We awoke to a light but steady rain (that persisted, it turns out, for the entire day and into the evening). The rain merely added to the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains and God’s majesty. After the morning devotion and a delicious breakfast of cheese blintzes with a blueberry toppings, our English Camp began afresh! Our bright, inquisitive Ukrainian students continued to maze us with their knowledge of English and their eagerness and thirst for additional learning. The morning sessions all went well, providing a number of enriching activities for students and facilitators alike. The morning sessions were followed by a variety of games designed to enhance the vocabularies of our aspiring students!! A lunch of a rich chicken broth and potato dumplings slaked our appetites and readied us for the afternoon sessions. The different teams changed stations to learn additional aspects of the English language. After the afternoon sessions, everyone was treated to a movie (w/subtitles) followed by supper (a nourishing meal of beef and potato stew and a tasty slaw salad). We are a well fed group indeed!! After a team meeting to discuss our observations and perspectives of the day’s activities, we all attended the evening worship service. We enjoyed a mixture of Ukrainian and American hymns and a superb sermon delivered by Pastor David. Pastor David adroitly brought the parable of the Good Samaritan into a contemporary setting. After the service drew to a close with prayer time, many of us decided to watch the World Cup match between Germany and Spain.
After such a day of varied and rewarding activities, we are feeling especially blessed. We know that The Lord is inspiring us in our work. This was truly a day that Lord hath made.
Written by Glen Bottoms
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What a great day ! I can just visualize the peaceful, gentle rain in such a beautiful location...we are dry & terribly hot here ~ however, our spirits are strong & prayers are with you all. The meals sound amazing (no doubt a great Methodist gathering). Much love & hugs to our Camille...so proud of you !
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, I faithfully check for them and enjoy each one. I'm so glad to hear that English Camp is going well and that your students are quick studies.
ReplyDeleteThe camp sounds beautiful and I'm trying to figure out where you are situated within the Carpathians. I know you're in SW Ukraine. Are there any towns or geographical features in the region that would give us a better idea of where you are? I've Google-earthed you the entire way but I'm lost now!
Did Rhy's guitar make it to English Camp? Just wondering how the music is going and if the choir will be singing Ukrainian songs in the fall. ;-)
You are all in my thoughts constantly and are in my prayers. BIG HUG to the Perr-Bear . . . our little abode sure seems quiet without him.
I can't wait to see the pictures of the Carpathian Mountains -- do they remind you of any in the states? I sort of imagined the Smokeys -- but maybe they are higher?
ReplyDeleteI'm in Ohio, but it is also hot here! 92 degrees -- it was a very hot day climbing on the rocks along Lake Erie!!! We saw that same game while waiting for a latte at the Lakeside Coffee house! Of course, in Ohio we are all waiting to see whether there will be tears or cheers tonight when LeBraun James chooses his team.
It sounds like your English camp is teaching us all -- that there is so much more that worthwile in this world than mega-sports stars. I also am wondering how the guitar-playing Rhys is doing? My prayers are with all of you and of course, I'm sending special prayers and love to my sweet Rhys!
Hey you probably know but I thought i would send word to Rhys and all the Cleveland fans that LeBron James is playing with D-Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami
ReplyDeleteon a related note sounds like you guys are doing great keep working and we all love you and can't wait for yall to get home