Sometimes I have to remind myself I’m in Poland, on a mission’s trip, especially when the camp is quiet and I’m sitting out by the lake.  But in a matter of hours the camp will be filled with the sounds of 40 Polish students and leaders.  Many of the kids came to camp to get the opportunity to speak English with Americans, some came because their parents made them but all of them are experiencing a great week of camp and the love of Jesus. 

Have you ever had a proud parent moment?  Not proud because they got good grades or they ate their vegetables but that moment when they did or said something that showed you their heart and their love of Jesus.  I’m having proud parent moments here in Poland and these aren’t my kids.  They are yours!  I’m watching your kids go and sit with a Polish teen sitting all alone and offer them goldfish and help them feel included.  Your kids are taking the initiative to invite Polish teens to play volleyball or disc golf with them.  Your kids are deciding to learn Polish words to help understand their language (and they write it out phonetically so they don’t forget).

This camp isn’t just about teaching English or having fun, which we are doing.  It’s about living life with the teens, sharing meals, playing games, laughing with them, showing them unconditional love and pointing them towards Jesus.  When your kids come home and you hear that they went tubing, swimming, and did a high adventures rope course, you may wonder, what kind of missions trips was this? Know that your kids are being Jesus with skin on to these Polish teens.  They are pointing them towards Christ and doing a terrific job!  You can be proud!

Jackie