Hi everyone! It’s the leaders here – our turn to share!
Today we traveled to camp where the weather is a lot cooler and the mountains are beautiful! We are excited to see how God moves and uses us this week in the lives of the campers.
We also wanted to thank you again for sending your kiddos on this big adventure with us. We’ve been loving getting to know them better. We’ve also already seen them grow as individual Christ-followers and as a group! We’re honored to be part of their journey.
On day 6 of the trip we’ve already learned a lot about each other:
We’ve learned that Mason is an upbeat leader and able to stay energetic even when tired. We’re grateful for his optimism, encouragement and wisdom.
Mason doing the heavy lifting for art class
We’ve witnessed Drake have keen insights, and also go with the flow. We’ve loved watching him make fast friends with Open Roads students and seeing this side of him!
Drake enjoying the welcome party at camp
We learned Finn LOVES dogs and that he’s a huge team player. He’s a good sport when it comes to being uncomfortable in the heat and staying up late. We are thankful for his great attitude.
Finn trying to bring Lara the Cat to camp with us
We’ve been privileged (and a little jealous) by Porter’s ability to pick up a new guitar and play new Romanian songs. We’re excited to see his giftings for music and for asking thoughtful questions continue to grow this week.
Porter playing bass during worship
We got to witness Annika spontaneously pray at dinner and encourage everyone at the table to pray popcorn style as well. We are thankful for her kindness and how she cares for her teammates.
Annika feeding the pigeons
We are WOWed by Junie’s dedication to create an amazing God-honoring experience for the campers. She has tenacity to follow through on projects and has been bringing lots of joy to her teammates.
Junie enjoying a watermelon at camp
We are thankful for Bekah’s perseverance and strength through uncomfortable conditions. She truly shines when she is hanging out with the Open Roads leader babies or chatting with the Open Roads leaders.
Bekah preparing for English class in the morning
Sydney has a gift of service and we’ve been so thankful that she is quick to volunteer. She is level-headed when plans feel chaotic, and we’ve loved being in her calm presence.
Sydney enjoying a chicken pita sandwich
Madalyn has challenged herself (and grown) in her ability to be flexible and not always know exactly what’s going on. We’ve been honored to see her trust in the Lord more and more.
Madalyn painting her mask
Our Romanian friends speak truth! We’ve learned so much from them already. They are constantly reminding us all of God’s goodness and that he is in control. We aspire to lead like them!
We will admit we are all tired, but everyone is being a trooper. Thank you thank you for all your prayers and support.
Keely, Jason, Amber, Chuck
Y’all are wonderful! Proud of you, praying for you, excited for the week ahead, looking forward to reading & hearing more stories of what God does this week in you, through you, and around you.
Thank you so much for choosing to serve this way and providing an awesome experience for our kids! We are thankful and praying for you each day!
How thoughtful to highlight each student in this way! I’m thankful for insightful leaders who are paying attention to what God is doing. Praying for endurance for the team and joy each day.
I just love this update from you leaders! I love that you’re paying such close attention to each young person and helping them see their gifts and how they fit into being part of the Christian community there in Romania. I thank you for your insight encouragement and wisdom, yay God!!
Loving the pics, praying always for you.
Thank you for your leadership. Praying for an impactful week for everyone! Love the blogs! Look forward to them every morning 🙂
We’re praying that you all had a great first full day of camp!
This touched Ben and I so much! We loved hearing all the beautiful ways God has gifted each team member. Feeling very grateful for such thoughtful and loving insightful leaders! Praying for the team, campers and staff to have a week filled with fun, joy, and deepening faith in Him.
What an incredible team of people God has brought together. May He continue to develop and reveal your gifts and strengths.
How wonderful that each of you decided to GO and serve on this trip.
We continue to pray for all you to be filled to overflowing and that you will be refreshed and ready for what each day brings.
PS: happy birthday Jason!! 🎉
What a kind and tender post! The descriptions of the kids is so dear… but I have to say, it sounds like you’re siding with Finn in his quest to get a dog 🐶
Praying daily for you all as you bring your individual gifts to the young people you’ll serve at camp!
So grateful for the amazing group of leaders that God has blessed this team with. Thank you for the pictures and updates on each of the kids. Each of these posts just melts away the miles and brings us there to be with you. Thank you! May God continue to be with and bless this team.
Happiest of Happy Birthdays Porter! We miss you bunches but are so glad that you are getting to do something so special with your time and talents. Sending lots of love! Xo Mom and Dad
This was such a wonderful post to read! Praise God for how he’s working in and through each of you.
Said a prayer for your team this morning while I drove into work. I prayed that God would give you all strength, energy, and patience. As a team, I prayed that the Spirit would be at work in you to lead you to uplift and encourage one another. You’re doing great work! Keep it up!