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