Priviet! Hello!
We are writing as a team from Camp Iskra in Russia. Take out your maps people, and find Cherepovets Russia – that is close to where we are! We are safe, healthy and having a fun time together, though we are getting tired of the mosquitoes. Our mission here is quite simple – to love the kids that come to camp. They treat us like celebrities: they ask for pictures, autographs, and say everyone says “hello” when we see them. We have a good five square meals a day (in wonderful hobbit style). So much for the freshman 15, it is time for the Deputation 15!
It has been incredible to see God work as we interact with people we cannot communicate with. We are still able to find ways to talk with the kids and have fun with them despite the language barrier (it’s helpful that one of our teammates Rebekah knows some Russian and can translate for us!). The children are so enthusiastic and happy, as well as very talented – they love to dance, especially at the discos we have here a few times a week!). Every day, we have “Fab Time” in the mornings where we do announcements, awards from the previous day, and games pertaining to the theme of the day. We spend a couple hours teaching English in workshops in the morning, have a two-hour rest time in the afternoon, and then sports, games and crafts before dinner. In the evenings, we either have a disco, bonfire, swim in the river, or play sports (usually basketball) with the Russian team.
We are blessed to be in such a beautiful location. Camp Iskra is right on the Mologa River, surrounded by a vast green forest. The Bridge of Wishes overlooks the river, where everyone makes a wish as they cross. We are having an incredible experience, and whenever we get tired, we remind ourselves of our motto, “YORO” – You Only Russia Once. Tiredness is becoming a problem, so please be praying for continued energy and good health for our team and the Russian counselors. During our week of being here, we are really enjoying forming relationships with the counselors and kids. Since Camp Iskra is a secular camp, it is a challenge to demonstrate God’s love in less straightforward ways, and you can be praying for opportunities to arise to have conversations with people about our beliefs.
On Sunday we have a day off, and we are very excited to go on an excursion to a monastery and a nearby village. Also, in two weeks we will be going to Moscow for the weekend, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. And now we must say goodbye, paka!
From Russia With Love,
Team Fab
Kathryn, Mackenzie, Rebekah, Justine, Thomas, and Tore