Video of the Family English Camp

We had such a fantastic time at the Czech Family English Camp!  Take a peek of our awesome week!

http://youtu.be/cPGYc4t3VDc
(18 minute video)

We tried to make a shorter version but there were so many great smiles it was hard to cut anything out but here is a 7 minute shorter version:

http://youtu.be/iRZgL8YxkBI
(11 minute video)

Missing Camp

Hopefully, by now the team is rested and caught up from jet lag.  It already seems like we finished FEC a long time ago.  But the memories are still fresh.  I'm missing the Czech campers who are so sweet, caring and eager to learn.  I'm missing the Czech Team who are so faithful in building relationships with their non-believer "neighbors".  Photos below are a sampling of sports (the 2 baseball teams), friendships (the "girls"), music (they love to sing), and crafts.

Family English Camp

The trip to the Czech Republic was an exceptional experience. We made friends with the Czechs, and it was hard to leave on Sunday. We were busy from 7 am until at least 10 in the evening, teaching English, making crafts, playing games outdoors, and participating in the evening activities. The talent show was a highlight for everyone, with all the Czech children demonstrating their talents, from singing to dancing to twirling. The American team put on a skit, which was well-received. Of course, it was dumb and funny, especially the part when Bill was the ballerina, but it was all in good fun.

It was hard to leave our new friends, but many of them met us for church at Elim Church on Sunday. After church, we all went for lunch together. Lives were changed for both the Czechs and the Americans. We can all look forward to another year together next summer at the 10th anniversary of the Family English Camp!

Our fearless leaders: Hans, Jane, and Naomi.

Safe Travels

We made it back on US soil safely!

We left the hotel in Prague at 7:30 am and arrived to our homes around midnight Wednesday (which would have been 8:00 am Thursday in Prague).  So, with van rides, transfers, waiting in lines for customs and sitting on tarmacs we spent a little over 24 hours traveling.

Once again we can't thank all of you enough for your support and prayer during our mission trip to the Czech Republic!

On our way home

In Frankfurt on our way home!
Travel is going great. Thanks for all your prayers!

More about Saturday & Sunday

Saturday we had breakfast and then packed up and left camp.  We drove 30 minutes to Pisek, a small town in southern Bohemia, celebrating their 770th anniversary.  We had lunch and discussed many things about the camp.  We were invited to dinner at Jiri and Zlata's home.  They provided us the opportunity to experience Czech hospitality.  It was a wonderful celebration.  Jiri is a blacksmith and provided an opportunity for a couple of our team members the chance to forge a nail.  Dekuji Jiri and Zlata.

Sunday morning we were back where we started.  We were blessed to worship with many of our new Czech friends at Elim Church.  Carson preached an inspired message to his Czech "family".  He explained how the Cherry Hills team was following in the footsteps of the Moravian Brethren  a missionary movement founded in the Czech Republic in 1727.  

The team shared lunch with members of the Czech team and mano who had come to came and then came to church.  It was with mixed emotions we said goodbye to our new Czech family and friends - We had a truly blessed Sunday.

Saturday & Sunday

Even though English camp was over, our time with students wasn't. After breakfast on Saturday, we traveled from Volyne back to Pisek. That evening we were invited to dinner at the home of one of our campers. We had a wonderful time of fellowship with several families. We even learned how to make nails!

On Sunday we met many of the campers at Elim Church for the service and gathered at a local restaurant for a final lunch. When the campers arrived on Sunday, June 30th we were all strangers, but by the next Sunday we were saying goodby to very good friends.  Several of the campers drove more than an hour to attend church with us. It was a very special time for all of us.

Can't believe it's Friday

Today was our last day of classes and the energy was pretty high.  Everyone was excited for graduation.  After dinner all Carson's hard work on the pinatas was destroyed in short time. Following the students receiving their certificates, we had a bonfire and roasted sausages and made American s'mores (we brought the ingredients with us).   We have had wonderful conversations and opportunities to share our faith.

4th of July

Another day at camp moving through our curriculum and enjoy English conversations.

We were pleased to have the USA flag raised in honor of the 4th of July by our Czech friends.  The sport of the day was a good old fashion game of baseball.   Without ever playing the game they learned quickly how to argue with the referee.   The only fireworks to be had were the stars Dave saw when he was run over at home plate.  Luckily we have an eye doctor attending camp that whisked him to the local hospital and personally stitched him up.  (Oh by the way, Dave did get the runner out).  In the evening we were treated to red, white and blue kolacky. (Not spelled according to Czech)

Wednesday great talent!

Today after lessons, Rick and Dave introduced some of our new friends to Frisbee golf.  Others explored their creative side making photo albums and journals with wonderful supplies that Dawn brought and duct tape creations with Anne.

We all had a good time at tonight’s talent show where we laughed and were awed by the performances.  Mary led our team in a skit in which we received enthusiastic applause (I think they were being kind). 

The evening ended with pictures of everyone actually being at one of the four National Parks, we have been learning about, through the aid of a green screen and photo shop editing by Judi.

Tuesday a hike in the country

English lessons are going well.  The Czech people are eager to learn and enjoy hearing American accents.  This afternoon we all went on a wonderful hike through the beautiful countryside.  Some hiked to a near by village while the rest hiked up to an old chapel.  Carson’s talks are going well and Bill is strumming up great music.

Monday - Our first full day of camp.

We started off the morning with a brief meeting of the American team at 7:00 a.m.  Both the American and Czech teams met for a time of devotions, prayer and announcements.

After a breakfast of fresh tomatoes and cheese bread we had our first English classes. From all reports, the classes went well and the students were enthusiastic and responsive.  It was fun to relate with the children who all learned to say "hello" in their English class.

The weather in the afternoon was beautiful for outdoor activities and walks to the village.  Most of the women, teens and girls made bead jewelry for the craft of the day.

Tonight Bill will lead us in singing (Their favorite song is "Country Roads").  Hans will give an evangelistic message.  Please pray for the hearts of the campers to be receptive.

P.S. the rest of our luggage and supply boxes arrived this afternoon.  PTL!