A Job Well Done

Greetings,

I apologize for the late post today, we were so busy trying to finish the cabins, I ran out of time until after dinner.  After three days of much work, all 12 cabins are done and ready for the children to arrive in about two months for camp.  Whew!!  After that first day, many of us wondered if it was possible to finish everything by today, but the team worked hard and we finished! Today was a full day of work in the morning, lunch break then back to work.  Our work is much appreciated for many reasons but especially because the work of 16 over three days would have been done by three men over many weeks.  I believe everyone feels a well deserved sense of accomplishment.  The special BBQ by our very own, Julian, was earned and much appreciated by all.  Not to mention it was incredible food and I'm pretty sure everyone filled their bellies to overflow simply because you didn't want to stop.  As I type, Julian is building a bonfire for our team to enjoy because it is our last 'normal' night at the camp.  Tomorrow is food distribution so we won't return until late.  More on that after tomorrow.

A brief side note about our last three days of working, I'm trying to decide if my favorite memory is of Scotty saying, "I like to sing when I work for God", as he sings Christmas carols (loudly) with Pete Ackermann's name substituted randomly throughout; or Julian (camp director) setting off firecrackers outside the windows while we worked.  Even as I type I'm smiling to myself, but still uncertain of which is my favorite.

Oh, I bet you're wondering about dinner with the king last night.  Well, it wasn't quite what we expected, the king didn't actually show up and it wasn't at his house.  Dinner was at his son's house and his sister was our hostess.  After entering the beautifully crafted (including heated tile in the main room) home, we watched a special documentary on the history of the Roma/Gypsy culture that was written and produced by Luminita, the king's sister and our hostess.  It began with the folklore beginnings of the Roma people, very similar to Native American tales of human beginnings.  The main focus of the documentary was to present the truth of the culture, debunk the myths, encourage understanding and acceptance of their people, and serve as a piece of 'written' history.  Our eyes were opened to a whole new understanding of who they are and what they hope for the future.  The royal Roma family are solid Christian believers and hope to spread the joy of Christ through their people.  When asked, Luminita said about 70% are Orthodox and 30% are Christian.  On a little side note, I purchased a copy of the documentary so if you'd like to borrow it, I'm happy to lend it out.

After the documentary, Luminita answered our questions about Roma/Gypsy culture and shared one of her original poems, it was beautiful.  Following Q&A time, we ate from a wonderful table of traditional Romanian food.  Pictures were taken and we were back on the road headed for home/camp. 

During dinner tonight, many realized it was our final dinner at Camp of the Good Shepherd and that the time has been flying by......nobody is ready to leave.  In fact, it was suggested we all simply stay - don't worry, we won't but it's definitely tempting.  Well, the team is out enjoying the bonfire so I think I'll head out to join them.  Thank you again for all your continued prayers and support.  The team is still healthy and in great spirits so keep up the prayers!

Blessings,
Susi