I know it has been forever...but I have been at KECY camp and have been totally busy. Let me start by saying that camp was amazing. Before our arrival at the camp, our American church, Shanden, from SC, came to Zilina for a little training and "get to know you time" in Zilina. 
All of us along with our Slovak team from Bratislava arrived on Friday evening. The students arrived on Saturday and we had a relaxing evening of music, games, and down time. Our first full day of camp was on Sunday. 
The leaders day started at 6:30. When I heard that I almost passed out, but....the Lord was my strength and energy. He also provided coffee!! During this time, we discussed the previous day and shared stories. We then split up and had some prayer time. Although I dreaded getting up every morning this was a great way to start the day.
Every year there is a "camp dance" which we did multiple times a day, and before breakfast we did the camp dance. Breakfast was great. I am not usually a breakfast person, but I needed my strength for the long day, so I was totally grateful for it. After breakfast we had english class which was followed by a time called "Bible initiatives". This was a super great thing. In the classroom was a member of the Shanden church, an intern and two Slovak leaders who really came into their leadership durning the initiatives. Each day was a different theme with a different activity and follow up questions.
I won't go into every day, but I will tell you that on the first day we had to jump over a rope without touching the rope and I fell right on my butt. In my defense, I was jumping on a slope and the ground was a little damp. They were nervous to laugh but when I started they were dying laughing. Anyways...this time sparked really great conversation. Most of this took place in Slovak, but it was totally cool and really effective.
After english time, we had lunch followed by free time and sports/crafts and then group games. After the games we had dinner and the evening program. I was totally blessed to take part in the camp band. I got to play with some amazingly talented guys and I had a blast. There was a speaker every night and an e-nite (environment night) with themes. We had a coffee house, a beach/Hawaiin night. It gave us a chance to hang out with the kids, have great conversation and just chill.
That is the basic synoposis of a day at camp. On Wednesday we went on a hike. A 7 mile hike. A 7 mile hike with my cheap thin Target shoes. It was really fun but I felt EVERY rock as it went into my foot. I wasn't sore the next day, but my feet were dying.
The week went by much too quickly and I totally didn't want to say goodbye. The students and Americans took the bus and the train together which was sooooo cute. We got off in Zilina and the kids went on to Bratislava, but we stood in the train station platform and waved goodbye to them all. I was emotional but I had the comfort of knowing I will see them again for follow up. That is such a huge blessing. We have activities planned in Lucenec and Bratislava to coordinate with our two camps.
Well...I will run for now. I can't believe the summer is winding down. I am not ready for it to be over. I will keep you updated until I return. Please keep me in your prayers. The Lord is moving in great ways. Saying I am blessed is a total understatement. I love you all!!
posted by Sarah Troutman @ 9:58 AM
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