children entering the system and attending the camp.
As the children get reintroduced to the camp and the rules and the volunteers, we worked our way through a wonderful lunch, cabin settling, crafts, games and evening fellowship.
Tonight before bed, each person at camp, kids, volunteers and cooks included drew a name of another person at camp and will be their secret angel for the entire week. We have the chance to “protect” and encourage each other and be the reflection of God to each other for the week.
I hope to share some images from today, but our internet is very slow. Know that all your support and care from home is keeping us going even when we are still jet lagged and exhausted about 2pm every day.
Peace-
Jenn
Today we did the final preparations for the arrival of the kids from Turnu Rosu and Fagaras Placement Centers. About 11:30am, the team lined the top of the camp wall to wait for the infamous honking of the horn and the first view of the vans carrying the precious cargo we traveled across the world to see.
The girls arrived and jumped out of the van, to see just who came back to see them.
They were happy to hug and kiss and reunite with Kris and Tracy and Jilda who have not worked with them for a few years. They were easily in the arms of Jill, Haley, Heather and myself who they just saw 12 monhts ago. And they were curious and interested in finding out just who this “rookie” Diana was.
The day was filled with reunions and introductions. Each one of us met a new kid today because every year there are new children entering the system and attending the camp.
As the children get reintroduced to the camp and the rules and the volunteers, we worked our way through a wonderful lunch, cabin settling, crafts, games and evening fellowship.
Tonight before bed, each person at camp, kids, volunteers and cooks included drew a name of another person at camp and will be their secret angel for the entire week. We have the chance to “protect” and encourage each other and be the reflection of God to each other for the week.
I hope to share some images from today, but our internet is very slow. Know that all your support and care from home is keeping us going even when we are still jet lagged and exhausted about 2pm every day.
Peace-
Jenn
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