Incredible Joy!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children

are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4.

No, these are not my biological children, but I could not be more pleased this week to have watched them mature from "children" (or junior high kids in the late 90s) to young adults today. We are privileged to have a 4 member volunteer team from WV joining us as we seek to spread HIStory across our little island.

We've been working them morning, afternoon, and evening on most days. But, we have taken a few opportunities to show them around some pretty cool places.
And, we've encouraged them to try some of our favorite foods including caramalized sweet potatoes....
and hot pot. I'm pretty sure this is J & J's first time to try hot pot as a married couple (since they've only been married for 4 weeks). What a way to spend your honeymoon!
English Camp #1 has gone extremely well. We had 65 sixth graders participate. They loved having first hand experience getting to know "native" American speakers. They were very interested in our home states, our families, and our beliefs.

We spent the three days focusing on three American holidays. On Day 1, we emphasized that HE had created the world, everything and everyone, and that on Thanksgiving Day, we pause to thank HIM for all HE has created.

On Day 2, we emphasized that HE sent HIS one and only SON to show the world how much HE loves us, and that on Christmas Day, we remember HIS SON's birthday.

The kids really enjoyed recreating the Nativity Scene using a sticker set.

On Day 3, we emphasized the death, burial, and resurrection of HIS SON, and that on Easter Day, we rejoice in the new life HE offers to each of us. All the children received special story books, BOOKS, and HIStory dvds. They were all thrilled to have their very own copies of the BOOK to take home.

The kids really enjoyed making beautifully colored butterflies representing the new life HE offers.

Each day, the children also had a chance to learn American football, basketball, frisbee, and card games.

It was REALLY HOT, but the children came early every morning to have more time with the recreation team. Needless to say, everyone was dripping wet with sweat most of the time.

On the last day of EC #1, there were many hugs, tears, group photos, and swapping of email addresses. We hope to stay in touch with these kids for years to come. Plans are already underway for next summer's camp AND a year-round weekly youth group type event. Who knows what the future holds for these kids? I firmly believe their lives have been changed. I know we will never be the same.