Exhausted But Joyful

Well, needless to say, it has been a whirlwind of a week. It is currently mid afternoon and there are about 10 people sitting in the BAFA room (where internet connection is best) checking email and such. It is almost silent, and you can feel the exhaustion in the air.

At about 1 PM today, about 50 of us returned to camp from a 3-day, 2-night hike through the French Alps. Known as a “rando”, these hikes are held for every English camp. However, this was our first rando ever, as it was the first time we were allowed and able to go, without the duties of the kitchen to hold us back. While we are certainly glad we went, and we can now say that we have climbed up and down the French Alps, we would also say we would probably choose to not go again. It was invaluable time with the campers, and we got to know everyone just a little bit better, but I suppose that sort of life just isn’t for us. I don’t know that going three days without showering while hiking strenuously most of each day and sleeping in the (literally) freezing cold and eating cold potatoes for dinner is really in my DNA… Of course, the views were absolutely incredible, breathtaking, magnificent, and singing to the Lord in multiple languages huddled around a campfire was beautiful, and hearing some stories of loss and sadness but joy and comfort in His presence was inspiring. So maybe again… (Doubtful.) ☺

During the hike, we also got to spend some time building relationships with some of the campers who we have begun to know here at camp. One camper, of whom we would like to share about here, especially encouraged us. His name is Cyril, and he is 32, significantly older than all of the other campers here. He is a member of the French Air Force, and he has never been to camp before. He is in my workshop, and immediately upon meeting him, I was blown over by his kindness and gentleness. As we have gotten to know him a bit this week, we asked him to share about his faith. He became a Christian when he was 20 years old, and is incredibly intelligent, having gone to school for physics. We conversed about creation and doctrine, and we were both so encouraged by his discernment regarding Scripture and teaching and theology. It was great to talk to him and know that there are people here in France who have those kinds of gifts to plug into the church. We did hear from him that there are many negative doctrines coming from the USA into France, with the thought that any doctrine coming from the USA must be good… Pray that both the church here and in the USA would expel these problematic teachings.

Concerning workshop, both seem to be going really well. David is having a great time making short little funny videos with his crew, and he is enjoying the laid-back structure quite a bit. I am having a blast with all the people in my cooking workshop. I am teaching mostly young men (two girls and four guys) how to cook dishes from around the world. We have so much fun cooking and eating together. We all just jump in, chopping onions and tasting and perfecting and laughing. I have a great group of campers who are all game for ANYTHING, including taking on dares to eat entire hot peppers and picking cilantro leaves off stems. In fact, our last workshop, I was dared to speak entirely in French for the hour, with one of the French campers translating to English for me. I completed the task and had a great time improving my speaking. I really love going to workshop and getting to know the campers. It is such a blessing.

Meanwhile, I am helping out a bit in the kitchen and trying to do some work with some kitchen organizational stuff. It is going slowly, but well, and I am hoping to devote most of my time the rest of the week to that.

Also, we are heading to Paris in less than a week for five days! Pray that preparations for that are completed soon.

More prayers – one of the campers received terrible news today about a friend in Paris. Please pray for this friend, whose name is Angelique. My heart goes out to these campers who all must face this broken and sinful world once again when they leave us.

God bless you these next couple of days.

Chelsea

P.S. We have been trying for the past week to upload videos of camp to youtube for you to watch, but due to the slow speed of the internet connection here, have been unsuccessful. Be patient with us as we keep trying!