So Amy and I are sitting here determined to write a blog before lunch. I’ve wasted 23 minutes of our blog writing sesh being distracted by people with food to offer and Andrew playing the guitar. I feel like it’s about time that I write one of those boring ministry blogs- the one’s that your mom only wants to read and that you write to assure your supporters that you are actually doing ministry. So with 32 minutes left before lunch, I’ll give you my feeble attempt to deliver an entertaining boring ministry blog.
We’ve finished our time with Kelsie’s team and the wonderful Von Trap family we were staying with. We were pretty sad to leave those contacts- they were definitely one of my favorites. Our last night ended with our team and everyone in their family running to the beach to see the sunset (please imagine 30 of us- ages ranging from 6 to 55 madly dashing down the street). As we left the next morning, they serenaded us with a farewell song at the bus stop, instruments and all. Quite the scene.
Alright. 21 minutes until lunch. Andrew and I proceeded to take an assortment of busses and eventually arrived to the southern point of Crimea. Nikki had told us where they were staying was beautiful, but our mouths dropped open as we winded through the mountains and overlooked the very blue Black Sea. We pulled into the church retreat center that has an incredible view and is just insanely beautiful.
This week we are helping out with a children’s camp for about 30 kids ages 6 to 12. We’ve been playing games, going on nature trails, and teaching English for the most part. The kids are super cute. Most of the kids and counselors only speak exactly 2 words in English (hello and football), so that’s been a challenge. I’m pretty sure my team’s name is Star Girls, but I really have no idea what they said.
11 minutes. Yesterday was probably my favorite day here. We did camp all day and at night we went down to the sea. Brian has wanted to be baptized so Andrew, Stefan and Silas baptized him in the sea. Afterwards we sat on a pier and prayed for him. Amy brought the guitar and we worshipped as the sun went down. God even blessed us with an eclipse. We had no idea that there was going to be an eclipse that night but as the moon rose and eventually turned red, we got quite the show. As I sat there with a glass of wine and dark chocolate, worshipping God and watching a full lunar eclipse, I couldn’t get over just how blessed I am. There’s nothing like having friends that will randomly erupt in worship with you and being blessed by a God that shows off with an eclipse over the Black Sea. I am constantly reminded just how much He loves me.
And now it’s time for lunch. That was hardly entertaining, but that’s what’s going on in my life. We will be leaving on Sunday for another camp out in the wilderness, so I don’t think we’ll have internet next week. After that, we’re heading to Romania. Wow. Month 11. More thoughts to come on that…
God bless you all!
