This past week has been so much fun!
I got the opportunity to be a part of a children’s retreat here in India. I had no idea what this would entail or how a kids camp here would run.
Day One:
We met in between two buildings on a giant slab of concrete. The people we are helping said lets build a bangla, not completely sure what that meant my group said ok great. We saw bamboo poles that had been strategically placed around this area. They then began to pull out pieces of material that would become the roof. Then the climbing of the bamboo poles began to take the material for the roof, tie it to the poles and piece it together. We then began to climb the exterior poles and match together different large pieces of colorful material to form a barrier around the exterior. After that came bringing in small tiny benches from around the village to fill the area for the children to sit on.
Day Two:
First day of kids camp! There were over a thousand children from surrounding villages that came for this retreat. We sang Every Move I Make, Ten Thousand Reasons, and If You’re Happy and You Know It. I sat next to two little girls who were the absolute sweetest. They sat right in front of me and every once in a while would look back to make sure I hadn’t left and grin really big. So much cuteness. We had snacks and all the kids got sweet treats. Then the kiddos went home.
Day Three:
Kids camp is still happening! Today there were over two thousand kids in this space which was incredible. We sang the song Who You Say I Am. To hear thousands of kids declare the following words
“Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a Child of God
Yes I am
Free at last, He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me”
Wow what an incredible experience to look around and see children crying out to their Father and claiming this truth.
Day Four:
Kids camp is still going strong! We heard a Bible story all about Paul’s life and a skit to go along with it. We talked about the verse in Romans that says I am not ashamed of the Gospel.
Day Five:
Today was the last day at kids camp. We had songs, Bible stories, and a talent show put on by these incredible kids. I heard the best beat boxer I have ever heard. I got to see some awesome dances. I heard voices that were beautiful. Kids came up to me all morning with a pen and paper and asked for my autograph. At first I thought man this is strange and I really don’t like this. Then I realized dang these kids have only been around for a few days and they love me this much. Then I began to think about what it looks like when we go to Jesus and how much love He has for us.
Camp Wrap Up:
This week was crazy fun, full of truth, so much laughter, cute kids in pig tails, Bible reading, music singing, squished in the bongla, lots of loving, and a whole lotta Jesus. It was an incredible week with so many kids and I am so grateful the Lord chose me to be a part of it.
