1. Sitting at a restaurant with a dog in your lap, head on the table and all.
2. Waiters giving you food left over from another table (we asked for croissants, there were some on the table next to us from the last guy, so he just grabbed them and put them on our table)
3. having the kids share water bottles at camp (perhaps unintentionally)
4. not checking id’s of parents/people picking kids up from camp
5. Having a Doberman walking around with you on the street with no leash or collar
Any others, feel free to post.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Way Home...
Well, certainly an adventure, to be sure. Adam and Tasha graciously took us to the airport that morning. Our plane was delayed into Frankfurt, so we landed just about as our connecting flight was supposed to take off. Geniuses decided that everyone should go through security again when you change planes, so we booked it across two entire sections of the airport, and even took a train as part of it (note to self: try to never fly through Frankfurt again, nothing good ever happens there). We booked it until we got to the security line....HUGE! and there were not very many security guards/passport checkers. So, one of the men we were connecting with asked someone to butt in line due to our boarding time (the whole time the airport listed the same take off time). We were refused. Then, some other people started cutting in line, so our friend tried again. Victory!
Well, one gentleman in line did not like this. He started raising a rukus (sp?) and came over ranting and raving about cutting (meanwhile he had over an hour before his plane even started boarding). He even got in our friend's face and started shoving his suitcases into him. Security came over, told him he was drunk, and escorted him off to the front of the line. We told security we were given permission by someone in line and allowed to go through.
Booked it again. Man, could Frankfurt airport be any bigger?
We made it just in time, they had delayed the flight because many planes had been delayed due to weather. Skot had trouble going through security again, but we got through rather quickly and the plane ride went well. Home safely.
Well, one gentleman in line did not like this. He started raising a rukus (sp?) and came over ranting and raving about cutting (meanwhile he had over an hour before his plane even started boarding). He even got in our friend's face and started shoving his suitcases into him. Security came over, told him he was drunk, and escorted him off to the front of the line. We told security we were given permission by someone in line and allowed to go through.
Booked it again. Man, could Frankfurt airport be any bigger?
We made it just in time, they had delayed the flight because many planes had been delayed due to weather. Skot had trouble going through security again, but we got through rather quickly and the plane ride went well. Home safely.
Relaxing Sunday
Sunday was great. A wonderful way to end the week of craziness. We slept in, lovely. We needed it, for sure. We walked to the market and bought a few things, including incredibly amazing lavendar honey. It is so sweet, it is awesome.
Lunch was amazing. We went to the restaurant in front of the Anderson's house for a three course traditional French meal. Appetizers were loevly, and mostly all veg. And the olive oil was to die for. For main course we had ratatouille and roasted veggies, sooo good. Skot even ate the tomato- he is not fond of them. For dessert we had a half of a chocolate cupcake and a half of a creamy-fruity dessert. It was amazing. Then, all of us learned how to play boules...I won one round which was fun. Then we took some lovely photos and had a lot of fun, great relaxing last day and a chance to ask some questions we never had time to ask before. (I found a lot of kindred spirit social work types...)
Church was awesome, and it was great to be back at ICCP. It is wonderful that 4 years later and with an almost completely different staff, ICCP still has the same sense of community and love. The church they meet in is an Evangelical Reformed Church that has been around long enough to have had Calvin write them a letter. A portion of it is engraved on a marble plaque on the wall, there is a photo in there of it. The church even has a real pipe organ. We sang some of the songs from camp for the families who may not have went. Skot and I were ushers. It was great, we sat in the back just in case anyone came in. They keep the doors open so that passer-by-ers can look in, and boy do they! It was amazing the amount of curios people that popped their heads in, some even grabbed a seat or stood in the doorway the entire time.
After church we went for one final ice cream. We went with two of the missionaries, Adam and Tasha, and two of the interns, Erik and Danni. It was a lot of fun, and waaaay too much rich ice cream. Don't worry, we finished it. We had some great talks about what church should look like, our aspirations and goals for the church, reformed theology, and many other topics not generally discussed over ice cream. One of our main goals in the trip was to glean information from the church about their community and how they shape it. We had some great talks with a few of the missionaries to help broaden our perspective in some areas, and confirm our hearts in others. It was great to be in a community with such fluid boundaries (in a good way fluid) and such broad concepts of church. They are intentional with every person they meet, not in directly verbatim telling them the gospel, but in living it out in their interactions with them. Their circle is so large it is intimidating, but all they do is draw everyone they come into contact in with their love and respect: insurance agents, landlords, restaurant owners, students, etc. Any more on that, just come talk to Skot or I, we would be happy to share. But our hearts were opened, and I pray that the attitude that Christ has given us through this trip will not wear away or fade.
p.s.- sorry for the pics up front from previous days, i was too lazy to figure out how to take them off, but if you get like 10 in they are from this day.
france 2009
Lunch was amazing. We went to the restaurant in front of the Anderson's house for a three course traditional French meal. Appetizers were loevly, and mostly all veg. And the olive oil was to die for. For main course we had ratatouille and roasted veggies, sooo good. Skot even ate the tomato- he is not fond of them. For dessert we had a half of a chocolate cupcake and a half of a creamy-fruity dessert. It was amazing. Then, all of us learned how to play boules...I won one round which was fun. Then we took some lovely photos and had a lot of fun, great relaxing last day and a chance to ask some questions we never had time to ask before. (I found a lot of kindred spirit social work types...)
Church was awesome, and it was great to be back at ICCP. It is wonderful that 4 years later and with an almost completely different staff, ICCP still has the same sense of community and love. The church they meet in is an Evangelical Reformed Church that has been around long enough to have had Calvin write them a letter. A portion of it is engraved on a marble plaque on the wall, there is a photo in there of it. The church even has a real pipe organ. We sang some of the songs from camp for the families who may not have went. Skot and I were ushers. It was great, we sat in the back just in case anyone came in. They keep the doors open so that passer-by-ers can look in, and boy do they! It was amazing the amount of curios people that popped their heads in, some even grabbed a seat or stood in the doorway the entire time.
After church we went for one final ice cream. We went with two of the missionaries, Adam and Tasha, and two of the interns, Erik and Danni. It was a lot of fun, and waaaay too much rich ice cream. Don't worry, we finished it. We had some great talks about what church should look like, our aspirations and goals for the church, reformed theology, and many other topics not generally discussed over ice cream. One of our main goals in the trip was to glean information from the church about their community and how they shape it. We had some great talks with a few of the missionaries to help broaden our perspective in some areas, and confirm our hearts in others. It was great to be in a community with such fluid boundaries (in a good way fluid) and such broad concepts of church. They are intentional with every person they meet, not in directly verbatim telling them the gospel, but in living it out in their interactions with them. Their circle is so large it is intimidating, but all they do is draw everyone they come into contact in with their love and respect: insurance agents, landlords, restaurant owners, students, etc. Any more on that, just come talk to Skot or I, we would be happy to share. But our hearts were opened, and I pray that the attitude that Christ has given us through this trip will not wear away or fade.
p.s.- sorry for the pics up front from previous days, i was too lazy to figure out how to take them off, but if you get like 10 in they are from this day.
france 2009
Day 5.....2 weeks later
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So the final day of camp was perhaps the most rewarding in some ways. The parents came with their kids and spent the day going through an abbreviated schedule of what their kids had done all week. We played games with the parents, made crafts, watched skits, and most fun of all, sang songs. By the last day, all of my kids were doing the motions and singing! Even the ones who didn't know english!
After the games and such we had a large bbq with the parents (despite the burining ban- but we never got caught!) The food situation was funny, not everyone brought enough food to share (we provided the meat and potatoes) and with over 200 people it became quite the mad house! But it was enjoyable overall and Skot was the man of the hour. Skot had so many parents speak to him, kiss him, and give him hugs. The best part for me was when one of the mothers looked at me and said, "You are Skot's wife?" and when I said yes she kissed me and gave me the warmest hug. She thanked us for all of our work with her children and for taking the time off to serve her family. Her little boys were riots to say the least. ICCP staff spent a lot of the afternoon talking with parents and really loving on the parents, forging lasting relationships. Many of the parents would never step foot in a church, but allow their children to come to this camp because of the willingness and quality of the ICCP staff to engage them in friendship.
One story in particular that comes to mind if of a Christian mother and an unbelieving father. Her friend have tried for years to convert him, but once they give it a shot and he turns them down, they no longer try to be friends with him. Then ICCP staff comes along and he was blunt with them, "If you are trying to convert me it won't work, and I don't want to be your friend if you will stop being my friend once you find that out." They let him know that that was not their purpose in their relationship with him and continued to hang out with him, even spending a great deal of time with him.
Clean up took a bit, but not as long as previous years. It was sad to see all of our hard work for 5 days come down in less than 5 hours. We took down the pyramids as the parents were leaving and ICCP staff said their goodbyes. We put away the plane, the jeep, the camel. We tore down the curtains and put away all of the toys (imagine slow, sad music playing behind). That evening I think we just crashed. Perhaps we had dinner, I don't even remember. I am sure we went out as we tended to get back after most of the grocery stores were closed and were often too tired to spend any time preparing.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Day 4
Today was AMAZING! IT was water day, la journee de l'eau. The kids came prepared for water. The morning was cold so it was a bit hampering for some activities, but it helped us in our sneak plan. Every year there is a big water fight and the adults ambush the kids. Well, some of the kids have been there for a few years and know it is coming. So, the cold weather helped us to convince the kids that the water fight was cancelled.
Before the day started, we had a plan of attack. This year, it was going to come from all sides. 1000 water balloons, and yes, that was the right amount of zero's. We had a traditional morning, sorry for the lack of photos, I had a fever and was out of commission for the morning. But, a good nap helped and though I think I still have it, it is much better.
The photos are taking longer than I thought to upload, so perhaps I will link them tomorrow. I got a lovely chocolate eclair for my birthday from the translator, Marie, it was amazing!
And oh, totally forgot for day 3- counselor games. Each afternoon we have counselor games. That day, we had an improv-off. Skot got picked to join, I wonder why? But he lost, Yukong was an excellent rapper, and Skot got "rock" but they took about 5 minutes to find him a song. Meanwhile, he freestyled and had some awesome crowd involvement. Awesome photos in the slide show. And afterwards, we had another game. I got volunteered for that one. We had shaving cream on our face (ouch) and our team mate had to throw cereal at our face. The person with the most cereal on their face won, and I won. It was fun, messy, and a bit sting-y.
Tomorrow is family day. Parents come out and do briefly the schedule the kids do to see what camp was like. Then we have a big bbq. We are expecting around 200-250 people total. Please keep this activity in prayer as this is a huge part of the camp outreach and family is very important to the french. ICCP staff use this day as a great way to forge relationships with the parents. They may never step into a church, but they can feel Christ's love through the relationship.
Anyways, photos to follow. Bon nuit.
day 4
Before the day started, we had a plan of attack. This year, it was going to come from all sides. 1000 water balloons, and yes, that was the right amount of zero's. We had a traditional morning, sorry for the lack of photos, I had a fever and was out of commission for the morning. But, a good nap helped and though I think I still have it, it is much better.
The photos are taking longer than I thought to upload, so perhaps I will link them tomorrow. I got a lovely chocolate eclair for my birthday from the translator, Marie, it was amazing!
And oh, totally forgot for day 3- counselor games. Each afternoon we have counselor games. That day, we had an improv-off. Skot got picked to join, I wonder why? But he lost, Yukong was an excellent rapper, and Skot got "rock" but they took about 5 minutes to find him a song. Meanwhile, he freestyled and had some awesome crowd involvement. Awesome photos in the slide show. And afterwards, we had another game. I got volunteered for that one. We had shaving cream on our face (ouch) and our team mate had to throw cereal at our face. The person with the most cereal on their face won, and I won. It was fun, messy, and a bit sting-y.
Tomorrow is family day. Parents come out and do briefly the schedule the kids do to see what camp was like. Then we have a big bbq. We are expecting around 200-250 people total. Please keep this activity in prayer as this is a huge part of the camp outreach and family is very important to the french. ICCP staff use this day as a great way to forge relationships with the parents. They may never step into a church, but they can feel Christ's love through the relationship.
Anyways, photos to follow. Bon nuit.
day 4
Day 3
Yesterday was a blast, Costume Day! The kids were told to dress up like Indiana Jones or Cyndianna Jonas (the play character). Some kids went all out, it was great. We start off our mornings with singing, lesson, and a skit. In the skits, Cyndianna Jonas is looking for the "truth" about the pyramids in Egypt, with some people tailing her who do not want the truth to get out and would rather have things stay as they are.
After the morning session, we break out into either crafts or games. Skot and I have been doing that part together all week as our teams yelled the loudest the first day to get to go first. The kids have made photo frames for the camp photo, candle holders, and treasure boxes. We did the inside of the treasure boxes yesterday and played a few games. After lunch, we have free time, then rotate between the pool and free time games. It has been great getting to know the kids better, working on my French with them, and hearing some of them speak more English.
Yesterday, one of my kids was sitting by himself and when I asked him what he was doing, he replied, "I am thinking about some very deep things," (and say that with a british accent). He had spoken with another counselor earlier in the day asking if the camp was meant to teach us about God. The counselor replied that it was, and he asked about God being in everything that we do (the message this week has been about Moses, and we have four themes for days: God loves you, God is with you, God has a plan for you, and God will send you). He sat for a bit contemplating that concept. This is also a kid who for the past two years has hated camp, and has been enthralled all week. He is super into Dr. Cyndianna Jonas, talking to her during lunch and everything, trying to help her solve the clues. It is great to see a turn around in him, he is about 11 or so.
After camp was over, we have a debriefing. It was a good time to sit around and complement each other on jobs well done. We take time each day to recognize the campers during camp who have done a "Random Act of Kindness" and they get a medallion and special duties. So after camp yesterday we did the same with counselors. We have become really close with a lot of the other counselors, and we also have some junior counselors from the youth group who have been helping out. The JC's are vital mostly in that they are all bilingual.
Day three was good but a bit rough for all of us. Our energy levels are running low, but they were still higher than the kids. The parents are telling us that the kids are exhausted but having a wonderful time. Great to hear!
camp day 3
After the morning session, we break out into either crafts or games. Skot and I have been doing that part together all week as our teams yelled the loudest the first day to get to go first. The kids have made photo frames for the camp photo, candle holders, and treasure boxes. We did the inside of the treasure boxes yesterday and played a few games. After lunch, we have free time, then rotate between the pool and free time games. It has been great getting to know the kids better, working on my French with them, and hearing some of them speak more English.
Yesterday, one of my kids was sitting by himself and when I asked him what he was doing, he replied, "I am thinking about some very deep things," (and say that with a british accent). He had spoken with another counselor earlier in the day asking if the camp was meant to teach us about God. The counselor replied that it was, and he asked about God being in everything that we do (the message this week has been about Moses, and we have four themes for days: God loves you, God is with you, God has a plan for you, and God will send you). He sat for a bit contemplating that concept. This is also a kid who for the past two years has hated camp, and has been enthralled all week. He is super into Dr. Cyndianna Jonas, talking to her during lunch and everything, trying to help her solve the clues. It is great to see a turn around in him, he is about 11 or so.
After camp was over, we have a debriefing. It was a good time to sit around and complement each other on jobs well done. We take time each day to recognize the campers during camp who have done a "Random Act of Kindness" and they get a medallion and special duties. So after camp yesterday we did the same with counselors. We have become really close with a lot of the other counselors, and we also have some junior counselors from the youth group who have been helping out. The JC's are vital mostly in that they are all bilingual.
Day three was good but a bit rough for all of us. Our energy levels are running low, but they were still higher than the kids. The parents are telling us that the kids are exhausted but having a wonderful time. Great to hear!
camp day 3
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