Today was the last day of our leadership camp. I was awake early around 5 am and decided it would be neat to catch a glimpse of the sun rise over the House of Mercy grounds. Today will be the day we bid our farewells after the kids lead in singing and pratically put their skills to work in leading singing, working the powerpoint, leading games and cooking lunch. We were impressed with their developing leadership abilities and it was great seeing our cooking team cook those pizzas and salads with unity and cooperation. They worked hard and showed great team spirit. Those leading games did a great job and it was fun watching their water balloon game. Eric and Koyla did an awesome job leading singing.As I watched the sun rise a whole lot of emotions swept through me and the warm rays of the sun assured me that indeed God's presence is here and He definitly is at work.
It is quiet right now but soon the voices of children will fill the room with their voices of song and their excited laughter. In our final wrap up session it was so encouraging to hear their words of thanks and appreciation and feel their arms wrap around you with hugs as they say, "thank you for coming; thank you for teaching us! It was hard keeping our eyes dry!
There is much to thank God for in these past few weeks. Later today we will pack up and then cook our meal for the staff and kids. Yes, the heat will be challenge but what a joy to be able to serve them. The biggest challenge will be to bake those Hong Kong style egg tarts. And can't wait to cook that curry chicken. In the end it will have been fun and worth it all. We will head out tonight around 11 pm to be sure to get across the border in timeso that we can catch our flight from Budapest to Frankfurt, then to Toronto and back to Calgary. I know that we have all been challenged and inspired in so many ways. For all of you who have been praying for us thanks so much for your partnership in touching lives for Jesus. We could not have done this without our God and your prayers - so THANKS!
And so we say: Next year in Uzhgorod; next year we will see you House of Mercy!
We will arrive in Calgary Saturday evening around 8:30 pm.
With loving memories: the 2010 Ukraine Team
