Egg Drop, Fourth of July, and Needed Prayer

Hey all!

The past few days have been busy, but have been fun and a good time with the team.  I forgot to mention our game night with the high school students last Tuesday!  We gave teams the same materials (6 balloons, some straws, 2 plastic cups, one sponge, some scrap paper, paperclips, a few rubber bands, a small trash bag and a large piece of plastic, and a few other things I can't remember) and had them build something that they could put an egg in so that when we dropped it off our balcony, the eggs were to stay intact and not break.  All three teams  came up with different ideas and none of the eggs broke, even when we dropped them off an even higher balcony for a second test!  It was really fun and such a team building activity for the students!

Thursday we had training with the trainers, junior trainers, and translators on the week's schedule, events, and themes. It was really helpful to meet the translators and to connect with our teams before Monday.  We also had "Big Game" training on Friday with the junior trainers so they could become familiar with how to lead the "Big Game" this week.  The "Big Game" is a fun event that the campers look forward to throughout the week where we spend an afternoon playing set games.  The teams compete for the best times and at the end of the day we announce the winner.  There isn't a prize or anything--- team glory.  That's it. haha they LOVE it though!

Saturday we drove up to where camp will be and set up the room where we will all meet as a large group as well as the room where the staff will meet.  We carried all the supplies upstairs and ate lunch at the restaurant there.  For some reason, I think the road to the camp has gotten bumpier... :)  It was a vicious road driving up and down the mountain! 

Saturday night we had another meeting with the high school students telling them what to bring and where to meet on Monday.  And afterwards, we had a fourth of July celebration at the apartment.  We had some cheeseburgers (with actual Cheddar cheese--- a big deal here), macaroni and cheese, watermelon, and the most amazing cheesecake you will ever eat (courtesy of Jo and ETC for having cream cheese).  We played catch phrase and it was a hilarious night, full of great fellowship.  The only thing we were missing: fireworks!

And as for prayer, obviously for camp, that things will go smoothly and that we won't have any injuries, etc.  But also for our staff, particularly Seth and Ken.  Seth and Ken (related: nephew and uncle) are both having to leave Kosovo to travel back home because of a really serious sickness in the family.  I know they are both sad to be leaving right before camp starts, and I am just praying that they can make it home in time to say goodbye and to comfort and be comforted by family and friends.  Please pray for their safety and for their family during this time.  We will be making changes and arrangements for the teams at camp, seeing as they were both team leaders.  I know that God is in control and will work things out for His ultimate glory though, so I have no fear!  I will praise Him through whatever comes my way... as hard as it may be sometimes to do when we just simply don't understand why bad things happen to "good" people.  The thing is, none of us are good!  We all fall short in one way or another, making clear our reason and need for a Savior.  And without my Savior, there would be nothing good about me.  My strength is from Him alone!