Wow! Time is flying by... Only two weeks until we leave and it seems like a million things still need to be done. We've planned out our VBS for the week we'll be spending with Bulgarian kids at their summer camp on the Black Sea. However, planning is only half the battle... now we have to collect and prepare everything that we need to take over with us.
We're doing a bayou, kinda "Tom Sawyer" styled, theme for the week and we'll be relating the story of how God delivered the Israelites from Egypt. Our daily topics include GOD IS WITH US, GOD IS POWERFUL, GOD DOES WHAT HE SAYS HE'LL DO, GOD GIVES US LIFE, and GOD CARES FOR US. We've got great lessons and activities planned for each day and we're even going to do an "Amazing Race" challenge based on the ten plagues!
Of course, all the activities, games, and object lessons require supplies and costumes so everybody is scrambling to collect everything they'll need. I'm going to do a monologue lesson as the Pharoah on one day, but with the bayou theme, we're going for more of a "Col. Sanders" look. I hit a thrift store in Oceanside last week and found the perfect jacket and pants for it. Throw in a white shirt and bow tie with a straw hat and some powder in my hair and beard... Good to go! Also, we're all scrounging for overalls, cut-off jeans, and straw hats to wear during our time every day.
It's a little unnerving because you can't just whip up something you forgot at the last minute... home is going to be 6500 miles away! We have to nail down every little detail before we leave. Of course, some supplies can be obtained over there, but their stores are completely different and not everybody speaks English, nor do we have a lot of free time for shopping.
The other issue is packing... we have to FIT all those supplies in our suitcases to get them there! International travel allows us two suitcases each in checked baggage, plus a carry-on. Everyone on the team has to pack for two weeks using only one suitcase so we can use our additional suitcase for supplies. Hopefully, we can pack everything we need into ten suitcases! Last year, we had a packing party where we all brought our second piece of luggage and we loaded up everything we had to take... it was tight!
Continue to pray for us as we wrap up these last weeks of preparation. Pray for peace of mind and strong organizational skills. Also, if you have any props or clothing that fit our theme and you'd like to help out, talk to one of us. Finally, take a moment to grab one of the team members when you see them at church or around town and tell them that you're praying for them and following along on the blog. It means the world to us to know that we have your support and thoughts as we go. Thanks!
14 more days!!
I am so excited to go this year. To reconnect with old friends and to make new ones. There is much preparation involved and sometimes we forget things. But those times when we have to improvise are the times we see God work it all out. Being in that place where all you have is faith is exciting, because you get to see the hand of God move on your behave. I can't wait to be with the kids again, I love them all so much!
ReplyDeleteI am excited about this year because we have some unkonowns that will stretch those of us that have gone before. Those that are new to the team won't notice it as much but those that have been before will. But every year has it's challanges and each year we rise to those challanges and God helps us through each time.
ReplyDeleteWe have a new place and some new things to do so we are in for an exciting time of it.
I think this year is going to be amazing! i can not wait to work with the team we have and see what the Lord is going to do in each one of use and how he is going to use us all! i love you all!!!
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