Coming home today!
On our last day at CF we ate some breakfast and are about to start really packing and cleaning our rooms. Some of our team woke up at 4am to say goodbye to the Philly group. Others of us opted to say goodbye last night and get those extra hours of sleep before all the travel ahead of us!
Our team is a little tired, a little sick, and a little ready to go home. However, after our debrief meeting the other day, it is apparent we are also more than a little excited about how God has been working here at camp and how He will continue to work now that TED is over.
We can't wait to see many of you at Logan. Thanks so much for your prayers and support!
Friday, July 18, 2014
Bittersweet Goodbye
Last full day in France. It is extremely bittersweet. I think we are all tired from the trip and excited to see our families, but it is hard to say goodbye to all the wonderful people, the beautiful landscape and the delicious food.
Today, we went to Annecy with the Philly team and some councilor and staff people. A group of us went paddle boating and swimming in this gorgeous lake, that according to Clair Nolan, is the one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. It was really good to have time to relax and have fun with the friends that we have made. After boating we went shopping around the town (I was very thankful to have one of the French girls with me to help me figure out what people were saying to us).
This trip has been amazing for all of us and I have seen God work in so many ways and He has taught me a lot on this trip. I am so thankful for all of the new relationships that I have made and the old relationships that have been strengthened. I have loved the time that I have spent here and all of the amazing people I have come to love in this beautiful country.
God Bless, Sarah
Today, we went to Annecy with the Philly team and some councilor and staff people. A group of us went paddle boating and swimming in this gorgeous lake, that according to Clair Nolan, is the one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. It was really good to have time to relax and have fun with the friends that we have made. After boating we went shopping around the town (I was very thankful to have one of the French girls with me to help me figure out what people were saying to us).
This trip has been amazing for all of us and I have seen God work in so many ways and He has taught me a lot on this trip. I am so thankful for all of the new relationships that I have made and the old relationships that have been strengthened. I have loved the time that I have spent here and all of the amazing people I have come to love in this beautiful country.
God Bless, Sarah
Thursday, July 17, 2014
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
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
Until next time!
Today is the day we lovingly refer to as "The day of much crying." The campers began leaving this morning at 8:30 and have been continually saying goodbye since then (It's 12:10 now). It has been so wonderful to see the emotions and tears because it shows how much this camp means to these teenagers. For many of them they are saying goodbye to their most authentic experience of community all year. There are exclamations of "I will miss you" and "Facebook" happening all around.
Please pray for these teenagers as they return to their homes. We have spent much time talking about the "camp high" and the inevitable crash that follows. Pray that the fall that comes would be gradual and supported by a Christian community at home.
Pray also for us as we debrief our time here and begin to recuperate from the experience. We feel frazzled, emotionally exhausted and completely overwhelmed by God's work here in us and through us.
Thank you so much for joining us in this journey. Look forward to a few more posts over the next few days from everyone on the team!
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Back from the hike
Last night all the campers hiked about 2 hours up the mountain to a chalet to spend the night in our sleeping bags under the stars. Lying in the middle of a field looking up at the night sky reminded me of just how big God is and how small we are, and how amazing it is that he would involve us in his work. He created the cosmos and the French Alps. He created all these French kids and brought us here to minister to them. He is a creator God, and a redeemer God. He is truly good.
Pray tonight's talent show would go really well. Pray for rest as we send the campers away tomorrow. Thanks!
-Jonathan
Pray tonight's talent show would go really well. Pray for rest as we send the campers away tomorrow. Thanks!
-Jonathan
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Greetings to all in the United States
The weather here has been quite gloomy and supposedly rainier this week than TED ever has been. Today, Monica gave a talk at the camp morning meeting answering the question of who the Holy Spirit is. Her talk was very good talk for all levels of Christian maturity. This afternoon we played a game called Thunderball that was played in the mud because of the absurd amounts of rain. We probably destroyed the field but at least we got to do something outside after spending so much time in close quarters (100+ people in one relatively small room). Worship sessions at camp have been remarkable. This evening, we're having a "non-musical night of worship" which seems interesting. We'll see how this goes! Despite all the rain and not having enough introvert time, I have had a great time and am excited to see how the rest of the week will go.
Micah
The weather here has been quite gloomy and supposedly rainier this week than TED ever has been. Today, Monica gave a talk at the camp morning meeting answering the question of who the Holy Spirit is. Her talk was very good talk for all levels of Christian maturity. This afternoon we played a game called Thunderball that was played in the mud because of the absurd amounts of rain. We probably destroyed the field but at least we got to do something outside after spending so much time in close quarters (100+ people in one relatively small room). Worship sessions at camp have been remarkable. This evening, we're having a "non-musical night of worship" which seems interesting. We'll see how this goes! Despite all the rain and not having enough introvert time, I have had a great time and am excited to see how the rest of the week will go.
Micah
Friday, July 11, 2014
Chatting At Champfleuri
Hello Fellow Americans!
I hope the weather in the states is better than it has been here. It has been quite rainy the last few days, resulting in having to change things up a bit, but it has still been good. The trip has been amazing so far and I have met a ton of great people. It was incredible to be able to spend my birthday over here. I am not the only one either, about seven of us will spend our birthdays over here which will be fun.
Today we had a little field trip. We went out to go bowling, walk around, go to a lake and do a little shopping. I had a great time bowling with everyone, I wasn't that good but it didn't matter. After that we walked down to a lake where I got to take loads of pictures which was awesome. Then some people went swimming. When we got back to camp we had dinner and now we will have a movie night.
My highlight of camp so far has been my birthday. It was an overall great day. The worship and sermon in the morning was really inspiring. I got to talk to a lot of people that I hadn't gotten to before. At lunch I got a little "birthday cake" made out of four pudding cups with candles. Then I almost caught on fire when it fell over on me, but all was good though. That night I was also serenaded with music and a dance to One Direction. (See Jonathan's FB video) I'm so grateful to have been able to spend it over here.
The trip has been amazing so far and it scares me to think its almost over when I am having so much fun. I never want to leave. The people are great, the worship is great, the sermons are great and the mountains are great, everything is great!
Prayer Requests: Because of the weather and a few other things, some of the team members haven't been feeling well. Lucky the weather has gotten a bit better and will continue to get better. But pray that everyone will feel better and be back to full strength soon.
Until We Meet Again,
Amy Godfrey
I hope the weather in the states is better than it has been here. It has been quite rainy the last few days, resulting in having to change things up a bit, but it has still been good. The trip has been amazing so far and I have met a ton of great people. It was incredible to be able to spend my birthday over here. I am not the only one either, about seven of us will spend our birthdays over here which will be fun.
Today we had a little field trip. We went out to go bowling, walk around, go to a lake and do a little shopping. I had a great time bowling with everyone, I wasn't that good but it didn't matter. After that we walked down to a lake where I got to take loads of pictures which was awesome. Then some people went swimming. When we got back to camp we had dinner and now we will have a movie night.
My highlight of camp so far has been my birthday. It was an overall great day. The worship and sermon in the morning was really inspiring. I got to talk to a lot of people that I hadn't gotten to before. At lunch I got a little "birthday cake" made out of four pudding cups with candles. Then I almost caught on fire when it fell over on me, but all was good though. That night I was also serenaded with music and a dance to One Direction. (See Jonathan's FB video) I'm so grateful to have been able to spend it over here.
The trip has been amazing so far and it scares me to think its almost over when I am having so much fun. I never want to leave. The people are great, the worship is great, the sermons are great and the mountains are great, everything is great!
Prayer Requests: Because of the weather and a few other things, some of the team members haven't been feeling well. Lucky the weather has gotten a bit better and will continue to get better. But pray that everyone will feel better and be back to full strength soon.
Until We Meet Again,
Amy Godfrey
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