LetFest

Wow! These past couple weeks have been amazing and crazy busy to say the least! I apologize for not posting as frequently as I have been in the past; although, I think once I explain the events of these past couple weeks, you will understand the reason for my delay in writing.  On July 3, the American Team from Friendship Church arrived for LetFest.  A group of people from Great Britain also came to help with LetFest, and they were a wonderful addition to the LetFest team as a whole.  We all worked together in preparing everything for LetFest - cleaning, decorating, lesson planning, and, of course, spending time in devotions and worship.  During the planning portion of LetFest, I celebrated my 20th birthday.  We went to a carnival that was in town for only the weekend, and I got to spend the day with so many friends as we rode roller coasters, ate cake, played games, and had a final team devotion before the week of LetFest began.

(Preparing for LetFest.)

LetFest this year was again great as God showed me so much and as I watched so many people experience God in a way they had never before.  Here is a rough schedule of what one day looked like throughout the week ---
 - Breakfast
 - Devotions
 - English Classes
 - Lunch
 - Electives
 - Chapel
 - Dinner/Discussion Groups
 - Seminars
 - Card Games/Night Games/Leisure Time
 - Clean-up
 - Pass out from exhaustion (I think the leaders refer to it as "Bedtime," although not as accurate considering all the events in one day...)

(Showing off our LetFest T-Shirts.)

I taught Children's English Class for the whole week.  I had a maximum of 26 students ranging from 4 years to 11 years old.  The students learned many different things throughout the week through making projects and playing games that focused on the topic for the day.  A couple favorite activities included making a house with magazine cutouts, playing Paparazzi and Actor Tag, Freeze Dance in the dark with Glow Sticks, and making Airplane/Rockets with straws - just to name a few.  I was impressed with how well the students worked together and how inclusive they all were when playing games.  On the last day of English Class, I was able to share a bit about my faith and Jesus' love with the kids.  I was even able to pray with the kids at the end.  It is my hope that I was able to show God's love to the kids throughout the week and that they begin to think about God personally.

(Some of my students.)

(Playing games)

(Working on projects)

The week was filled with many fun times and laughter - like when the Brits learned more about baseball, and when I learned how to play cricket.  Who knew two sports that seem so similar are actually quite different? The week also had many joyful moments as God's name was declared in so many ways and as I witnessed people begin asking more questions about the love of God and eagerly begin reading His Word!  I am excited to see how God will continue to move in the hearts of all those who attended LetFest.

(Lots of fun times on the trampoline.)

As LetFest came to a close, I was able to go to Prague with the rest of the American Team as we debriefed and spent some time experiencing a beautiful city and the history it holds.  After three days in Prague, I said goodbye to the American Team at the airport as they checked in for their flight home.  Some very wonderful friends of mine who live in Prague then helped me to the right train as I also got to go back to another place I consider home.  Since it is halfway through the summer, I moved in with my second host family; Four little girls and one baby boy makes for a very eventful household - with lots of smiles, giggles, snuggles, and games!

(Spending time with friends.)

This next week is Vikings Camp - a camping trip for Plan B kids, and although I have never actually been camping before, I am excited to see what I will learn along the way and how God will touch the hearts of these kids this week!  Please pray for the students and leaders this week as we experience God's Creation in a close and memorable way.  Excited to share all about it with you when I return!