Wow, we have done a lot today. After arriving at the camp around 2am, we all got to bed and was to sleep until 10am...most everyone was up well before that; then we took a tour of the facility determining where games are to be played, who is in which dorm, where the medical station will be and the snack shop. We even went down to the beach and saw the Bay of Bengal. None of us ever thought we would be staring at the Bay of Bengal...who in America speaks of the Bay of Bengal. There is NO swimming aloud as it is a very rough current; look no touch.
Aferwards, we walked to their open air auditorium which is big (parusu in Tamul--that's what we call it) It is twice the size of our pavilion and open to get the breeze coming off the beach. The floor is tiered every 20 feet or so going downward toward the stage. Amazing building. It will be our main meeting place and it is where we held a full day of training and getting to know one of another. The Indian counselors are fun and funny and amazing people.
Our team was tired, so tired that a few didn't even want dinner and went straight to bed, which is good. They are staying in a an airconditioned room so they can sleep deeply tonight. It is thickly humid; after 5 minutes outside you are covered with a film of sweat and stickiness and hot...it is the hottest place I have been. Once the sun goes down the breeze off the beach is wonderful. Tonight before dinner many of the counselors and a few campers who came early played ultimate frisbee.
You are to be very proud of your kids...they are doing an outstanding job bearing up under the heat and the tiredness; they are ready for tomorrow and 204 kids to show up starting at 8:30 in the morning arriving in waves of 50-80 by buses.
It is an historic week for Swampness and for India. Abraham, India camp director, and I just walk around shaking our heads saying, "we can't believe this. It is a miracle!"
Pray specifically that our team can get good rest as you finish your day and that as you sleep they will be filled with his energy which so mightily works in each one of us.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR KIDS IN THE ENDEAVOR.
Much love,
Jeff
Hi Jeff! Thanks for the update! Great to know that the camp is incredible you have some AC to relax by. We are all praying for you, the team and India's 1st Camp week. We are confident that the 203 campers are having a chance of a lifetime to see God and make everlasting friendships! We love you all, Jim, Lisa, Emily, Ben & Bella!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update Jeff! It really is a wonderful miracle that this has gone from being a dream to reality in such a short few years. Praying for continued rest, strength, faith, joy and happiness for all of the team and every camper. Love you guys!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! So glad I can keep up with the latest Swamp Corp trip. It sounds fun already and I'll be praying for a successful week of camp. Camp is always a little different when you bring it to a new country, so I can't wait to hear about the new Swamp India traditions that will be formed. So exciting! I miss you guys. Have a blast! Love you, Amber Heibeck
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