Saturday, July 03, 2010

What a group of Sr.Highers we have!

I couldn't be more appreciative of the fabulous Sr. Highers that we have sent over to serve in France. Today is quite a day, with 55+ French campers filling up the camp between 3 and 6 PM. This day is kind of a bellwether (sp?), as there are plenty of awkward moments (French students with little English ... about 50 %, and Americans with 'un peu' French). Our Champfleuri 15 are great! I watched as luggage got carried, inclusive games got played, conversations (some with a bit of body language) got started ... and re-started. No joke ... have you tried to speak to someone of another language lately?
Here's what I am most proud of. These 15 are outgoing (even if it doesn't come naturally) in order to help those French who also don't know any others, and because they know they will not integrate if they give up on getting to know their French peers. That is a difficult ... and worthwhile effort!

The leaders (Wendy, Christina, and Jim … yes, I arrived no problem yesterday … and have now caught up on sleep!) have spent many hours in meetings going over many details of camp operation for the next 12 days. Details like small group activity workshops, small bible studies, large group afternoon activities, whole group evening events, clean up crew responsibilities, overnight hiking responsibilities, sleeping arrangements, etc. You get it ... a ton of information and planning! Damien (used to be named ‘Blain,’ changed his name a couple years ago to be more French and less Texan sounding) does a great job getting after this with the full complement of counselors. I am thankful that he's an organized planner.

Anticipation!

Whoa.

The anticipation here is thick enough to cut.

The weather is quite pleasant (keep praying for that … very helpful to camp purposes). Campers start to come in just a few minutes, and then the bedlam begins.

Our students are meeting and greeting, while the counselors test the French campers for their English fluency and other interests.

I've got to go. Camp is underway! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. More tonight.

Jim