As our team debriefed after supper this evening, all of us shared our joy and delight in having had a great start to our week of Day Camp in Criuleni Moldova.
Our team was picked up at 8:40 for our trip to Criuleni this morning. In about 45 minutes as we turned onto the street where the home is which hosts our camp, I caught a brief glimpse through the gate of a large group of children already racing around the grassy play area. No one had been able to predict what the response would be to plans for this camp. It was expected that we could have about 55-60 children attend. We had 54 today - a nice size for the size of our team and the space available. But I'm not certain how anyone could get an accurate count as these children had the ability to be in more than one place at a time it seemed.
We got ourselves fairly well organized and started our opening large group time just after 10 AM. We introduced our team, a general plan for the week, had some singing, Mark Clemons shared his testimony and the translators read the scripture portion for the lesson which included some translators and helpers dressed in costume acting the scenes being read from Genesis 37.
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| Joseph being sent to find his brothers... |
The kids loved the action which was dramatically portrayed just outside the tent where all the children were seated on tarps on the ground. I was thoroughly impressed with their attention.
From the large group we moved to 6 small groups at various locations around the grounds. Those groups made nametags, presented a lesson, introduced a memory verse and had fun together.
Lunch for the total group of 84 people was picnic style and plenty filling and tasty.
During the afternoon, we went through a 3 session rotation of crafts, recreation and a variable 3rd option. That's where we get the descriptive word "rambunctious", Webster gives the definition as:
rambunctious: : uncontrolled in a way that is playful or full of energy
I used the word with my translator and she didn't know its meaning. The next 2 I talked to did not know that word either but it fit the action of the afternoon. Nobody got hurt so we think it was quite fun and successful!
Our large group wrap up revealed continued excitement of all children for the day. They promised to invite others and return for tomorrow. With sleep tonight, our team expects to be ready to return.
We introduced John 3:16 this morning as a theme verse for the week and started to memorize it. We asked how many of the children already knew the verse and only one child raised a hand. That made me realize the value of our plans to include Bible memory in order to leave God's word in their hearts.
We are very grateful for a beautiful day weather-wise, for lots of children - some new to the work done in this village, for joy, health and the privilege of sharing God's story.
Last piece of luggage has still not arrived. Need to call Delta Airlines and find out what is the delay.
Enjoy the photos... and keep us in your prayers - so needed.
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| A gal we sponsored until her graduation joined us today and will be around all week as a helper... |
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| Melt your heart smiles... |
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| and hugs... |
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| Lots of boys today... |
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| Small group of oldest girls... |
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| Small group of oldest boys... |
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| youngest boys... |
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| Small group of middle aged guys... |
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| Only room for littlest girls inside... |
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| Lunch line fun... |
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| more fun... |
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| Crafts... |
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| recreation... |
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| creation care... |
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| drama rehearsal... |
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| Everybody wants to be Joseph... |
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| cut up bed sheets and old belts make usable costumes... |
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| Coat of many colors.... |
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| Getting into the act as Joseph's jealous brothers... |
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| Somebody had his 7th birthday and this is his reward... |
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| Wrapping up the day... |
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| Very thankful for the tent... |
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| My dessert tonight... |
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