Hello everyone;
I hope everyone’s weekend is going well! It’s only been a couple of days since we reached Poland and all ready I hope I can come back on a mission trip again; the country is beautiful. God has shown me so much and I’m looking forward to how he will affect the lives of all the Poland teens and I pray that they will grow closer to Christ during this week. Today was the final preparations of camp and the arrival of the Polish teens. Before breakfast Sophie, Liz, Alexis, and I all had a chance to go out on the lake and read devotions. It was nice to catch our breath for a moment and read God’s word.
After breakfast, we prepared for the activities taking place such as the workshops (different classes the campers have an opportunity to go to, such as dance class that I was leading) and the night game. My excitement and anticipation only grew each passing hour, and finally after lunch the teens arrived on their bus. All the mission teens and leaders dressed up in crazy costumes and cheered for them as they ran off the bus; the teen's first view of Americans and we most likely looked crazy!
We were assigned to groups to carry suitcases then we returned for lunch and rules (Honza, a man helping us from the Czech Republic, and Sean did an excellent skit to explain the rules). During free time until workshop started, Liz, Hanna, Sarah, and I got together so I could teach them the dance for the workshop class. Originally it was to be in the club room but this seemed occupied at the moment so we moved to the dining hall, however that was being mopped, so after much stress and worry we moved to a small room near the leader’s office. Worried and stressed about the small size of the room, I forgot to trust in God.
Soon the six wonderful girls and their leader Tina came for the hour and fifteen minute class. At first teaching the dance was complicated and they didn’t fully understand the moves. I immediately got upset at myself for making the dance too hard and was humiliated. However after Liz helped explain the moves more, they began to understand and enjoyed the dance. After the dance was finished, MC (a very kind, energetic girl who absolutely loves dance and American culture) suggested we do American dances such as the Cha Cha Slide and Cupid Shuffle. At 4:15 the class was dance and I received many compliments and how much they enjoyed the dance class. I then realized that God was with my all that time and I only have to put all my fears and worries into his hands and he’ll take care of it. I believe God also provided/spoke through Liz with her helpful explanations and I never could have done it without her.
After a fifteen minute break, it was time for English class. Alexis and I were put with Jackie and Honna’s group which had a very good knowledge of English. We went around and told names, then played such games as about yourself, your family, hobbies, dislikes, school...etc. One of these games involves skittles and it was amusing to see how much the kids loved skittles; one teen, Matthew, kindly and in English, asked for “one more skittle please” after the game was over. I absolutely loved interacting with the kids and finding out all their interests.
At dinner I now knew the cabin at my table better and was able to initiate more of a conversation. Now as we wait for club and the night games to begin, I can’t help being excited to see how God works through these kids. I know this week will be an enjoyable one; learning new cultures and befriending the teens of Poland. Thanks so much for your support throughout this trip and consideration of wishing to know how our trip is. I doubly thank you, and apologize, that my blog is more of an essay or a long novel! I hope that everyone has a wonderful week.
God Bless:
I hope everyone’s weekend is going well! It’s only been a couple of days since we reached Poland and all ready I hope I can come back on a mission trip again; the country is beautiful. God has shown me so much and I’m looking forward to how he will affect the lives of all the Poland teens and I pray that they will grow closer to Christ during this week. Today was the final preparations of camp and the arrival of the Polish teens. Before breakfast Sophie, Liz, Alexis, and I all had a chance to go out on the lake and read devotions. It was nice to catch our breath for a moment and read God’s word.
After breakfast, we prepared for the activities taking place such as the workshops (different classes the campers have an opportunity to go to, such as dance class that I was leading) and the night game. My excitement and anticipation only grew each passing hour, and finally after lunch the teens arrived on their bus. All the mission teens and leaders dressed up in crazy costumes and cheered for them as they ran off the bus; the teen's first view of Americans and we most likely looked crazy!
We were assigned to groups to carry suitcases then we returned for lunch and rules (Honza, a man helping us from the Czech Republic, and Sean did an excellent skit to explain the rules). During free time until workshop started, Liz, Hanna, Sarah, and I got together so I could teach them the dance for the workshop class. Originally it was to be in the club room but this seemed occupied at the moment so we moved to the dining hall, however that was being mopped, so after much stress and worry we moved to a small room near the leader’s office. Worried and stressed about the small size of the room, I forgot to trust in God.
Soon the six wonderful girls and their leader Tina came for the hour and fifteen minute class. At first teaching the dance was complicated and they didn’t fully understand the moves. I immediately got upset at myself for making the dance too hard and was humiliated. However after Liz helped explain the moves more, they began to understand and enjoyed the dance. After the dance was finished, MC (a very kind, energetic girl who absolutely loves dance and American culture) suggested we do American dances such as the Cha Cha Slide and Cupid Shuffle. At 4:15 the class was dance and I received many compliments and how much they enjoyed the dance class. I then realized that God was with my all that time and I only have to put all my fears and worries into his hands and he’ll take care of it. I believe God also provided/spoke through Liz with her helpful explanations and I never could have done it without her.
After a fifteen minute break, it was time for English class. Alexis and I were put with Jackie and Honna’s group which had a very good knowledge of English. We went around and told names, then played such games as about yourself, your family, hobbies, dislikes, school...etc. One of these games involves skittles and it was amusing to see how much the kids loved skittles; one teen, Matthew, kindly and in English, asked for “one more skittle please” after the game was over. I absolutely loved interacting with the kids and finding out all their interests.
At dinner I now knew the cabin at my table better and was able to initiate more of a conversation. Now as we wait for club and the night games to begin, I can’t help being excited to see how God works through these kids. I know this week will be an enjoyable one; learning new cultures and befriending the teens of Poland. Thanks so much for your support throughout this trip and consideration of wishing to know how our trip is. I doubly thank you, and apologize, that my blog is more of an essay or a long novel! I hope that everyone has a wonderful week.
God Bless:
Elizabeth Preston
Elizabeth- How amazing. Be careful, Mike will start calling you Gabby II. Just tell it's a God thing! Maurice said keeping using Liz, she usually has no problem talking (LOL). God put you all together with different strengths. The funny thing about God us though is that he knows our strengths better than we do and you are starting to see you have strengths you never imagined. Prayers are being answered.- Love Ya- Karen
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