Vikings Camp

On Thursday, I arrived home from Vikings Camp with random bruises, scrapes, bug bites, some sunburn, and muscle aches all over, but all I wanted to do was go back to camp because it was so much fun!  There were 30 people total who came to Vikings Camp, and unlike last year, which was mostly all club kids, this year a handful of younger, new kids came as well.  I was excited to meet the new girls who came, and we bonded quickly.  I was also very impressed with the older club kids because they looked out for the younger girls and took on more of a leadership role - they gave them piggy-back rides when the girls got hot or tired, encouraged them during team challenges, and included them in endless activities throughout the week!

Evenings Around the Campfire 

Last year during Viking's Camp, there were many times I was confused as I was still very new to understanding the language.  This year, I was very impressed that I was able to understand much more of what was being said, and it helped that I learned the words for "sword," "javelin," and "sheild" so I knew which piece of equipmet I needed for quick Viking formations!  I have also been very blessed with many friends who help me learn more Czech and make sure I understand all that is being said.

Dinner with Friends

During the week, it was very hot (maybe about mid-90 degrees), but thankfully, there was a pool/water basin near our camp grounds.  We spent many hours doing different water activities like pool dodgeball, swim races, diving contests, and team surfboard challenges.  We were in and out of the water so much that I don't think my hair ever got completely dry the whole time at camp!

Playing in the Water

Since many of the kids who came to camp also attended LetFest, the youth pastor had the idea to extend the theme of Superheroes into Vikings Camp and talk about a few Bible heroes.  I shared about the apostole Luke and how he used the talents God gave him to help Paul and record the stories of Jesus' life and Paul's missions.  I was able to encourge the students to use their talents in a way that serves God as Luke did.

 

Speaking With My Translator 

Throughout Vikings Camp, we did many Viking-like activities.  We had sword fights, made javelins and practiced throwing them, painted shields, made tie-dye shirts, practiced Viking formations, and even had a night rescue when "enemies" came to our camp!  As you can imagine, we all enjoyed being Vikings for a few days, and I loved spending time with each one of the kids and getting to know them more.  I am praying that the new kids who came to camp will come to club as well!

Vikings! 

Yesterday, I also had the wonderful pleasure of attending a good friend's wedding.  My friend has been my translator at LetFest for three years, and I was so happy to be able to be with her on this specal day.  I am excited to see how God will work through this new marriage!

At the Wedding 

Next week should finally be back to "normal" after three weeks of LetFest, Prague, and Vikings Camp.  These past couple weeks have been some of the best weeks with many memories and heart-warming moments, but I know God still has a plan for these last few weeks, and I am excited to see all that will happen before the summer ends!