It only took about 6 months, but I finally finished the residency process for here in the D.R.
Es la hora del CAMPAMENTO
That is right ... it is CAMP TIME ... I think a cheer is in order
That is right we have had two wonderful camp retreat weekends with our 6th graders! Check out the pictures below to get more of the story!
BUT BEFORE THAT, there was a lot of preparation
BATEY TRIP - We went out to the bateys (villages) to tell the parents about camp, show them pictures of the cabins, see if they had any questions, and remind them of the dates their children would be away.
CARPETBALL a camp classic - One of the kids favorite games at camp!
From the warehouse to reality! :)
TRAINING VOLUNTEERS, CLEANING, PURCHASING SUPPLIES, SETTING UP MOSQUITO NETS, MAKING SCHEDULES, PRACTICING SONGS IN SPANISH, LEARNING VERSES IN SPANISH, SETTING UP CAMP, AND SO MUCH MORE
OUR GOD IS GOOD AND ALL OF THE DETAILS CAME TOGETHER ALLOWING US TO HAVE OUR FIRST CAMP!
6TH GRADE BOYS CAMP
6TH GRADE GIRLS CAMP
CHAPEL TIME
I loved singing praise and worship songs with our 6th graders! They love to sing, dance and have a good time praising the Lord! I taught them one song in English (my Scioto Hills friends, I am sure you will recognize it;) -- Here are two short clips from our singing time. --
SUCH A JOY
It is hard for me to put into words how thankful I am that God has allowed me to be a part this ministry.... to be a part of a ministry God used in my own life in such a powerful way... to be a part of a NEW experience for so many kids. That is one of the great things about camp, many times there are so many firsts for each camper. What a joy it was to be a part of these campers' firsts. First time playing carpetball, first time staying overnight with their friends, first time doing devotions on their own, first time roasting smores, first time experiencing camp! What a gift! Don't get me wrong, there are hard things about camp, like having to wake up multiple times in the middle of the night to help different campers, or resolving conflicts between campers but even these "difficulties" are teachable moments for our kids!
WE HAVE WALLS..... Progress is happening with our chapel, bathroom, storage, and "multi-use" building!
PRAYER REQUESTS
6TH GRADERS as they continue to process some of the concepts they learned at camp.
We introduced the idea of lies and truth and how we sometime are told and believe lies. We shared how we know and decipher what truth is, by looking in God's word. We specifically touched on the lie that our value and worth is our appearance or our relationship status. We showed them truth in God's word that our value is in Him alone. This concept was very new to our kids. Our kids openly shared with us that they do care about their appearance and how when looking for a future spouse / significant other outward appearances and wealth matter to them. We are so very thankful for our kids honesty, but pray God will change their hearts in these areas.
4TH & 5TH GRADE CAMP is coming in a few weeks. Join us in prayer for the weekends to come as we continue to have the opportunity to invest in our kids lives in this new avenue!
CAMP MULTI PURPOSE BUILDING is coming along as you can see. Continue to pray with us as this structure comes together! It is going to be a major praise to have bathrooms on the campsite!
WISDOM IN PLANNING FOR FUTURE CAMPS We hope to have some week long camps in the spring and open camp to our younger kids as well. Pray with me as my team and I put together details, themes, schedules, and more.
INTERNS - We are looking for winter, spring, and summer interns to join us in ministry! Pray with us that God will bring us the right people, and we may be able to invest deeply in them.
Our interns are a vital part of our ministry! They get hands on experience with our kids, helping in the school, and other avenues of our ministry! Know someone who might be interested in a short term trip, have them reach out to me or go online - https://itisforfreedom.com/take-a-trip/internships/.
SPONSORS - We have several new 3 year olds in our school that do not have sponsors yet. Sponsors invest in our kids and allow us to provide an education, supplies, meals, and more for our kids. Will you join us in prayer that God will bring sponsors for our new kids!
Interested in being a sponsor, or know someone who is? More information can be found online here - https://itisforfreedom.com/invest/sponsorship/child-sponsorship.html
Our kids who still need sponsors
Want to hear a few specific stories about our 3 year olds? Click here.