Return to Civilization

We have returned.
After a week at the camp with the young Romanians, we now have internet access. As soon as we got back everyone grabbed their electronics and began to self medicate with wi-fi access. Here is the story of our adventure.

All 45+ people drove the 3 hours from Sibiu to tabara crestina (christian camp) Bradatel. After stepping out of the cars and vans we took in the amenities of the camp and began to think of the song, "Hello mudda, hello fadda, here i am at ...". At first sight, the communist era workers barracks were architecturally a only slightly nicer to look at than a cereal box. Inside, each room was set up to ensure no communist worker could have any advantage over one another. Although the musty mold smell seemed to favor our first room more, so we moved. Every door squeaked such that everyone knew when you were coming or going. The great people keeping the camp going would stoke the up the wood burning water heater twice a day to take a nice shower. Outside the ping pong table was made of concrete and was chipped so bad even playing basketball on it would be tough. The open play area doubled as a gravel parking lot. The volleyball court was surrounded by a 12 foot high fence. Luckily they had cut out a gap to get in but the cement mixer in the court area made it a bit dangerous. Needless to say we were a little nervous about how things were going to turn out.

Backing up a bit, the theme that we put together for the camp was "One Another", ie love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, and forgive one another. This was our challenge to the kids, to come together, one another.

As the games and message begin to sink in, it is clear to see that these Romanian student leaders really took the bulls by the horns and started a set of group games. The bonds of one another to began to form. After the message of loving one another from Rich and encouraging one another from Donnie we embarked on our test to put these things into practice. The trek up the mountain together. Keep posted for the next installment...