Day 15 Good Byes...

Saturday morning marked our final good byes to all the kids and friends at HOM. It was very difficult to get on the vans as we all didn't want to leave...

... but even after we got onto the vans, we were met by a blockade...

As we left HOM each of us was loss for words... Jeff suddenly realize he didn't know where his passport is... The border was coming up close, we frantically search for it on the van...

At the Slovakia and Ukraine border...

My van's fearless driver... There was quite a few scary moments on the road, but he drove like a F1 champ.

After 5-6 hrs on the road (hrs at the border) we reached Budapest.

... and we ate at the Chinese restaurant we always go to after each Ukraine mission trip...

In the evening we made a quick tour in the castle district... beautiful night... we missed the kids...

Early next morning, Valera made 2 trips to the airport to get us all to the airport... we say our final good bye to Vasya and Valera. The long long trip home began....

Day 14 Recap

Our last full day at HOM and our last day of camp!!

Closing prayer for the end of our camp...

We also had a show & tell for each of the skills workshop. First up, the Flight class present their planes and their theme verse!

... Drama class present their skits! See if you can guess which Bible story they are doing:

.... Then the soccer class show off their drills!

.... the skill of diving just for fun lol!

Group photo!

JUMP!!!

After the camp has ended, the team got to cooking for tonite's Chinese dinner! Led by our Iron Chef Pun!

Part of our team got to finish a few bracelets for some of the kids!

Dinner was ready just in time!!!!

Everyone was super excited for the meal!!

... Egg-Drop Soup was served first...

BBQ pork, curry, fried noodles was some of the dishes...

After dinner we presented a few gifts for the helpers and staff!

Vasya wondered why he had to translate for the translators lol!

We also pass out the gifts to the kids! And each kid in the soccer class received a jersey, thanks to a generous donor at our church!

Afterward HOM gave each of us a very personalized gift!! We were all very touched by their thoughtfulness and generosity.

But then, some of the helpers, translators, and kids came up to say a few words to us.... We were all holding our tears...

... But we can't hold it any longer...

As our time comes to an end we started our farewells, some of the kids we will see again in the morning but for a few it will be our last good bye...

We spend the rest of the evening writing in each of the kid's journal!!

It didn't end quite there, eventhough it was getting dark, we promised a Ukraine vs. Canada soccer match!!! And we gave them everything we've got, sick or not, we gave them 110%!!! We ended the match 12-2 for Ukraine. The best score ever from any previous Canadian team (Thanks to Colin (and little Vasya) !!!

Day 13 Recap

Thursday was an exciting day as we continue on with the discipleship camp!

We were very proud at how detail and careful the kids were with the balsa wood planes. There were a few broken pieces but everyone learned to work together as well as our theme verse! Today they started building the wing, lots of pinning and gluing!

In the evening, we took everyone from HOM out to town for pizza!!

Everyone was watching the Olympics!!

The pizza kept coming!

Our team's finance minister making sure we have enough to eat!

And the pizza kept coming...

Ice-cream for dessert!

We were all really full!!

We took to the street to escape the heat inside the restaurant!! It was like fellowship on the street side!!

As we went home we realize how little time we have left with them!

Day 11 Recap

In week 2, every morning we started off with singing and the continuation sega of Capt.Hero and Dr.Evil-McEvilstein.

we had a very exciting singing time!!

Temperature was consistently high this week as we led the discipleship class indoor.

Outdoor games for some fresh air!

And also ice-creams!

During the afternoon we made some visitations. Due to our schedule today was the only day we made visitations to the kids we saw in week 1! Our first stop was at a multi-level building 20-30min away from town.

The 2nd place we visited was also in the rural area. The girl we visited in the first place somehow manage to run (or hitch a ride) to catch up to us in the 2nd place!! We were pretty amaze how fast she got there, it was pretty far away (10-15min drive on rugged roads)!!

That night we were invited to Valera's home for a BBQ!!!!

It's the best BBQ in the world. Sickness did not stop me from this dinner.

We all had an amazing time fellowshipping with each other.

As we departed for home that night, one of our van ran out of fuel! No problem, we just tow each other off the mountain road to a gas station!!!!!

Day 10 Recap

After playing with my HD for many hours I was able to recover most of my files and was able to process my photos from Day 10 on!Day 10 was the start of week 2 which includes our 2 (teens/children) discipleship camp and also the skills camp (Soccer/Drama/Flight)!!! We introduce the kids to our main characters for the week! Dr.Evil-McEvilstein and Captain Hero!!!

The teen's discipleship class starts! This week we will be going through different parts of David's life.

The children discipleship class:

We also got a chance to play some big group games during the day!

Dr.Evil made an appearance during the game, he took a bit of beating as he was chased away!

In the afternoon the skills workshop started! In Flight class they build a simple balsa wood planes to fly and learned about the basic of flight!

A glimpse into a portion of our team's 2 weeks in Ukraine

[vimeo width="600" height="337"]https://vimeo.com/47254687[/vimeo]

Day 13: dinner out!

Today was the 2nd last day of the camp! The kids was treated to a security footage of Capt. Hero and Crystal escaping! We will find out how the story ends tomorrow! The kids was so convinced that they wrote notes to Dr. EvilMcEvilstein!![youtube width="600" height="450"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=501xJbOzWow[/youtube]In the teens class Jeff led on the topic of stewardship!

For dinner the kids all dressed up as we all went out to a pizzeria!! We had a great time with them all!! After dinner the team got grocery and started prepping for tomorrow night's Chinese dinner!!

Some items to pray for us! A few of us have this bad cough that's passing around! I'm still recovering today. We really need prayers for energies to finish strong!!

We have gotten pretty close to the kids so leaving on Saturday will be tough!

Roma Camp 5th and Final Day

Four wonderful days had passed by so quickly that it felt we just arrived the day before. Fifth day was finally here and it was time for us to say goodbye; but before it happened, we had a great graduation planned for the whole team.

Last breakfast of the Roma Camp.

Before our graduation began, we practiced one last time on all our favourite songs: Our God, Jesus In The Boat, We Can Trust Him, Christ Arose and Someone Around You. The children loved these songs and actions, we invited some of them to lead us on the last day.

Each one of us also had a "Spa" time to clean up: boys gelled their hair and girls dressed up and put on makeup.

When it was time, we all walked up to our "activity hut". First singing session...

Our opening ...

We had four awards: "Most Excellent" and "Most Responsible" each with boys and girls.

At the end, we handed out the graduation certificates to each one of them.

Surprise, stamps had been collected throughout the camp each day based on their behaviour. These stamps were used to exchange for prizes at the very end. Obviously, the more well behaved and improved a child was, the more stamps he/she would collect to exchange for prizes.

It was sad to say goodbye, but may this camp bring them closer to the Christ. HOLD ONTO JESUS!

Day 12: can't believe we only have 2 more days left!

As I write this I'm lying in bed under the weather. A few of us have developed some coughs and I've definitely taken for the worse. My voice is gone as well as my energies. So I will keep this short before my meds kick in.Today was the big dating & sex talk for the teens. We had some great discussions and sharing! The workshops been going great but model airplanes is defiantly proven difficult for the younger kids!

Throughout this week we've introduced 2 characters in our big group time, dr.evil-mcEvil-stein (Ernest) and Capt. Hero (Tuck). Because Crystal and Ernest is in the staff retreat on Wednesday we improv a kidnap video into the skit! Have a look here:[youtube width="600" height="450"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U68pAM2EX0o[/youtube]

Team knitting a bracelet for one of the teens!!

Day 11: 2nd day of discipleship camp

Today in our discipleship class we taught about authority through David and Saul. We had some good discussions and reflection time!

During the afternoon we also visited some of the kids from last weeks camp!

Tonite we also visited Valery's home for a Ukrainian BBQ!!! Best BBQ ever! We also had a great time fellowshiping with each other!

As we left for home, we found out our van ran out of diesel.  Solution? Have the other van tow us to the gas station with both van full of people lol!! It was an exciting ride for sure!!!

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Day 10: after the storm...

Today started off a little sad with my MacBook fried during last nites thunderstorm! I will be updating from my phone till I return. But I'm determined to still take lots of pictures and videos, just may take more time on my phone!Today was our first day of our discipleship camp for both teens and children. We also have our first session of soccer, drama, and flight! At the end of the day the kids luv the workshops and model planes were flying all over the place ( broken pieces too!!).

During dinner we also celebrated Bin & Anna's 7th anniversary!!! That cake is awesome!!!

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Roma Camp 4th Day

Fourth day had arrived so quickly, we had already starting to miss them as they would all be going back home the next day. The fourth and last bible story of the program was True Love with Jesus being our Good Shepherd. The children were great and wonderfully behaved, and most of them were eager to participate in the skit too.

They were getting to be so good with the songs and we invited some of them to join us leading.

Skit was about how shepherd protected his sheep in the sheep pen.

After the bible lesson, we had craft time on making a pillow case to take home.

In between, we fitted in a "Mission Impossible". The goal was a competition between boys' and girls' rooms; whoever chose to accept the mission would clean up their rooms as a team and the cleanest floor (boys vs. girls) would win a prize.

Not only their rooms, they cleaned up the hallway and staircases too.

At lunch, we had a arm wrestling match for after meal entertainment!

In the afternoon, the group relaxed to enjoy the Jesus film in Hungarian or Russian (the languages Roma children more fluent in).

Workshop topic was on sex education.

At night, we were divided into small groups for bedside fellowship. The whole team treasured this moment as this was the time to get to know each children up close and personal. It also allowed them to open and share their stories. We prayed and spread the Gospel message with them. IT was a wonderful moment with Christ between us to show these children His love.

Day 9: Day of Rest

Today is Sunday and as a team we decided to free up any meetings and rest (play) for the day. The morning started off with worship in which Colin shared with the congregations there! We also sang "I'll Fly Away" with the kids as a presentation! This will be our last Sunday here, so we treasure our time worshipping with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters!

Today is also Ernest's 24th Birthday!!! Nadia (Vasya's mom) made a cake for him!!! For the rest of the day Ernest was showered with gifts from the kids at HOM!!

We all were super excited for the cake!!! And also for Ernest's birthday!!!

In the afternoon we spend time hanging out with the kids!!

Оля made Ernest a bracelet!! Knitted in one day!!! Actually she knitted more than one!! Very talented!!

During the afternoon the boys decided to go fishing and Daniel decided to join them. The bike trip to the fishing hole proved a bit too treacherous as Daniel fell and made a huge gash on his shin. After we patch him up, we decided he need to go to the hospital to get it look at (stitches) as it was really deep. Ivan (Vasya's father), Mark, and Colin went with him. Daniel shared it was one of the scariest moment in his life as nobody (i.e.: no translator!) was allowed to be with him in the room. But the doctor took good care of him and he was back at HOM within the hour! He is going to head back to the hospital early tomorrow morning for a quick check up!

For the rest of the evening we freely hung out with the kids and it was an absolutely blast! Eventhough its 33c today it was an awesome day for all of us!!

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Prayer request for recovery!

Just a few hrs ago, Daniel went with boys from the centre to go fishing via biking, he fell on to some metal barrier and made a nasty gash. We took him to see a doctor and got a few stitches put in. Pray that he will not get any infections on his shin.He's still in good spirit as you can see below!!

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Day 8: Around town and the Hospital

Saturday morning started with us visiting the city center!But first for Pastor Kenny, to let you know I've delivered your gift to your Ukrainian God-son, Andrew!! Proud MSC fan, just in time for Hungarian GP this weekend! (For those of you who follow F1!)

... The river which the city is named after.

After lunch we headed out of town to the children hospital.

... most of us slept the whole way through...

At the hospital we visited the abandoned baby ward.... Precious children that we know we may never see again, but we pray over each of them, that they will one day cross path with our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was very difficult to leave that room...

The doctor we visited proudly showed us a brand new donated equipment!!

After we left the hospital, we made a quick visit to the castle!

Today was a easier day as we end off the day with a big group meeting to get started on next week. We wanted to spend Sunday resting and playing with the kids as much as we can!!

Day 7: Last day of the VBS camp!

Day 7 was the last day of our VBS camp.  It was another hot 30c+ day. They spend the morning in the different station (Games/Craft/Science) and in the afternoon everyone headed to the church for a parent presentation.

In the craft station...

In the game station they played shadow tag...

In the science station, they get "bubbled" :)

After we got to the church we had a rehearsal! They sang all the 5 songs from the camp, all the memory verses as well as a skit.

Skit...

And Courtney shared her testimony!

At the end of the day we had a big group photo...

before refreshment time with everyone!

kids loved the chips...

As the afternoon ended, we took a lot of photos with the kids before they leave! It's so hard to say good bye, the team members had a lot of trouble watching them leave. This week went by soooo fast!!!!

... This photo had a funny story on its own. Ernest was initially standing beside him, but the mother switched Ernest out for Courtney :)

He's a great kid with lots of potiental!!

Tonite was also the night we finally get to see the Roma team again!!! Their camp had also ended that afternoon!! We spend some time trading stories...

... before a massive birthday dinner for 4!!

There was a lot of cakes, and they were all extremely tasty!!!!

Last but not least, HOM also welcome a new child that very day!! Victoria!!

After dinner as everyone was playing and enjoying each other's company, Vasya's youngest daughter, Anna, fell off the monkey bar and broke her arm badly. The doctor's initial assestment was that a surgery was need asap due to the amount of damage, they tried to moved the bones back into place before making another x-ray in the morning before the surgery next day. We prayed and request prayers from everyone that night. This morning Vasya told us that the doctor was surprise to find that her bones was moved back into place perfectly, the doctor say it never happened before that they can move the bones manually back in cases like this!! So now Anna have no need for the surgery!! Praise God for His healing hand!!

A glimpse into our Week 1 VBS camp...

Today was our last day of VBS and this post was going to be about our Day 7 here, but unfortunately my sniffly noses is telling me I need to rest asap. But to make up for my lack of update tonite here's a bunch of clips I've been gathering this week in hopes of giving our friends and supporters a more vibrant & personal perspective on our mission trip. Here's a quick teaser on my first week here (July 20th - 27th):[vimeo width="600" height="337"]https://vimeo.com/46514232[/vimeo]

Urgent Prayer Request!!!

Please pray for Vasya's daughter Anna as she badly broke her arm this evening. She is now at the hospital waiting for surgery. Please Pray that God will comfort her and provide the best care at the hospital so she can have a quick recovery!!

Day 6: Everyone agreed it was an awesome day at VBS camp!

The morning started with a sad note as the Norwegian couple departed from HOM after breakfast.

We can already imagine how hard our farewells will be...

Today's theme is "No matter what happens... Trust God!" It's about Jesus and the resurrection!!

Courtney led the lesson for the day!!

Which include an activity on a cross!

In the science station they made a butterfly! Pretty cool!!

There was also some emotional sharing as well as memory verse in that station!

In the craft station they changed their lesson plan last night to better accommodate the kids here! Thanks to Solevig!

In the game station, the kids played a game about overcoming obstacles while blindfolded!!!

Colin revealled his true identity...

Eventhough today was sprinkling, the kids still had a blast outside!

At the beginning of the afternoon we played a game of telephone charade...

.... teen helpers included...

... and then it was our turn... lol.

We sang a lot of song today! We got little Vasya to help lead everyone in the song!!! SOOO cute...

As well as other teens!!

The kids had a great time singing!

At the end of the day, instead of having free time we split the group to practice for tomorrow's presentation at the church!!! A small group for skit, and the big group for songs!

Before the kids left the camp we had watermelon and awesome cookies for snack!!!

... and a watermelon eating contest ensure...

Prayer Requests!!

As we are nearing the end of the first week camp, we have some thanksgivings as well as prayer requests!

So, thus far, here is what we are all very thankful for:

• God providing us with this opportunity to reach a large group of people in a meaningful way, entrusting us with the Gospel message
• God guiding us safely to Ukraine
• Fellowship with, and great hospitality of, brothers and sisters at the HOM
• God encouraging and challenging us through the Bible (specifically Philippians)
• The 77 children who were able to attend the first day of the HOM camp and 67 on the second day
• The support the team has received from brothers and sisters back home
• The growth many of the teens have experienced over the past several years
• That many of us have been able to witness the transformations God has been doing in many of them
• The team member with heat exhaustion is recovering well!

Right now here are some things we'd like you to join us in prayer about:

• Pray for the Spirit to constantly be speaking through us (during lessons, games, crafts, science experiments, free time, meals, etc.) and that we would be constantly abiding in Him so that the camp is fruitful and effective in glorifying God and bringing people into loving relationships with Him
• Pray that kids would be blessed with a lasting hope from their exposure to God and His people
• Pray that God would communicate through the language barrier to the kids to let them know that they are dearly loved by Him and all of us
• Pray for wisdom to know how to invest our time - the amount of work that goes into executing the camp can be overwhelming at times and we don't want to miss out on opportunities God gives us because we're too focused on less important things
• For tomorrow's presentation to the parents! That God will speak through the children as well as Courtney's sharing! Also 1 part of the presentation is currently being modified last min. due to buggy VBS softwares :(.

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