Day at Lac du Bourget

After everyone's respective hikes, needless to say, we were all exhausted when it was time to set up camp on the soccer field. Thankfully, no rain came to spoil our parade as some of us slept out under the stars, but we all awoke to a hot morning--perfect conditions for a relaxing day at the lake. Everyone piled onto the coach buses that were to take us to Lac du Bourget (Lake of Le Bourget in English), which is the largest natural lake in France.
Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the gorgeous landscape, where the lake was surrounded by mountains on all sides and lake houses were set into the mountains, creating a peaceful and majestic ambience. What a blessing it is to revel in God's presence in his beautiful creation! The campers engaged in water activities including jumping off of the high dive, horsing around on a floating dock situated in the middle of the swimmable section of the lake, throwing a frisbee and soccer ball around, and pushing innocent campers relaxing on the pier into the lake. When everyone had enough of the water, it was time to recline in the shade and take a nap after the tiresome previous day, complete with ropes course and challenging hikes.
The day by the lake was one that needed by campers and counselors alike, and gave the GVPC group a chance to catch their breath and talk to French campers without the hustle and bustle of everyday camp life at Champfleuri. After speaking with both French and American teens, it sounded like everyone greatly appreciated the step-away from the craziness that is Champfleuri. It was amazing just to be an observer and watch how well both our team and the other American group from Boston reaches out to French students who may be secluding themselves from group activities, or are just too intimidated to join in a dicussion among American teenagers because of the language obstacles. I believe that everyone is stepping outside of their comfort zone to be intentional campers to the French, which is where the true mission of Champfleuri flourishes. I pray that this branch of intentional missions continues through the last stretch of camp, and ask that everyone back in American keep us in their prayers to remain strong to the end, even as we become both physically and mentally exhausted, so that we may be witnesses to Christ and deliver the Good News to those who have not experienced it.

-Chris Yake