Blog

Holbav kids’ club, day 3.

Bart’s reflection

Though there were fewer kids there than yesterday, the heat had wound them up by the end. Even Sami and Cornelia had a bit of trouble getting them to settle for singing and then for our teaching spot.

This morning’s was ok and went down well; we took the bits of Jericho’s “wall” that the kids had sponge-painted yesterday and built them into three sections of 2D wall. Two fell down, one didn’t because it had Rahab’s house in it. We marched round the “wall” seven times, of course, so quite engaging. Simon played Achan sneakily collecting stuff he shouldn’t, like a pantomime villain!

The craft was a colour-in picture of a tent with treasure under it, which the kids enjoyed. After some outdoors time involving footballs and the parachute, there was a noisy lunch, then the afternoon session. I, Bart, was leading the teaching spot this afternoon, and I had to start twice as the kids were so hot & excitable! The teaching was about the prodigal son, played well by Simon. I don’t think the craft in the afternoon calmed the kids down! Cameron sketched the outline of a coat brilliantly on a single bedsheet and then the kids put paint handprints on it. I thought paint would get everywhere! Somehow the paint was contained in the classroom! Three of the kids even helped to clean the floor of paint!

The team all helped to clear up and the kids all went off very happy. The team reflected together about how the kids club went today and over the week, and I was impressed by the quite strong team spirit and how positive we were. It is rather great to reflect that we are from three different countries, probably five churches who have become involved in the project run by the Oprisanus and God is clearly using all of us. God’s way of working is really amazing!

The four of us are chilling (in the increasing heat here) this evening. Simon and Cameron are planning a gung-ho trek up and over the first hill and then up the mountain to the Brașov sign and back; Peter and Bart plan a more sedate walk to the old town!

Peter’s reflection!

When Ai was attacked Joshua only sent 3000 men, without checking with God, so when they returned and asked about the defeat, God explained that his instructions about Jericho had not been followed, an Achan was found out and questioned.

The craft for the children was a fold up drawing of the tent outline with the treasure underneath for the craft.
Everyone took time colouring in carefully, producing a plethora of different tent colouring. Some of the youngsters needed more reassurance that they were getting the right idea, and help with the folding to hide the treasure. Others were more independent an reaching different but easily as good interpretations of where you fold.
Due to the heat the games were shorter outside, with helpers, and later some of the children acting as dodge ball throwers.
Lunch was chicken schnitzel, mash and coleslaw, all made by a local family in Holbav for the camp.
The afternoon was the return of the prodigal son, followed by the handprints of all present on a sheet representing the father’s cloak, which was given to the son after ordering the ‘return of my son’ celebration party had been ordered.

Due to the heat in the loft room the older youngsters went back to play football in the school play area, with the younger helpers, and the younger children staying in the church garden with the older helpers and Cameron.
Everyone relaxing, letting off steam with balls, or chasing Cameron.
All came back together when much needed Ice Cream arrived, Vanilla or fruits of the forest.

It was a lovely final day of the camp, with everyone being more relaxed. It’s a shame that we couldn’t be here longer, and sad saying good-bye to the gap year helpers going to college.

Simon’s reflection

This is a wonderful place,yes the place is breath-taking, but the main memory is of course the people! Talking to Cameron on the way up the mountain, he asked about where else could we do mission. We spoke about how the place is irrelevant, it is the people and the relationships with these people that make mission worthwhile and memorable. Yes it is never easy, but serving God in this place with these people does not need to be easy.

I was waiting for Cameroon’s reflection to come through – but he has fallen asleep! He did go up the mountain very fast to be honest!