The British Perspective

Hello,

I'm Joel and the Romigs have allowed me to be a guest blogger. I'm from Cheddar in England (yes, where the cheese is from) and this is my second time as a counsellor at TED. I have known Monica since I came as a camper 4 years ago, and last year I met the whole group from Boston (led by Dana). I had the pleasure then to perform A Heart Full of Love (Les Miserables) with Dana and a french camper in the talent show; he hits some big notes and sure has some fine moves.

Like last year, God has been moving in spectacular and surprising ways; the theme of Big Questions has instigated great conversations about God, faith, relationships and identity. God has been touching hearts like it's nobody's business.

A confession: upon the arrival of the campers at TED I often look at some of them and think "he/she is someone to target with the love of God" whereas I look at others and think "maybe they're too far away from God for any real change to happen." Throughout the last 2 weeks, God has showed me how this is a load of rubbish; that God loves everyone and desires everyone. A french guy called Emilien was one of those campers who I thought was not a likely person to be overwhelmed by the love and grace of God. I got the sense at the start that he was a bit of a troublemaker and too "cool" to be interested in Christianity. Then, to my astonishment, within a couple of days I was sitting down with Emilien listening to him pour out his heart, talking about his fears etc, before we prayed together. For the rest of camp, he has amazed me with the fresh and sweet way he talks about God. All this is to say that, our God does the unexpected, our God desires everyone and our God can so easily destroy our judgemental presuppositions.

In terms of the Boston guys and gals, they have been fantastic. The cultural differences between us Brits and them is bigger than expected (the pronunciation of "yoghurt" comes to mind.) That said, it has been nice to give them the opportunity here in France to be able to experience British weather conditions.. But in all seriousness, the way the youth have put themselves out there in talking to the French campers has been so encouraging; the testimonies that they've shared have been a real source of motivation and questioning for all of us at camp. A special mention to Victoria (although they are all amazing) who I have noticed showing such a Christlike care for some of the French girls. It really is great to see these Americans living out the Gospel in such a sweet way.

Having known Monica from previous years, I was excited to meet Jonathan this year. He did not disappoint. If I'm honest, I have a hard time liking people, and so it is a true testament to them both that I can genuinely say that they are two of the most loving, friendly, fun people I have ever met. Camp TED is an intense time with emotions flying around all over the place, but this couple has shown such love and care and enthusiasm (Monica is the most enthusiastic person I've ever met) and are so easy to talk to honestly. It was also great to see them both fight on stage dressed up as Catwoman and Wolvarine. My favourite moment was during dinner when Jonathan decided to tell a very very long joke to some of the french kids- as he was approaching the punchline, Monica runs in to the room and gives announcements, ruining Jonathan's joke (although I'm not sure it was funny anyway..)

I love this group from Boston and I hope and pray that they will return with a fire inside that will only burn brighter back in their community.

Cheers,

Joel