Last Day of Camp

The last day of camp... Oh the feelings I have are so conflicting. I can't wait to leave and take a shower and use a clean bathroom but my heart hurts every time I think about saying goodbye tomorrow. How can a heart love people so much it hurts to leave them in only 5 days? 

It has been tough days and God has done miraculous things. He has continually sustained my family and has given us all the greatest joy in the hardest circumstances. Even my sweet daughter has been the biggest blessing. She slept without us every night except for the last night because she got a chest cold, probably from the cold weather. She has exhausted herself in playing with the other kids. And for the most part has not complained about much. Jake (aka Bingo his new Albanian nickname) has also been the biggest blessing to everyone. He brings such fun and laughter to the group and has been sacrificial in allowing many children to hang all over him at any given time. And Jeff is always a blessing but has truly given himself this week in so many ways. 

Can I stay here forever?

We will truly never be the same. 

I'm not sure how I will get through the day tomorrow. I feel a little dramatic in saying that but there it is. Everyone here has a story and they are all so unique. Many are very poor compared to our standards. My cute friend Stella and her family have no car, no phones, and no computers and yet she loves Jesus and her smile and her hugs are the best. And that's only one of them. There are other girls here who have come from group homes (some live there because their parents tried to "sell" them), some come from big cities and some from small villages. No matter their stories, one thing crosses all barriers and that is sharing the love of Christ with them. Stella came up to give me a hug tonight and said "I like you." I said "I like you too and I'm going to miss you and your smile." We sat and tried to communicate about her life. I caught a little and the rest doesn't matter.

I wish I could write a few things about every conversation I have had, it would take me awhile because of all the funny and special memories from each of them.

Several of the kids we have grown close to call me mom. I've always wanted more children. :)

A couple thoughts: The first picture is the room Jeff and I have been sleeping in with all the food. It sits out for days with flys and yes we have seen a couple mice. The main food is brought in from somewhere. Not really sure where. It has been great! No complaints about stomach aches that I know of. I am truly amazed! Tonight we had chicken and rice like the first night. This was one of the best meals.  

Today... we had our last English lessons and finished our video for tomorrow night at youth group. After lunch (noodles with meat sauce or you can put ketchup on it instead with some type of stinky cheese like the kids do). I opted for just noodles, a little salt and a lot of times there is a bowl of tomatoes and cucumbers with onions on the table so I put that in my noodles and it made a yummy dish. 

After lunch we had tournament style games (volleyball and capture the flag). I think we (The Red Bulls) might have ended up in last place overall. 

As we all sat around playing cards and hanging out after the tournament it started raining. It was sunny all day and the next thing we know it's pouring rain. This rain brought about a wonderful time that would not have otherwise happened because we all ran for shelter under the canopies. A lot of the kids in one place brought about several card games, a worship session, laughter and sharing coffee with friends. It was another one of my favorite moments. 

After dinner we started worship and Erion taught a short message before the kids one by one went through the Labyrinth. Going along with the theme, the first tent was pictures that were optical allusions (things are not what they seem). In the second tent, one of the Albanian leaders has the kids think about who is the king of their lives. The next stop, the kids are looking at the seperation between kingdoms (trash on the floor and Christ's throne on the ceiling). The kids then go to a place where they are to read Scripture that will help them understand what Jesus says about His kingdom. The last stop with a leader, they hear the gospel and the leader helps them understand the meaning of the cross. After that they go to the tables and write a letter to God. 

There have been many sweet moments with the kids this week and I am going to miss them dearly. I am hoping we will return soon. The field is white for harvest here. I can't wait to see the way God works in and through Cory and Kristine and the church in Korce as they seek to raise up men and women who will bring honor and glory to God, our Savior, Jesus Christ!