Sunday afternoon we had stations with chair volleyball- where the players have to play from benches, human foosball- football where the players have linked arms in rows and can only move forward and back a bit, like in table football, duck duck goose and the shape game- where everyone is put in to teams and they have to try to model objects using their bodies, so all together they have to make a tree for example.
Sunday evening was a small craft, making ‘God’s eyes’. These are made from two lollypop sticks & a load of wool. The craft team had been cutting up lengths of wool all afternoon. Once craft was over it was time for the camp bonfire. It is hope camp tradition to light a large bonfire, in the middle of the playground. The whole camp gathers round and we all sang songs (with actions of course) then the mic was handed over to the kids for their thank yous and thoughts on the camp.
After the open mic, as the fire died down, we all gathered at the stage to watch a picture slide show put together by Simon from a mixture of everyone’s pictures through out the camp. It was really lovely as the kids cheered and laughed as they saw faces they knew.
There was then just time to tuck the kids up in bed before a few of the international team found a use for the remaining water balloons :p we then all dried off and headed to bed.
The final bible talk in our series was lead by Bukki and Lydia and was entitled “I’m ready”. They had David as their ‘prop’ and talked us through the armour of God, dressing David up appropriately as they went. They explained how we need to be equipped with God’s word and the power of prayer to face the world outside of camp.
After the bible talk unfortunately we couldn’t go to the sea due to large waves and some mention of an oil slick- though I’m not sure where this slick was supposed to be. So instead we had interest groups.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Home again
We are home, safe and sound. An entry about the last couple of days and the journey will be put up in the near future. I will also try to add a few pictures, so keep watching
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Sat pm & Sun am
Saturday afternoon was interest groups with friendship bracelets, volleyball, basketball, football, board games and colouring books.
This all went fine bar one mishap- Jessica (the intern) went over on her ankle and sprained he ankle. She now can’t weight bear and is hobbling round on a padded Zimmer frame type things which the doctor dug out for her. The Zimmer frame paired with some crutches is enormous fun to sit on and push yourself around on, but obviously the busted ankle is no fun for Jessica.
The evening activity was the craft competition.
Each child was given a paper plate, a sheet of A4 paper (regular printer paper for my American readers) and a lollypop stick (pop-sickle stick). Their craft had to use all three items. They then had the remnants of everything else we had around for them to use. They had to make the most interesting craft they could with the materials available. There were some fantastic entries- I will stick some photos up once I get back to England. It was noisy, messy and wonderful lol.
This morning, with it being Sunday, morning exercises were optional. A few brave souls ventured out to do the dance we have been teaching then though. Then we had breakfast and the bible lesson. Today’s lesson was “I’m satisfied” and was lead by Naomi and Simon. It started with a funny visual demonstration. Simon was very hot and desperate for water, so people gave it to him- full in the face. We had some of the children helping out which was hilarious. But Simon wasn’t satisfied, even after more and more water he wasn’t satisfied. But Jesus (Paul in his costume from the talent show sketch) came to give him a drink and he was satisfied. Then Naomi gave her testimony, how she had felt unsatisfied with the love she had- despite all her friends and her parents, and only found satisfaction when she met Jesus.
The sea followed, with lunch and then the team meeting.
At the team meeting we got the final details of our trip home, which has changed dramatically from the original plan. Originally we were going to be taking the train back from Simferopol back to Kiev. However on knowing the type of train we would have, and then seeing the bed allocation plan (we were so spread out it made your heart sink to your toes thinking about it), the powers that be started to look at alternatives. I must say that the new plan is one that the entire team is much happier about. We will be traveling the whole journey by minibus rather than train. For those that have heard the stories from last year, fear not there will be no night driving, because this had been known for a few days the plans are well laid for as safe and as comfortable a journey as possible. We will leave the Hope centre on Tuesday morning and drive during the day, have an over night in a hotel and then continue to Kiev. The hotel is one that Lars Dunburg (a global action big cheese) had stayed in so we know it is not awful, but we still don’t know quite what to expect. So it’s a bit of an adventure!
Prayer points:
* Jessica’s ankle.
* Timothy’s ankle is much improved, but still not quite 100%
* Health- some people are now recovered, though others are getting ill
* The trip home. We know it is a vast improvement to the alternative, but we would still value prayer for our safety on the journey and that the plans that have been laid would hold firm and we wouldn’t have any more problems.
This all went fine bar one mishap- Jessica (the intern) went over on her ankle and sprained he ankle. She now can’t weight bear and is hobbling round on a padded Zimmer frame type things which the doctor dug out for her. The Zimmer frame paired with some crutches is enormous fun to sit on and push yourself around on, but obviously the busted ankle is no fun for Jessica.
The evening activity was the craft competition.
Each child was given a paper plate, a sheet of A4 paper (regular printer paper for my American readers) and a lollypop stick (pop-sickle stick). Their craft had to use all three items. They then had the remnants of everything else we had around for them to use. They had to make the most interesting craft they could with the materials available. There were some fantastic entries- I will stick some photos up once I get back to England. It was noisy, messy and wonderful lol.
This morning, with it being Sunday, morning exercises were optional. A few brave souls ventured out to do the dance we have been teaching then though. Then we had breakfast and the bible lesson. Today’s lesson was “I’m satisfied” and was lead by Naomi and Simon. It started with a funny visual demonstration. Simon was very hot and desperate for water, so people gave it to him- full in the face. We had some of the children helping out which was hilarious. But Simon wasn’t satisfied, even after more and more water he wasn’t satisfied. But Jesus (Paul in his costume from the talent show sketch) came to give him a drink and he was satisfied. Then Naomi gave her testimony, how she had felt unsatisfied with the love she had- despite all her friends and her parents, and only found satisfaction when she met Jesus.
The sea followed, with lunch and then the team meeting.
At the team meeting we got the final details of our trip home, which has changed dramatically from the original plan. Originally we were going to be taking the train back from Simferopol back to Kiev. However on knowing the type of train we would have, and then seeing the bed allocation plan (we were so spread out it made your heart sink to your toes thinking about it), the powers that be started to look at alternatives. I must say that the new plan is one that the entire team is much happier about. We will be traveling the whole journey by minibus rather than train. For those that have heard the stories from last year, fear not there will be no night driving, because this had been known for a few days the plans are well laid for as safe and as comfortable a journey as possible. We will leave the Hope centre on Tuesday morning and drive during the day, have an over night in a hotel and then continue to Kiev. The hotel is one that Lars Dunburg (a global action big cheese) had stayed in so we know it is not awful, but we still don’t know quite what to expect. So it’s a bit of an adventure!
Prayer points:
* Jessica’s ankle.
* Timothy’s ankle is much improved, but still not quite 100%
* Health- some people are now recovered, though others are getting ill
* The trip home. We know it is a vast improvement to the alternative, but we would still value prayer for our safety on the journey and that the plans that have been laid would hold firm and we wouldn’t have any more problems.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Fri pm & Sat am
Yesterday was, as Timothy said, was the talent show. It wasn't a talent show in the traditional sense of the word, but more of a concert for the whole camp. We did the life of Jesus in sketch form with each ward doing a different part of the story. We started off with the birth, then had one of Jesus' miracles- the raising of Lazarus from the dead. The third sketch was of the parable of the good Samaritan and the last ward did the story of Saul's conversion talking about how the story of Jesus continued past his life. The international team then rounded off the concert with the story of the crucifixion and resurrection. Despite the trails of trying to time actions to the translation of your cue rather than the cue itself, it went really well. There is a wooden cross here at camp which has a ledge on it, so Paul (Jesus) was able to stand on the cross properly as it was lent against the back of the stage.
Personally I found the whole thing really powerful and the death had me in tears. The whole team did really well, and the kids were really cute in their parts as well. Most people (us included) were dressed up with their bed sheets wrapped round them like togas.
After dinner was what for most of the kids is a highlight of the camp activities- biffer. Basically there are a load of stations set up where the kids have to complete tasks. The kids are then running round camp (in pairs holding hands) trying to find the stations. While they are between stations the are in danger of the buffers!! The biffers are adults, all dressed up in their war paint wielding flower filled socks which they can ‘biff’ the children with.
If a child is biffed they have to stop and wait for a doctor to heal them by tying a piece of wool round their wrists. It was lots of fun for all and generally went really well. Unfortunately because it was so hot the kids were very sweaty and so the markers we were supposed to be using to show they had completed the station weren’t working, Even so it was cool. The craft was finger puppets- a very simple one aimed entirely at giving the kids a calm down period in which their heart rates could decrease enough to go to bed. They enjoyed it though and we saw many impressively artistic little puppets.
This morning’s bible lesson was “I’m telling” and was lead by Timothy and Rachel. These two must have had the hardest lesson so far, just purely due to the chattiness of the kids. We don’t know if it was the re-appearance of the sun, the buckwheat porridge they had for breakfast or what, but many of them were really fidgety and talkative the whole way through. Despite this the pair did a really good job of explaining why we talk about Jesus and the sort of things that you might say. Jesus is our friend so we explain him like we do our other friends- where we met him, how long we have known him and why we like him. It was really good.
The return of the sun meant that we could go back down to the beach again today and enjoy the warm water and play uno on the sand.
Prayer points:
* Many people- children and adults are still not very well, to the extent that the beach was for once optional because some people just weren’t up to it. Please pray for a full and speedy recovery from all these colds and bugs.
* Timothy twisted his ankle yesterday and is now hobbling around with a large stick and a bandaged foot. For someone who is normally so active this is particularly hard for him. Please pray swift healing for that injury.
* We only have two bible lessons left so please pray that the children will settle down again and really learn from the remaining talks.
Personally I found the whole thing really powerful and the death had me in tears. The whole team did really well, and the kids were really cute in their parts as well. Most people (us included) were dressed up with their bed sheets wrapped round them like togas.
After dinner was what for most of the kids is a highlight of the camp activities- biffer. Basically there are a load of stations set up where the kids have to complete tasks. The kids are then running round camp (in pairs holding hands) trying to find the stations. While they are between stations the are in danger of the buffers!! The biffers are adults, all dressed up in their war paint wielding flower filled socks which they can ‘biff’ the children with.
If a child is biffed they have to stop and wait for a doctor to heal them by tying a piece of wool round their wrists. It was lots of fun for all and generally went really well. Unfortunately because it was so hot the kids were very sweaty and so the markers we were supposed to be using to show they had completed the station weren’t working, Even so it was cool. The craft was finger puppets- a very simple one aimed entirely at giving the kids a calm down period in which their heart rates could decrease enough to go to bed. They enjoyed it though and we saw many impressively artistic little puppets.
This morning’s bible lesson was “I’m telling” and was lead by Timothy and Rachel. These two must have had the hardest lesson so far, just purely due to the chattiness of the kids. We don’t know if it was the re-appearance of the sun, the buckwheat porridge they had for breakfast or what, but many of them were really fidgety and talkative the whole way through. Despite this the pair did a really good job of explaining why we talk about Jesus and the sort of things that you might say. Jesus is our friend so we explain him like we do our other friends- where we met him, how long we have known him and why we like him. It was really good.
The return of the sun meant that we could go back down to the beach again today and enjoy the warm water and play uno on the sand.
Prayer points:
* Many people- children and adults are still not very well, to the extent that the beach was for once optional because some people just weren’t up to it. Please pray for a full and speedy recovery from all these colds and bugs.
* Timothy twisted his ankle yesterday and is now hobbling around with a large stick and a bandaged foot. For someone who is normally so active this is particularly hard for him. Please pray swift healing for that injury.
* We only have two bible lessons left so please pray that the children will settle down again and really learn from the remaining talks.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thu pm & Fri am
Thursday afternoon saw the international team taking their excursion into Kerch. Now just as we were finishing dinner it started to patter down with rain. Despite the fact that Babs had just put out a load of washing, this was not a big deal. However as we were getting ready to leave the heavens opened and the rain poured down, and down and down. There were soon rivers running along the paths of the hope centre and waterfalls running off the roofs. Flash flood is a very apt name, because in a few minutes we started to be extremely grateful that the minibuses that finally arrived to pick us up were diesel as the water was covering the wheels of the smaller vehicles and every time something drove past waves would wash over the minibus- coming over the bonnet or splashing against the side. The latter was the more entertaining in the end because our minibus had a small window with no glass in it! The amount of water coming in meant that the first two rows ended up sitting there with their umbrellas up! The poor tour guide was trying hard to tell us all the history of Kerch, which was very interesting but unfortunately not as entertaining as the rain and the umbrellas.
Thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we got to our first tourist stop. It was an old tomb from Greek times, like of which apparently can't be found anywhere. It was a structure of limestone with a triangular entrance tunnel leading to a tomb room. The tomb was for a king and the tour guide was explaining the whole burial process to us. The need to go through a translator made the whole process more entertaining because we were all watching Anya for the translator and just saw her face crease up in disgust at the whole thing. When the king died the tradition (which I am informed by Rachel is fairly common place in many areas of the ancient world) was to kill one of his wives- possibly his favorite wife, and her children along with many members of his household. These people were buried with food drink and riches and then holed up for a year. The belief was that the king's spirit would hang around for the year before heading of to the afterlife. So the needed to give his spirit an armed guard. So the took 50 of the best horses, 50 of the best soldiers and made soldier kebabs of them, with a pole through the middle, holding them onto a kind of wagon base. They then stacked the soldiers up so they filled the space from the king and entourage to the ceiling of the tomb… eeew.
After the kebab house we went on to see the remains of an old fort. Kerch has always been a fought over city because it has control over the black sea by means of the Kerch straight (also called the Azer straight) and during the Ottaman empire the Turkish built a huge hilltop fort overlooking the straight. We were only about 4km from Russia at that point. The sun at this point was immensely hot again and most of us were dressed for the rain, not the sun, so were melting just a bit. However we had enough energy to scramble round a bit and take a few dozen more photos of Sola posing.
Finally we met up with the second group who had been on quite a different trip…..
### Narrative provided by Lydia
The first comers to the Hope Camp went to the Cave which was used by Ukrainian when German invaded the land at the Second World War. It was quite an experience to see the Cave so well kept with equipments and mass grave for people and soldiers. Yinka and Susanne didn’t want to join the tour after knowing that it lasts for an hour, so they waited in the bus having some ice-cream and drinks. Inside the cave, it was very dark and well air-conditioned(!) They had generators for electricity, hospital facility, a well, kitchen and place to hide when chemical fumes were pumped in to the Cave. We had a minute silence without light in front of the grave and Bukky turned the lights on not knowing what is going on then our quiet Yaraslav shouted for the first time, shouting “turn it off!” After historic experience of the cave, Yinka directed us a shop near the bus and knowing that she had some ice-cream, we had to have some!
####
After meeting up we all walked down a flight of over 400 steps and then through a few back streets to the Pizza parlor where we were having dinner. With not a blob of mayonnaise in sight (the Ukrainians are prone to put mayonnaise in everything, including pizza) we all had a fabulous time, chatting, eating and just generally relaxing.
While we had been away the trip the children had been watching Narnia, and so while the film was finishing the team sat and had a good old worship. The day was then rounded up with bedtime stories.
Friday's bible lesson was "I'm united" and was lead by Tim and Yinka. They used the cross as an illustration of how we need to be united- Horizontality with each other, and vertically with God. The did it very well and at the end Tim lead the beleivers pray for those who wanted to say it.
### Narrative provided by Timothy
You will have read how yesterday it rained a lot and flooded the road’s in Kerch. The rain soaked the ‘Hill of Death’ making in very slippery and so it was not safe to take the children to the beach. So we played a wide game called the ‘Tail Game’. This involved each team having ‘treasure’ which they tried to protect from their opponent. Each child had a string tail which they had to have to be able to play the game; if they lost their tail, they had to go back to base and get a new one. Not all of the children realized they had to keep their treasure safe so they focused on the tails. As a result the game became quite crazy with a lot of running around! We were pleased that the children tired themselves out! Now, after rest we will have a talent competition.
###
Thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we got to our first tourist stop. It was an old tomb from Greek times, like of which apparently can't be found anywhere. It was a structure of limestone with a triangular entrance tunnel leading to a tomb room. The tomb was for a king and the tour guide was explaining the whole burial process to us. The need to go through a translator made the whole process more entertaining because we were all watching Anya for the translator and just saw her face crease up in disgust at the whole thing. When the king died the tradition (which I am informed by Rachel is fairly common place in many areas of the ancient world) was to kill one of his wives- possibly his favorite wife, and her children along with many members of his household. These people were buried with food drink and riches and then holed up for a year. The belief was that the king's spirit would hang around for the year before heading of to the afterlife. So the needed to give his spirit an armed guard. So the took 50 of the best horses, 50 of the best soldiers and made soldier kebabs of them, with a pole through the middle, holding them onto a kind of wagon base. They then stacked the soldiers up so they filled the space from the king and entourage to the ceiling of the tomb… eeew.
After the kebab house we went on to see the remains of an old fort. Kerch has always been a fought over city because it has control over the black sea by means of the Kerch straight (also called the Azer straight) and during the Ottaman empire the Turkish built a huge hilltop fort overlooking the straight. We were only about 4km from Russia at that point. The sun at this point was immensely hot again and most of us were dressed for the rain, not the sun, so were melting just a bit. However we had enough energy to scramble round a bit and take a few dozen more photos of Sola posing.
Finally we met up with the second group who had been on quite a different trip…..
### Narrative provided by Lydia
The first comers to the Hope Camp went to the Cave which was used by Ukrainian when German invaded the land at the Second World War. It was quite an experience to see the Cave so well kept with equipments and mass grave for people and soldiers. Yinka and Susanne didn’t want to join the tour after knowing that it lasts for an hour, so they waited in the bus having some ice-cream and drinks. Inside the cave, it was very dark and well air-conditioned(!) They had generators for electricity, hospital facility, a well, kitchen and place to hide when chemical fumes were pumped in to the Cave. We had a minute silence without light in front of the grave and Bukky turned the lights on not knowing what is going on then our quiet Yaraslav shouted for the first time, shouting “turn it off!” After historic experience of the cave, Yinka directed us a shop near the bus and knowing that she had some ice-cream, we had to have some!
####
After meeting up we all walked down a flight of over 400 steps and then through a few back streets to the Pizza parlor where we were having dinner. With not a blob of mayonnaise in sight (the Ukrainians are prone to put mayonnaise in everything, including pizza) we all had a fabulous time, chatting, eating and just generally relaxing.
While we had been away the trip the children had been watching Narnia, and so while the film was finishing the team sat and had a good old worship. The day was then rounded up with bedtime stories.
Friday's bible lesson was "I'm united" and was lead by Tim and Yinka. They used the cross as an illustration of how we need to be united- Horizontality with each other, and vertically with God. The did it very well and at the end Tim lead the beleivers pray for those who wanted to say it.
### Narrative provided by Timothy
You will have read how yesterday it rained a lot and flooded the road’s in Kerch. The rain soaked the ‘Hill of Death’ making in very slippery and so it was not safe to take the children to the beach. So we played a wide game called the ‘Tail Game’. This involved each team having ‘treasure’ which they tried to protect from their opponent. Each child had a string tail which they had to have to be able to play the game; if they lost their tail, they had to go back to base and get a new one. Not all of the children realized they had to keep their treasure safe so they focused on the tails. As a result the game became quite crazy with a lot of running around! We were pleased that the children tired themselves out! Now, after rest we will have a talent competition.
###
Wed pm & Thu am
### Narrative provided by Timothy
Football match/my bed time story.
On Wednesday afternoon Hope Centre played an orphanage camp, camp Chaika. Their director arrived smoking which did not bode well. We have to be very carefull during the match; if we make it sound too competitive their might be a riot! Lena who leads worship did the commentating with her usual charm and amusement!
Camp Chaika played like a premiership football team; they did not obey the rules and they were bad tempered. One of their players rolled on the floor moaning for five minutes after fouling someone and then started running again! Apparently he has done this all summer. We had referees from our camp and they were having none of it! The other players were pushing and shoving. Thankfully they could not understand them on the pitch. Our team really demonstrated patience and self-control! Thanks to their team work we thrashed them seven – nill! Dino scored 2, Paul 3.
Having beaten Camp Chaika at football we then played them at basketball. With a reputation to make up it was again a very tense and physical match! Sadly their referre was the person who had rolled around on the floor in the football. As you would guess he was very biased. We lost as a result, but with good humour!
In the evening we had craft and made magic picture. This is an amazing craft! The picture is a simple black and white line drawing. But when you pull it out of the frame it becomes a coloured in picture! When people see it they say ‘Wow that’s amazing, how does that work’! The ward one boys (the eldest on camp) thought that this was the highlight of the day!
I (Timothy) do the bedtime story with the ward one boys. They listen really well, but I find it quite hard because they do not give me any feedback. On Tuesday night I tried to do a question and answer session but they did not ask any questions! However they did ask me to do the Joseph story which I started on Tuesday night and carried on the following night.
#####
Thursday morning saw what we would consider the most important bible lesson of the series. It was "I am forgiven" and was lead by Paul and Dino. The message was simple and beautifully illustrated. In our lives we start off like a empty bag (of which they had one for one of the boys to carry) and as we go through life we do things that are bad. They might be little things like lies- small pebbles, taking things that aren't yours- bigger stone, or maybe even murder- whole bricks. They also explained that your baggage is also things that have been done too you as well as what you have done. The little boy holding the bag was not struggling to lift it as it was filled more and more with stones and rocks. In life we can't carry on with all of this weight, so Jesus came with a way out. If you let him he will take all the stone out of your bag and carry them for you. Simon rounded up by talking through the fact that God can take our hearts of stone, our burdens and give us hearts of flesh. He asked the children that when they are ready, if they want to, to ask God to take away their baggage. The international team then went around praying for the children and laying hands on them. The whole things was amazing. Despite a bit of chitchat, most of the children were sitting in rapt attention listening to all that was said. We never asked which children prayed that prayer but it was clear that God was working in some of them quite powerfully. The children then went back to their wards to talk about things with their councilors, so they could ask questions and pray more if they wanted to. The international team then got to pray for the translators which was so nice to get to do. Without them our work would be much less effective and we would really struggle. So we prayed and God gave each of them a word of encouragement or prophecy. The air was heavy with the Holy spirit- it was amazing, no one wanted to leave. But leave we did to head down for a shorter trip to the sea. Thankfully it wasn't so hot, with a bit of cloud cover. It made the sea freezing to get into but meant that the little energy we all had was not spent so quickly due to the heat. Finally lunch and our team meeting.
Football match/my bed time story.
On Wednesday afternoon Hope Centre played an orphanage camp, camp Chaika. Their director arrived smoking which did not bode well. We have to be very carefull during the match; if we make it sound too competitive their might be a riot! Lena who leads worship did the commentating with her usual charm and amusement!
Camp Chaika played like a premiership football team; they did not obey the rules and they were bad tempered. One of their players rolled on the floor moaning for five minutes after fouling someone and then started running again! Apparently he has done this all summer. We had referees from our camp and they were having none of it! The other players were pushing and shoving. Thankfully they could not understand them on the pitch. Our team really demonstrated patience and self-control! Thanks to their team work we thrashed them seven – nill! Dino scored 2, Paul 3.
Having beaten Camp Chaika at football we then played them at basketball. With a reputation to make up it was again a very tense and physical match! Sadly their referre was the person who had rolled around on the floor in the football. As you would guess he was very biased. We lost as a result, but with good humour!
In the evening we had craft and made magic picture. This is an amazing craft! The picture is a simple black and white line drawing. But when you pull it out of the frame it becomes a coloured in picture! When people see it they say ‘Wow that’s amazing, how does that work’! The ward one boys (the eldest on camp) thought that this was the highlight of the day!
I (Timothy) do the bedtime story with the ward one boys. They listen really well, but I find it quite hard because they do not give me any feedback. On Tuesday night I tried to do a question and answer session but they did not ask any questions! However they did ask me to do the Joseph story which I started on Tuesday night and carried on the following night.
#####
Thursday morning saw what we would consider the most important bible lesson of the series. It was "I am forgiven" and was lead by Paul and Dino. The message was simple and beautifully illustrated. In our lives we start off like a empty bag (of which they had one for one of the boys to carry) and as we go through life we do things that are bad. They might be little things like lies- small pebbles, taking things that aren't yours- bigger stone, or maybe even murder- whole bricks. They also explained that your baggage is also things that have been done too you as well as what you have done. The little boy holding the bag was not struggling to lift it as it was filled more and more with stones and rocks. In life we can't carry on with all of this weight, so Jesus came with a way out. If you let him he will take all the stone out of your bag and carry them for you. Simon rounded up by talking through the fact that God can take our hearts of stone, our burdens and give us hearts of flesh. He asked the children that when they are ready, if they want to, to ask God to take away their baggage. The international team then went around praying for the children and laying hands on them. The whole things was amazing. Despite a bit of chitchat, most of the children were sitting in rapt attention listening to all that was said. We never asked which children prayed that prayer but it was clear that God was working in some of them quite powerfully. The children then went back to their wards to talk about things with their councilors, so they could ask questions and pray more if they wanted to. The international team then got to pray for the translators which was so nice to get to do. Without them our work would be much less effective and we would really struggle. So we prayed and God gave each of them a word of encouragement or prophecy. The air was heavy with the Holy spirit- it was amazing, no one wanted to leave. But leave we did to head down for a shorter trip to the sea. Thankfully it wasn't so hot, with a bit of cloud cover. It made the sea freezing to get into but meant that the little energy we all had was not spent so quickly due to the heat. Finally lunch and our team meeting.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tue pm & Wed am
Yesterday was a very exciting time for the children because they all got a present. We decided to provide a camp t-shirt with a unique design for every member of camp- consisting of the children, the helpers, international team, translators, kitchen staff, gardeners and everyone else involved in camp. Various people in England sponsored the t-shirts which we had made in Ukraine so we would be helping local economy as well as removing the nightmare of transporting them from England. Despite a rather large mix up about the sizes (i.e. we only had adult small, medium and large) there was a t-shirt for everyone. We lined all the children up in height order from the tiny little ward four children to the very (and I mean very) tall ward one boys. Then Simon handed each child their t-shirt and they all scampered off to put them on. We then gathered everyone together- now wearing their t-shirts, and took a range of photos of them. We had each ward individually and then the whole camp.
The kids and councilors
The translators
Us
It was a nice time to get photos with various different groups and have everyone stripped of age, gender, nationality or class, everyone was unique but united as part of this fantastic group all enjoying camp.
We then had half an hour for interest groups before dinner.
After dinner was craft where the children were making wall hangings of either angers or bugs. Rachel, Fran and Tosin were once more very lucky to have extra help from the ward one girls who have been really helpful, learning the craft before the other children and then going around and helping the younger ones.
After craft was the ever popular scavenger hunt. Each member of the international team went and hit round the camp and the children had to find them and get them to sign their paper. The prize for best hidden goes to Timothy who managed to climb onto the roof of the marquee and had only about one group find him! It wore the kids out nicely though :)
Today’s bible lesson was “I am eternal” and was given by Rachel and Fran. They read from John 3:16 and then when on to explain what eternal means. They gave a practical demonstration using 6 children and some paper and foam. They had the children attempt to scrunch up the paper and the foam- paper crumples, foam strings back. They had to submerge them in water- paper disintegrates and foam survives. Finally they had to try to rip them- paper is easy, foam is impossible for little children (though do able with a bit more strength). The message was that eternal means something that lasts and is durable. They then talked about Heaven, using Revelations to talk about a hew heaven and a new earth and sharing what it will be like. The kids responded really well, with good concentration and interest in what was being done and said.
Prayer points:
*Health has been a huge issue for the team on this trip. A lot of people are getting ill with colds, sore throats and stomach upsets. Although we are pressing on and people are getting the chance to have a rest when they need one, it is really frustrating for those who just physically can’t join in and especially tiring for those who are just slightly under the weather. Prayers for full health and renewal of strength would be enormously appreciated by the whole team.
*On a similar note though prayer of thanks can be said for the whole team, who have really stepped in to help one another- taking up the slack when one is flagging.
*Tomorrow’s bible lesson is the salvation message when we will be doing an alter call and praying for the children. Please be holding that in your prayer. Dino and Paul are leading and we really want to pray that God would speak powerfully through them tomorrow.
It was a nice time to get photos with various different groups and have everyone stripped of age, gender, nationality or class, everyone was unique but united as part of this fantastic group all enjoying camp.
We then had half an hour for interest groups before dinner.
After dinner was craft where the children were making wall hangings of either angers or bugs. Rachel, Fran and Tosin were once more very lucky to have extra help from the ward one girls who have been really helpful, learning the craft before the other children and then going around and helping the younger ones.
After craft was the ever popular scavenger hunt. Each member of the international team went and hit round the camp and the children had to find them and get them to sign their paper. The prize for best hidden goes to Timothy who managed to climb onto the roof of the marquee and had only about one group find him! It wore the kids out nicely though :)
Today’s bible lesson was “I am eternal” and was given by Rachel and Fran. They read from John 3:16 and then when on to explain what eternal means. They gave a practical demonstration using 6 children and some paper and foam. They had the children attempt to scrunch up the paper and the foam- paper crumples, foam strings back. They had to submerge them in water- paper disintegrates and foam survives. Finally they had to try to rip them- paper is easy, foam is impossible for little children (though do able with a bit more strength). The message was that eternal means something that lasts and is durable. They then talked about Heaven, using Revelations to talk about a hew heaven and a new earth and sharing what it will be like. The kids responded really well, with good concentration and interest in what was being done and said.
Prayer points:
*Health has been a huge issue for the team on this trip. A lot of people are getting ill with colds, sore throats and stomach upsets. Although we are pressing on and people are getting the chance to have a rest when they need one, it is really frustrating for those who just physically can’t join in and especially tiring for those who are just slightly under the weather. Prayers for full health and renewal of strength would be enormously appreciated by the whole team.
*On a similar note though prayer of thanks can be said for the whole team, who have really stepped in to help one another- taking up the slack when one is flagging.
*Tomorrow’s bible lesson is the salvation message when we will be doing an alter call and praying for the children. Please be holding that in your prayer. Dino and Paul are leading and we really want to pray that God would speak powerfully through them tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Mon pm & Tue am
Yesterday was an amazing day. In the afternoon we had interest groups. Which is basically when the international team set up camp in one place and have an activity that they are doing, the kids can then choose where they want to go. We had another trip to the beach (as an interest group) which was really nice because with a smaller group they could all stay in the water (which is cooler) and have constructive activities like teaching them the swimming strokes and helping them improve as well as splashing fun. Other stations were football, volleyball, beauty salon with hair nails and massage, board games and 40-40-had (a kind of chase/tag game). After dinner we had ‘church’ which is the one time of the camp where we do something for the adults, rather than the kids. So we had worship songs done in Russian and English and in Ukrainian style and American/English style. We also had a bible reading and prayers, as well as a short talk from Simon. It was a chance for the kids to see how we are with God in our time, and it was really cool. At one point Jessie was singing some songs and playing the piano and the kids were all sitting there really quietly listening. During the more up-tempo Russian songs they were clapping and joining in. I was talking to one of the translators who just summed it up when he said “God is really here” and he was, I’m sure the kids could feel His presence as well.
Craft was friendship books and so there were bits of tissue paper everywhere as the kids cut, glued and stuck bits all over the place. In fact they were enjoying it so much we had to tell them to go because we needed to clear up for bed time! Ahh bed time- we all look forward to that :)
Today’s Bible lesson followed the morning activities and was lead by Sola and Tosin. The subject was ”I’m chosen” and to illustrate it they acted out the story of Samuel. They incorporated Timothy’s booming God voice’, My superfast ability to get pregnant and give birth in three seconds (with aid of a jumper) as Hannah, David’s amazing over acting sleeping Eli (Everyone was in stitches each time he jumped awake) and the talents of a few of the children. The message was clear and simple- that we are all chosen by God, even when we don’t realize it’s Him calling us.
The rest of the day’s program went on as normal with us all baking on the sand and wolfing down our much appreciated lunch. Now we have just had team meeting and I am off to join all the others in their afternoon nap!
Prayer points:
• Thank God that David is now fine- a little sit out and a bit more sleep were all he needed. Other team members who were feeling worse for wears are also muchly improved
• However other members of the team are feeling the pressure, several of the kids and the camp director are not feeling very well. So please pray for quick recoveries, and sustained good health for everyone.
Craft was friendship books and so there were bits of tissue paper everywhere as the kids cut, glued and stuck bits all over the place. In fact they were enjoying it so much we had to tell them to go because we needed to clear up for bed time! Ahh bed time- we all look forward to that :)
Today’s Bible lesson followed the morning activities and was lead by Sola and Tosin. The subject was ”I’m chosen” and to illustrate it they acted out the story of Samuel. They incorporated Timothy’s booming God voice’, My superfast ability to get pregnant and give birth in three seconds (with aid of a jumper) as Hannah, David’s amazing over acting sleeping Eli (Everyone was in stitches each time he jumped awake) and the talents of a few of the children. The message was clear and simple- that we are all chosen by God, even when we don’t realize it’s Him calling us.
The rest of the day’s program went on as normal with us all baking on the sand and wolfing down our much appreciated lunch. Now we have just had team meeting and I am off to join all the others in their afternoon nap!
Prayer points:
• Thank God that David is now fine- a little sit out and a bit more sleep were all he needed. Other team members who were feeling worse for wears are also muchly improved
• However other members of the team are feeling the pressure, several of the kids and the camp director are not feeling very well. So please pray for quick recoveries, and sustained good health for everyone.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sun pm & Mon am
The last 24 hours have been fantastic. As the kids settle down into their new surroundings they are opening up more and being much more friendly with the international team. In the sea they have wanted chasing and pulling along- things which require physical contact which yesterday they didn’t want. Walking around some of the girls are coming and giving us hugs. In fact several of our team- the three youngest guys, are proving quite a hit with the young ladies of the camp!
Yesterday was a special day in the camp because it was the bible ceremony. Each child is presented with a bible, either a picture bible or a new testament depending on their maturity and reading ability. We all then went off with our bed time story groups and wrote in their bibles for them, with their name and from global action or something similar, and then maybe a message. It was a little strange that some of the children then started using their bibles like autograph books, getting all the team members to sign it. However writing words of encouragement is always good and once we have made the friendship books this should change.
After the bible ceremony we had an hour of practice time because at 6 was the opening ceremony. The ceremonies and bible talks are a time when not only can we give the children biblical messages but we can just be silly and make them laugh. Many of the children don’t have the opportunity to be silly and have fun, and they certainly don’t see it from many adults. So showing them that it’s ok to be silly sometimes is good. For the opening ceremony each of the wards chooses their own name and makes a poster. The wards are then referred to by that name, rather than their numbers. Their names were all Russian words which I haven’t managed to get a translation for yet, but the oldest kids had the Russian for ‘hope’ which is the name of the camp. We also picked out a name- ‘Mixed spice’ due to the fact that we are such a mix of nationalities, personalities, and everything. So we made a little skit that fitted the name. Jessica (one of the interns, the other being Jessie) was a cook with a giant pot. We were all different spices and herbs and seasonings and she listed then all off and added them to her ‘pot’. The every now and then, with the addition of a new spice, she would stir the pot and everyone rolled around in the stage pot. It was really silly and possibly funnier for the team than the kids, but it showed us being silly and was fun.
A slightly late dinner of pasta and beef stew was followed by the days craft. This one was foam bookmarks. We also gave the children the materials to make foam name tags due to the fact that the quality of card used on the first day wasn’t quite high enough and they were breaking. So in the sweltering dinning room the tables were laddened with foam shapes, glue and pompoms. Craft is great because one of the best ways to explain something when you have a language barrier is to demonstrate, so we all got to make name badges as well.
From all accounts bed time stories went really well with each word progressing slightly. Some wards like mine (the littlest) were gathered on a couple of beds listening to a story, some such as Dino’s ward heard testimonies (this apparently went down very well), and some sat and chatted about the bible they had been given.
After bedtime stories the team was invited to the birthday party of Rouslan- one of the interpreters where we had cake and watermelon and tried tossing happy birthday as quietly as possible.
Then bed.
The morning routine today followed as normal with the bugle wake up call (it echoes fantastically in the ward lobbies) and mini baguette pizzas for breakfast. Today’s bible talk was “I’m unique” and was lead superbly by Babs and Emily. They talked about the differences that we have between us and the fact that we can’t measure these things. They did however find one thing that is easy to show and record. And so they have a number of children and councilors putting their hand and thumb prints on a large piece of paper. They are going to go round everyone at some point so that the whole camp has their thumb print of the unique paper. Hopefully we can put it up somewhere for the kids to look at so they can all see just how unique things like fingerprints are.
Then the sea- wet and sunny, shower- amazingly cold, lunch- very much appreciated and once again the team meeting.
Prayer points:
* Continued and developed openness of the children towards the international team and other helpers.
* At some points while we are explaining things like craft, the children can be quite noisy and we would appreciate prayer that we will know how to engage them at such times, so they understand what is going on.
* David has not been feeling too good today and as one who struggled with the sunstroke last year we really want to pray that he will recover quickly and not get ill again.
* And of course continued and renewed energy for the team.
Yesterday was a special day in the camp because it was the bible ceremony. Each child is presented with a bible, either a picture bible or a new testament depending on their maturity and reading ability. We all then went off with our bed time story groups and wrote in their bibles for them, with their name and from global action or something similar, and then maybe a message. It was a little strange that some of the children then started using their bibles like autograph books, getting all the team members to sign it. However writing words of encouragement is always good and once we have made the friendship books this should change.
After the bible ceremony we had an hour of practice time because at 6 was the opening ceremony. The ceremonies and bible talks are a time when not only can we give the children biblical messages but we can just be silly and make them laugh. Many of the children don’t have the opportunity to be silly and have fun, and they certainly don’t see it from many adults. So showing them that it’s ok to be silly sometimes is good. For the opening ceremony each of the wards chooses their own name and makes a poster. The wards are then referred to by that name, rather than their numbers. Their names were all Russian words which I haven’t managed to get a translation for yet, but the oldest kids had the Russian for ‘hope’ which is the name of the camp. We also picked out a name- ‘Mixed spice’ due to the fact that we are such a mix of nationalities, personalities, and everything. So we made a little skit that fitted the name. Jessica (one of the interns, the other being Jessie) was a cook with a giant pot. We were all different spices and herbs and seasonings and she listed then all off and added them to her ‘pot’. The every now and then, with the addition of a new spice, she would stir the pot and everyone rolled around in the stage pot. It was really silly and possibly funnier for the team than the kids, but it showed us being silly and was fun.
A slightly late dinner of pasta and beef stew was followed by the days craft. This one was foam bookmarks. We also gave the children the materials to make foam name tags due to the fact that the quality of card used on the first day wasn’t quite high enough and they were breaking. So in the sweltering dinning room the tables were laddened with foam shapes, glue and pompoms. Craft is great because one of the best ways to explain something when you have a language barrier is to demonstrate, so we all got to make name badges as well.
From all accounts bed time stories went really well with each word progressing slightly. Some wards like mine (the littlest) were gathered on a couple of beds listening to a story, some such as Dino’s ward heard testimonies (this apparently went down very well), and some sat and chatted about the bible they had been given.
After bedtime stories the team was invited to the birthday party of Rouslan- one of the interpreters where we had cake and watermelon and tried tossing happy birthday as quietly as possible.
Then bed.
The morning routine today followed as normal with the bugle wake up call (it echoes fantastically in the ward lobbies) and mini baguette pizzas for breakfast. Today’s bible talk was “I’m unique” and was lead superbly by Babs and Emily. They talked about the differences that we have between us and the fact that we can’t measure these things. They did however find one thing that is easy to show and record. And so they have a number of children and councilors putting their hand and thumb prints on a large piece of paper. They are going to go round everyone at some point so that the whole camp has their thumb print of the unique paper. Hopefully we can put it up somewhere for the kids to look at so they can all see just how unique things like fingerprints are.
Then the sea- wet and sunny, shower- amazingly cold, lunch- very much appreciated and once again the team meeting.
Prayer points:
* Continued and developed openness of the children towards the international team and other helpers.
* At some points while we are explaining things like craft, the children can be quite noisy and we would appreciate prayer that we will know how to engage them at such times, so they understand what is going on.
* David has not been feeling too good today and as one who struggled with the sunstroke last year we really want to pray that he will recover quickly and not get ill again.
* And of course continued and renewed energy for the team.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Sat pm & Sun am
Ok so what has been happening since my last post…
Well the kids have all arrived now and we have started the full program. The general format is:
7:00 – devotionals for international team
7:45 – morning exercises
8:15 – breakfast
9:00 – bible talk
10:00- go to the sea
12:30 – lunch
4:00 – planned activity (special ceremonies or games)
6:00 – dinner
7:00 – planned activity
7:30/8 – craft
9:00 – bedtime (though this is staggered for the different ages)
So we have had a full round of everything. Yesterday afternoon we had stations- where there are four games and the kids rotate round each one in turn. After a dinner of rice and lamb we introduced the team to everyone and got everyone to make name tags for themselves. Then after a bit of free time it was time to start bible stories. Within the camp there are four wards (or dorms) 4 is the youngest and 1 is the oldest. Each ward is split into boys and girls for bed times and there are a number of the international team assigned to each ward group. So with the aid of translators we went round and just found out a bit about them before praying with them and saying good night.
Sunday morning came for too quickly for some of the team who had to drag themselves out of bed. Soon enough though both boys and girls were doing laps of the camp as the morning exercise leaders put them through their paces. Breakfast was little pancake type things covered with condensed milk accompanied by mini savaloy sausages. I know that sounds bizarre, but it was good enough that I was looking for seconds, lol.
After breakfast was the first in our series of bible talks. This year’s theme is “How do I fit in?” and the first talk was “I am created”. The basic message we were hopping to get across was that each one of us is made on purpose, we are not an accident, God planned for us to be here. So David and I (who were leading today) told the creation story, getting the children to act out bits of it. And explaining how God was working up to humans and that he planned carefully and was so pleased with the result. Despite forgetting things like God creating animals, I think it went well. The kids were happy to join in, volunteer information and their services as props and for a first one- very good. Through the rest of the series we will be working through “I’m unique/chosen/forgiven/united/telling” and a couple more I can’t remember right now.
After the bible talk was the beach. The camp owns a bit of the beach and they have a metal… well it’s a sheet of metal on poles, but it gives us some shade. There is also a swimming area marked out in floats which the kids take turns at playing in. The international team were split between the water and the sea, playing card games, Frisbee, volleyball, catch and of course general splashing fun. Exhausted but happy we all traipsed back up… dun dun dun… the hill of death!!!! Actually the hill has been dramatically improved over the last year by the addition of some concrete blocks set into the hill as steps, but even so the hill is very steep and in the boiling sun can be quite a trek.
A quick shower preceded lunch which was followed by the daily team meeting. Then nap time and the opening times of the hope centre barbers. So far two of the international team and one of the translators have been attacked with the shears. Goodness only knows what the figure will be by the end!
Prayer points
Please be praying that the talks will continue to go well, that the team will be relaxed and they remember things like pausing for the translators. Most importantly though we want you to pray that the kids will respond. This is a bible camp and we are here to share the gospel. Please pray that God would really be able to work through us and that we will keep listening to him and that his agenda will be met- not ours.
Also for continued strength and energy as well as good sleeps for everyone.
Well the kids have all arrived now and we have started the full program. The general format is:
7:00 – devotionals for international team
7:45 – morning exercises
8:15 – breakfast
9:00 – bible talk
10:00- go to the sea
12:30 – lunch
4:00 – planned activity (special ceremonies or games)
6:00 – dinner
7:00 – planned activity
7:30/8 – craft
9:00 – bedtime (though this is staggered for the different ages)
So we have had a full round of everything. Yesterday afternoon we had stations- where there are four games and the kids rotate round each one in turn. After a dinner of rice and lamb we introduced the team to everyone and got everyone to make name tags for themselves. Then after a bit of free time it was time to start bible stories. Within the camp there are four wards (or dorms) 4 is the youngest and 1 is the oldest. Each ward is split into boys and girls for bed times and there are a number of the international team assigned to each ward group. So with the aid of translators we went round and just found out a bit about them before praying with them and saying good night.
Sunday morning came for too quickly for some of the team who had to drag themselves out of bed. Soon enough though both boys and girls were doing laps of the camp as the morning exercise leaders put them through their paces. Breakfast was little pancake type things covered with condensed milk accompanied by mini savaloy sausages. I know that sounds bizarre, but it was good enough that I was looking for seconds, lol.
After breakfast was the first in our series of bible talks. This year’s theme is “How do I fit in?” and the first talk was “I am created”. The basic message we were hopping to get across was that each one of us is made on purpose, we are not an accident, God planned for us to be here. So David and I (who were leading today) told the creation story, getting the children to act out bits of it. And explaining how God was working up to humans and that he planned carefully and was so pleased with the result. Despite forgetting things like God creating animals, I think it went well. The kids were happy to join in, volunteer information and their services as props and for a first one- very good. Through the rest of the series we will be working through “I’m unique/chosen/forgiven/united/telling” and a couple more I can’t remember right now.
After the bible talk was the beach. The camp owns a bit of the beach and they have a metal… well it’s a sheet of metal on poles, but it gives us some shade. There is also a swimming area marked out in floats which the kids take turns at playing in. The international team were split between the water and the sea, playing card games, Frisbee, volleyball, catch and of course general splashing fun. Exhausted but happy we all traipsed back up… dun dun dun… the hill of death!!!! Actually the hill has been dramatically improved over the last year by the addition of some concrete blocks set into the hill as steps, but even so the hill is very steep and in the boiling sun can be quite a trek.
A quick shower preceded lunch which was followed by the daily team meeting. Then nap time and the opening times of the hope centre barbers. So far two of the international team and one of the translators have been attacked with the shears. Goodness only knows what the figure will be by the end!
Prayer points
Please be praying that the talks will continue to go well, that the team will be relaxed and they remember things like pausing for the translators. Most importantly though we want you to pray that the kids will respond. This is a bible camp and we are here to share the gospel. Please pray that God would really be able to work through us and that we will keep listening to him and that his agenda will be met- not ours.
Also for continued strength and energy as well as good sleeps for everyone.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The journey
The Hope camp 5 international team of 2007 has arrived!!!
We left Lewin Road bright and early on the morning of Thursday 9th. Driven by our marvelous driver (a Mr. Terry Morran) we arrived with plenty of time to spare and we all got on our flight without incident. Three and a half hours later we landed in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. We were met by Igor and his son Yaraslav who took us to see a few sights of the city, got us some… well it should have been lunch as we had cooked breakfast on the plane, but it must have been dinner because it was 6, though it felt like about 4 due to the time difference… well we got some food anyway. I think most people managed fairly well at getting at least something they liked, though we are still not sure what some of the dishes were.
After food we jumped back into the minibuses which had brought us from the airport and headed to the train station. The train station is one of those places that deserves a look even if you have no other reason to go there. It is lots of marble, with hanging chandeliers and is so pretty. They are slightly harder to appreciate however when you are sat in the heat, in low lighting, with all your cases and a lot of noise and hustle and bustle going on around you. Unfortunately as we left for the station Igor went back to the airport to pick up the Americans and he has the tickets which would have enabled us to go into the nicer waiting rooms! Eventually he arrived and we joined the others in the beautifully cool and light VIP waiting area (ooOOOOooo).
It was a good thing that we had that nice relaxing rest because the next part of the journey was…. Horrendous- it is the only word that comes close to describing it. In England we are very good at the whole “Please, you go first” attitude- the Ukrainians aren’t! It is literally everyman for himself and everyone was pushing, shoving, shouting and all going in different directions trying to get to their part of the train. Suzanne later likened it to a mosh pit. Driven by the thought of collapsing into our compartments we pushed through and got on. We were greeted by a unpleasant surprise though. The train was nothing like any of us had ever been on before. There were compartments of sorts with 4 bunks- much as you might expect from a sleeper train or ship cabin. However these compartments didn’t have doors, so were open to the tiny corridor, which in turn was open to a 2 more beds facing the other 4. So not only were we mixed in with a load of Ukrainians we didn’t know, but there was no privacy to get changed, freshen up or even escape the noise of all the others. But none the less we managed to get bunks sorted with bedding and tried to get some sleep- fully clothed of course.
Despite not everyone having much sleep we all survived and got of at Simferople station and sat down for food, a big mac and fries- but boy did it taste good!!!
The last of the traveling was 4 hours on another minibus. But finally after 2 days (three for the Americans) of traveling we were finally here. Those who had been before had great fun greeting old friends (many of the counselors and translators are the same as last year) and admiring the renovations (I’ll tell you all about those in another post), those who hadn’t been before got to explore a bit.
Finally it was dinner and then bed.
Today the kids have been arriving in dribs and drabs so the main program hasn’t started yet. Tomorrow though we begin in full force- I can’t wait
We left Lewin Road bright and early on the morning of Thursday 9th. Driven by our marvelous driver (a Mr. Terry Morran) we arrived with plenty of time to spare and we all got on our flight without incident. Three and a half hours later we landed in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. We were met by Igor and his son Yaraslav who took us to see a few sights of the city, got us some… well it should have been lunch as we had cooked breakfast on the plane, but it must have been dinner because it was 6, though it felt like about 4 due to the time difference… well we got some food anyway. I think most people managed fairly well at getting at least something they liked, though we are still not sure what some of the dishes were.
After food we jumped back into the minibuses which had brought us from the airport and headed to the train station. The train station is one of those places that deserves a look even if you have no other reason to go there. It is lots of marble, with hanging chandeliers and is so pretty. They are slightly harder to appreciate however when you are sat in the heat, in low lighting, with all your cases and a lot of noise and hustle and bustle going on around you. Unfortunately as we left for the station Igor went back to the airport to pick up the Americans and he has the tickets which would have enabled us to go into the nicer waiting rooms! Eventually he arrived and we joined the others in the beautifully cool and light VIP waiting area (ooOOOOooo).
It was a good thing that we had that nice relaxing rest because the next part of the journey was…. Horrendous- it is the only word that comes close to describing it. In England we are very good at the whole “Please, you go first” attitude- the Ukrainians aren’t! It is literally everyman for himself and everyone was pushing, shoving, shouting and all going in different directions trying to get to their part of the train. Suzanne later likened it to a mosh pit. Driven by the thought of collapsing into our compartments we pushed through and got on. We were greeted by a unpleasant surprise though. The train was nothing like any of us had ever been on before. There were compartments of sorts with 4 bunks- much as you might expect from a sleeper train or ship cabin. However these compartments didn’t have doors, so were open to the tiny corridor, which in turn was open to a 2 more beds facing the other 4. So not only were we mixed in with a load of Ukrainians we didn’t know, but there was no privacy to get changed, freshen up or even escape the noise of all the others. But none the less we managed to get bunks sorted with bedding and tried to get some sleep- fully clothed of course.
Despite not everyone having much sleep we all survived and got of at Simferople station and sat down for food, a big mac and fries- but boy did it taste good!!!
The last of the traveling was 4 hours on another minibus. But finally after 2 days (three for the Americans) of traveling we were finally here. Those who had been before had great fun greeting old friends (many of the counselors and translators are the same as last year) and admiring the renovations (I’ll tell you all about those in another post), those who hadn’t been before got to explore a bit.
Finally it was dinner and then bed.
Today the kids have been arriving in dribs and drabs so the main program hasn’t started yet. Tomorrow though we begin in full force- I can’t wait
Introducing the team
Once again we are back at the Hope Centre in Kerch Ukraine (check out lewinonmission.blogspot.com for last years adventures).
This year we have a team of 19 from 5 nationalities:
British
* Simon
* Sarah
* David
* Dino
* Paul
* Rachel
* Timothy
* Fran
* Babs
* Emily
* Sola
* Yinka (dual to Nigeria)
Thai
* Tim
Korean
* Lydia
Nigerian
* Bukki
* Tosin
American
* Naomi
* Suzanne
* Carolyn
Although I (Sarah) will be doing most of these blogs, you will no doubt be hearing from or about the rest of the team.
This year we have a team of 19 from 5 nationalities:
British
* Simon
* Sarah
* David
* Dino
* Paul
* Rachel
* Timothy
* Fran
* Babs
* Emily
* Sola
* Yinka (dual to Nigeria)
Thai
* Tim
Korean
* Lydia
Nigerian
* Bukki
* Tosin
American
* Naomi
* Suzanne
* Carolyn
Although I (Sarah) will be doing most of these blogs, you will no doubt be hearing from or about the rest of the team.
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