Goodbyes are never easy. You would think the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Quite the contrary for this lady.
For the past two days I've been in an incredible hostel with another team in Kiev. You would think I would be living it up, but I've been in this funk. A little dose of what's to come at the end of next month when the race will be over I suppose. You see, Ukraine has been one incredible month and holds such a special place in my heart.
translators and American team
For the last eight days we were counselors at a summer camp located right on the Russian border. Camp Dream is a place for children ages 7-16 to come for six weeks. The kids consist of those from broken homes, orphanages, and designated sports kids whose parents have money. A wide variety of children. There are five different groups which consists of three dorm parents.
Our team, along with another team from America, translators, and our contacts where split up into five different groups. I was placed with the most amazing group, or so I like to think. My kids ranged from ages 8-16 and was the only "sports" group; meaning, they were there for swimming. I was paired up with a 17 year old high school graduate from California named Bre. She was incredible and reminded me a lot of my little sis.
lil dennis, soccer sasha, and Bre
Relationships were built. Kids nestled their way into my heart. I wish that I could simply put into words all that I experienced and am experiencing right now, but it's hard. I guess my experience is comparable to being a proud parent. Watching my kids grow into who they are. Seeing them stand in front of their class and pray one after another after another. Watching them share their snacks with each other as well as me. Looking out for each other, including their dorm parents. Witnessing the joy that overflows from this one dorm parent, when it was not so present last year. They simply ARE one BIG FAMILY.
the main dorm parent
One night, the presence of God was thick. It was my night to speak at the main session. The nights prior, a spirit of distraction filled the room. Kids were talking during the messages. I began praying against it along with Jenny from the other team. When I got on stage, I waited for them to quiet down. Without a doubt, God brought them in. Silence filled the room and all eyes were on me. Papa was ever present.
Finally the last day came and it was time to say goodbyes. My buddy Boydya kept asking why I had to leave. Then there was Sasha who held me tight and stared at me with his puppy dog eyes. It did not help either that the translators were tearing up too.
Boydya and Sasha–my favorites!
Needless to say it was tuff. I am not a fan of goodbyes, but know it is a part of life. It's still rough because my heart was fully present. I am thankful for this though because I know it is preparing me for the end of the race. Two days of a funk is only the start of what is to come. So please pray for the last month of the race–for me to stay present. Also, for the preparation of home and all the shock that will come with that. Thanks and much love!
my sports crew
