A Canadian Farewell

The last two weeks we have had a friendly rivalry going on between all of us Americans and the many Canadians here at camp. This week they outnumbered us with their huge showing of 40+ citizens. They surprised us all tonight by getting up and singing 'So Long, Farewell' and the Canada's national anthem.

They surprised David by dubbing him an honorary Canadian citizen and presenting him with a signed teeshirt that says 'I am Canadian'

Each of the team members have been such a blessing to camp... we are thankful that G's love transends citizenship!
We'll miss you guys!

Finally.... last week

Finishing Strong...

Here's the songs that are encouraging our hearts in these last days...

You are my strength when I am weak, you are the treasure that I seek, you are my all in all...

Seeking you as a precious jewel, L-d to give up I'd be a fool, you are my all in all...

Jesus, Lamb of G, worthy is your name, Jesus precious Lamb of God, worthy is your name.

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame; rising again I bless your name. You are my All in All...

When I fall down you pick me up, when I am dry you fill my cup, you are my all in all..

Jesus, Lamb of G, worthy is your name

Jesus, precious Lamb of G, worthy is your name.

Strength will rise as we wait upon L, we will wait upon the L.

Our G, you reign forever, our Hope, our strong Deliverer...

You are the everlasting G, you do not faint you won't grow weary...
You're the Defender of the weak, you comfort those in need,
You lift us up on wings like eagles...
* * *

Please keep pr for us... the end of camp is drawing near and to be perfectly honest, we are getting tired. Really tired. It's been such an exhausting two and a half weeks, but G has done amazing things. Pr for our health. Pr for inner strength. Pr for the energy to support the volunteers and what they are doing for the kids. Pr that we can finish with strength and courage.

It's been a summer that has tried our patience, tested our faith and built up our relationship with G in amazing ways. Thanks for the part you've played in that. Keep pr, we are on the home stretch and can't wait to see you all soon!

Random Sweetness

THE SLIDE!!!

Sam Finally Cuts His Hair

- The Beginning -

- And End -

The Last of Our Weekend

THE DICKINSON'S ARRIVED!!!

It's been so much fun getting to know this precious family since they arrived here in China yesterday.  Their kids are adorable and they all have such servants' hearts.  We've found them to be such a huge asset to our team already!

Our chocolate pizza we had at lunch.

We added two of last week's volunteers to our staff team today.  Byron and Kyle are college friends of Adam's and they also are such servants.  It's fun to have them part of the staff team.  They were pretty excited to get their lanyards this afternoon.

... And did I mention 40+ kids came tonight and that we found out that another 40 who were suppose to come are NOT orphans?!  It's amazing how fast things change around here... minor details really.  So this means each volunteer will have only one buddy... amazingly enough, 60 kids are coming and we have exactly 60 volunteers.  

I will never get tired of watching G work!

My Kids... at home

So I know this won't mean much to you... but according to tradition, you have to check out the rockin' good pictures of 'my kids', Sophie and Dawsyn.  Now that I've seen how much they've grown up over four weeks, I have an overwhelming urge to come home.  (Thanks Rodney and Jodi.)

* * *

Hang on kiddos... I'm almost home.  Don't change too much more.  I love you all and miss you so much!

Pine Tree

Even though I didn't have buddies this week, there were a couple kids that I really was able to connect with... one of them being 'Pine Tree'.  (Don't ask me why, it's what his buddy called him.)  Pine Tree couldn't talk, but he was such a sweet boy.  When I had guard duty, he would come out with the other boys and sit beside us and watch us play cards.  On Thursday afternoon he started drawing things on my hand and then I had him draw in my journal.   When we watched a movie last night, he sat behind me, but held my hand.  Today at the water park he kept throwing buckets of water on my and we went down the slide together.  Even though he couldn't talk, it was so special to see the bond we developed in a few days.

I miss Pine Tree already, but will always remember his happy smile and wave!

It Never Get's Easier...

Adam and Jeff's parting was so bittersweet... they seemed to really bond this week even though they weren't buddies.  The last couple days, Jeff always wanted to be with Adam, calling him 'Ge ge' (Big Brother), and grabbing his hand.  When it came time to say goodbye this afternoon, Jeff grabbed Adam on the bus and wouldn't let him go.  He shook gently with sobs that seemed to come from his gut... it brought tears to my own eyes.  Though it was so hard to say good bye, it's so special to watch these kind of bonds form in such a short amount of time.

We love you guys and hope we can see you next year!

Thanking The Translators

Tonight we had our translator appreciation ceremony where we recognized all their hard work.  They were each presented a certificate from their American buddy and we all clapped and cheered.  It's amazing how much work they put forth to make camp possible.  Our communication with the kids depends solely on them and for that we are so grateful!  We had cake afterwards to celebrate and as you can see, it quickly became a fight.  We had so much fun!  Thanks guys!

'Saying Goodbye' Take Two