Half Way Home

hi. Guden morgan. We just landed in frankfurt. Wairing to board. See you in just a while. Sleep well and enjoy your coffee.  I will. Jeff

Jacob Ana

2 weeks.
It's amazing what such a short amount of time has done for me spiritually but also how deeply I have connected with this place. Indian culture is VERY different but I have fallen in love with the deep respect that people hold for each other and the level of appreciation that they give for even the smallest things. Especially through tear-filled conversations last night at our sharing time (the mingle of honor,) I realized how unprepared I am to leave. I have felt so valued by these people and, as I expressed my love for them, I saw that in a short time some of these men have become closer to me than people I have interacted with for years.

I know it's time to go back and that God's timing is better than my own, but this still isn't going to be easy. So so grateful to have had this experience and glad that next year's camp is just 50 weeks away.

- Jacob

A Grand Finale

God morning back home. Apologies for so few posts the last day or so. We lost connection and have been crazy active. Thursday was the most electric day. We had the cross study at noon and then the ring of honor and mingle of honor before dinner. Dinner is at 8pm; however we started dinner late because we couldn't get the kids to stop sharing during tge mingle of honor.  After dinner we had a talent show ended the most amazing skit about the heart and what can happen to it. It was set to very dramatic music and had no words. Then we danced and man did we dance. What a day! On our way back to Chennai right now where we will grab some pizza on the way to meeting where we greet then Chennai parents and campers for an evening devotional. You are to be very proud of the team. VERY!!!

Much love, Jeff and Jennifer

It's the final countdown

It's the beginning of week 2 and so far it has been an exciting week. The amount of energy that has come the campers in the past few days has been impeccable. I am overwhelmed with joy to see the unity that was immediately shown by all of the campers. This week I am in Girls 7. I made an instant connection with my girls this week, unlike last week when I had to  put forth some effort to make connections. The girls on my team are a very different from each other and yet they work together beautifully. Some are loud and crazy, like me, others are sporty, and some are quiet. One thing that I love is that my girls always want to hang out. I can be walking somewhere and some of my girls will call out and want me to come and just be with them. My girls not only hang out with each other but they have tried to hang out with different cabins. I am glad that they are branching out from their friend groups and are trying to be with new people. They are also super energetic during challanges, and they are very good at them. I am extremely grateful for my girls this week. It saddens me to think that my time in India this year is almost over. Even though it's hot and everyone is tired I want to make the most out of this week and make the final few days of camp as fun and exciting as the first few days were.

XOXO
Ashley Bowman

Halfway done!

Our first week of camp just finished and we are now on the bus on the way to Bangalore. My heart is filled with all of the love that was shown this week. My cabin (as I shared in my last post) was so great, loving and accepting. This past week of camp was probably one of the most fun (and active) ones I've ever had. Right now we are going down a very big, curvy mountain. I'm going to take a nap now, pray for safe travels to Bangalore!

Krispy Kreme

You know Americans are in India when we buy 3 doxen boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts and 8 boxes of Dominos pizza. Part of yesterday and today we experienced Bangalore. We got in at 8:30 at night and our hosts picked us up. I rode in a rickshaw for half an hour (which was so much fun). This morning we went to church and got honored. After church we went shopping in downtown Bangalore for about an hour or two, went to Krispy Kreme and then got on the bus to go back to the camp. We just stopped to get pizza (which was so good and probably a lot healthier) and now back on the road to camp! Pray for safe travels!
Caroline!

One week down - Maryann

Wow! I still can't believe that we are about to go into week 2 of camp already.
Week one was amazing--mainly, it really forced me to rely on God's strength,  power, and wisdom instead of my own.  It was my first time counseling and at the beginning of the week I was really nervous and feeling really overwhelmed,  because felt like I didn't know what I was doing, and I was being pushed out of my comfort zone in so many ways, but I've learned a lot and it ended up being an amazing week!

Today we worshiped with the Bangalore church, and then afterwards went shopping which was an adventure. Now we are now on the bus, heading back to camp.

Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and Sarah-- I am alive and well!

That's all for now,

Maryann

Foreign friend

So today was the first of a few days of hard goodbyes as we closed out week 1 of Swamp Camp India. I feel like I can't really put into words the ways that I connected with the boys of week one, but a couple of the relationships were especially note worthy and I feel I have to mention them.  One camper who came from two states away was sharing with me last night how he had a dream a while back that he made a foreign friend but he didn't think this dream would ever come true.  He shared how amazed he was to have made his first foreign friend and how he never thought he would be able to really connect with an American. This morning as we were saying our goodbyes he cried three times just sharing how grateful he was to make a friend accross the boundaries of culture and this really just painted a physical picture for me of what I feel about this camp. India is VERY different and I won't lie and say it isn't a bit uncomfortable coming here but to see cultural lines be crossed simply because of our unified love for Jesus. The second camper I want to share about.. wow. This boy, 17 years old, was Hindu until his parents were converted just six months ago. All week we had real conversations as he worked through questions about how to really believe the Bible and talked about his desire to become a disciple. When we shared with one another last night about things we appreciated in each other, I was thinking about how I loved this kid like he was my own little brother and then he shared with me that his elder brother had passed away and all week he had the same connection to me that he had to his own kin. It was a simple statement but I felt so clearly in that moment that God sent me to another country around the globe to connect with this boy specifically.

Im really glad to have one more week here but it's so encouraging to feel like I have already fulfilled a purpose in coming here. Please continue to pray for all of us as I'm sure it will be tempting to let exhaustion lead us to laziness this week.

- Jacob

Pani putti

Going to a gas station for bathroom, I saw a man selling pani putti, and I tasted heaven in my mouth. After 11 years I finally got the chance to have one of my favorite Indian snacks ever!!!!!!!!!!!

Last day week one!

What a bittersweet day!  Excitement for the trip to Bangalore but sadness to see the many children from week 1 leave, they have become so precious.  Some come to the clinic with the tiniest scratch or muscle ache but are wanting to see their Auntie Deb or Auntie Barb.  We are happy to see them too!  The repeat campers from last year ask if we remember them.  Most are so memorable!   The joy the campers and the counselors bring to me on these trips are so spiritually renewing for me.  I want to thank the parents for raising such awesome kids to include the counselors who are now young adults themselves and have become tremendous forces for God's word.

Week 1, done

Week 1 of Swamp Camp India is over. It saddens me to think that I will not be seeing any of the campers for a while. It has been a very trying week for me but also extremely fullfilling. This week I had the incredible honor of working with girls 6. At the beginning of the week it was difficult for me to make relationships with the campers because of the language and cultural differences. But that didn't stop me from trying or annoying them with my friendship! The one time that I knew that my girls had finally had accepted me as there own was when we were all sitting together on the beds and we were singing. It was such a bonding moment for us and from then on I couldn't get away from them.  My girls would always find me during free time and say "Aca come sit with me." They were also extremely entergetic when it came to our challenges. They would give 110% the whole time but still we would lose. Even through all of our lost challenges the girls would cheer and cheer. Losing never defeat them.
    This week I has have the chance to organize the talent show that we had this morning. We had half of the acts dance, some sang, and one boy solved a rubix cube in under 2 minutes. It was so great to see the bravery of each of the campers to want to come up and share their talent with the whole camp.
    I am so grateful for the opportunity to come back to caml for a week and I cannot wait for week 2 to start.

Ashley B.

God IS Love - Tyler

I am blown away by this week of camp in india. I really did not expect that i would be this amazed and encouraged after this week. I counseled the youngest boys this week,  of course,  and though it may have started off insane it became an amazing experience and I saw amazing qualitiesin each of my kids. Incredibly loving and sensitive and respectful and especially spiritual. Jeff's message about 1 John where it says God is love really made me realize why I am here. Initially I had a difficult time finding my reason but now I know that it is because of God and for Him that I am doing this. To my family,  I miss you guys so much and please tell Remy and the twins I miss them too.
-Tyler Baird

Talent Show Preamble

Here in India, we're all outside waiting for the talent show.  Everyone is taking pictures and writing down numbers as we will go home soon. All of us walk with a slight limp as we are still sore from the incredible dance party last night. This week has been an absolute blast. Emotions are high as a result from the superbly emotional grateful devotional this morning. Each camper has brought their own personality and theyve collided in a way that is only explained as the Body of Christ.
-Evan

G6

My cabin mates wants to say something to America about their experiences at camp!
The camp is so awesome I am feeling blessed to be a part of this camp. I just thank jeff  u r so amazing .last year the same swamp inspired me  a lot to make a decision of becoming a disciple.the camp is fun, real, and many encouraging people thank you so much love this camp soo much.-preethi. India , chennai
                                                                         Hey,
I'm Joanna from India Chennai I am really enjoying my time here at Swamp Corps.The people that have come from America, they are really fun and full of excitment. I made a lot of new friends. This camp is really awesome, I am super grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to participate in this camp. Our group G-6 is really awesome we have so much fun facings challenges and the consequences, singing, etc. I Thank all the counselors and volunteer for helping and taking care of us :) ♡♡♡ ;)   Bye......

Hey,
I'm samantha im really enjoying these days in the camp. I love the bible classes there so inspiring... the games & the challenges.  I love our group G6. I love music & the dancing... I even got egg shampood.... I really was able to share my life with people and inspire them im really grateful to god for blessing me in such a way, I'm grateful to the Swamp team that have come all the way from america.... love u guys ♡♡♡ x)

From much love,
Caroline and the rest of G6

Fond Memories of Year One...

Year One (last year), the people of India stole my heart but this year I have really seen the beauty of this country as well. Whenever I thought back on my time here, I remembered a scorching sun and heat that exhausts but, WOW, at this new site I have seen a different side of this country. On this mountain, it seems like cloud coverage is a promised blessing each day and the breeze is just as reliable. As we enjoy this beautiful camp together,  our bonds with the Indian counselors and campers have grown exponentially. Last year was all about forming new relationships and now those relationships are becoming lifelong friendships. As Anne of Green Gables would say (brainwashed by my girl friend I apologize) I have met some "kindred spirits" with a few of the Indian counselors and we have spent hours laughing together and talking about our lives that are amazingly similar on opposite sides of the globe. Thank you all back home for your prayers- we all have had the energy needed to give to the kids and our campers have been extremely open to deep talks, new lessons, and silly fun.

Much love,
Jacob R. (Mr. Worldwide)

Mangos

So it is day 3 of camp! Wow god is amazing seeing the campers enjoy themselves and teaching me Tamil words. My heart is so full of love.  My girls who are the eldest always want to be near me which I wasn't expecting. I'm so humbled by their love for me and each other. They are eager to learn and to teach.

Today we challenged the youngest boys cabin to soccer . . . We lost :(  ; I didn't know little kids could be that good at soccer. we did not score one point but the girls kept trying and where excited to play. We play the oldest boys in spoons later today and they can't wait. My favorite moment so far has to be when the girls in my cabin heard me and Ashley singing you are worthy and they all came over cause they wanted to learn the song. I love India and I love the kids.

 - Kristen Puckett

Indian dodgeball vs American dodgeball

Camp is so spectacular This is the first full day of camp and it is awesome!!! God is SO amazing in every way. Watching all of the campers starting to get comfortable and acting like their crazy selves is so great! My cabin is so sweet and we all get along so well (and play ultimate frisbee well). God has done and will do so many amazing things!
Much love,
      Caroline

Camp is Awesome!!

Wow! In the two days we've been in India God has blown me away.  Not only is this my first week at camp, but this is also my first time counseling. Although I've spent a few days at The Swamp this is pretty much my first "real" swamp experience.  Since my amazing campers got here I've made some great friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Watching my campers who don't speak any English playing games and smiling or laughing fills my heart with so much joy.  This morning we, Girls 5, challenged Boys 1 to throw ball with a consequence of a face painting makeover.  It was close but we won! My team, although we speak 4 different languages as a group, worked together to win a game of throw ball and the excitment I saw on their faces was absolutely beautiful. I love that God created smiling and laughing to be the same across all cultures and that He can use that for His glory even when you don't speak the same language. CAMP IS AWESOME!!

-Anna Claire (Ace)

India the Beautiful

Camp, Day Two: Wow! India touches ALL of your senses.  The colors of all the plants, flowers, trees, clothing, buildings; the sound of birds chirping in the early AM;  the scent of jasmine and the incredible smells that escape the kitchen long before each meal is served;  the latter is exceeded only by the taste of the food itself....yummy...my diet will have to wait another week or two.

The biggest WOW is watching the kids connect with one another...camp is safe emotionally,  spiritually, physically,  and mentally. ..with that being the case,  the campers cut loose with unbridled enthusiasm for all kinds of fun and friendship.   Add in a couple of meaningful and practical Bible classes and all the campers start to build deeper relationships with God and each other.

The only sense I have not mentioned is touch. Well,  I had anticipated "wearing" a humid overcoat provided by Mother Nature. ..not so.  The sky has been mostly overcast with a pleasant breeze.  Since we are several thousand feet up, I think we will avoid the brutal heat and humidity that India is known for.

All  of the counselors,  campers, and other volunteers are safe and accounted for and learning how to serve the Lord by serving others.

Stay tuned. ..other bloggers to follow.

Keith Goodwin:)

Week 1, Day 1: Done!

Wow what a day it has been!  Kids started coming around 8am with the last group arriving at 1:15pm. Some rode a train and bus up to 20 hours just to get to camp. Each time a new bus load showed up we call out their names and tell them what cabin they were in. They are so excited to be here. We welcomed everyone and went over the rules and expectations in three languages: English Malayalam and Tamil.  That was fun.  Now that camp has started more people will blog. Thanks for your patience.

Again another day of hard work and service by your kids. They are adjusting to time difference and still making the rest even when they want to be in the action. Speaking of rest time for bed. Much love, Jeff

Yummy curry

Its day 1 of camp !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Most of the campers have arrived we're just waiting for one more bus. I have learned some pharses tamil, im not doing that well though it makes the kids laugh and they correct me. I love the food here! Curry is the best and I get to eat with my hands so thats a plus. By next week I wont even have to ask what im eating anymore. I cant wait to get to know my girls and to see them enjoy camp. Well thats all for now its lunch time so its yime to chow down ! Kristen P.

Working Hard!

Hi, Everyone.  We made it to the camp and have been working hard to get ready for the kids to come in just a few hours.  You would be very proud of the Swamp Corps team...most of us only got a few hours sleep in the past two days and they have been working hard.  Last night after dinner I sent them straight to bed.  BTW, dinner here is between 8-9pm.  It has been such an encouraging time being with the Indian counselors who are eager to learn and filled with the normal anxieties you would expect as many of them have never counseled.  Pray for us to the energy to give and for me to have the wisdom to know when to give them time to get the rest needed.  We have plenty of counselors, though young and inexperienced they are so eager.  Sleep well tonight ( I think it is around 9pm EST as I type this.)  The birds woke me up at 4:45am.  Aagh!  More posts to come from your favorite people.  Much love, Jeff

Camp Bound

Last night we got into our hotel about 2:30am. It is located on St. Thomas Mount, which is purported to be the place where the apostle Thomas was killed by a spear in the back while praying.  we had to wake up at 6am in order to meet our bus so we can get out of the city early. Well, the bus broke down and we were delayed by an hour and a half. So they made us breakfast. Yeah!!! Thank goodness as we weren't sure when were going to eat.

The political situation is a little tense because the current state administrator (governor) has been indicted with corruption and her sentence is being given today so they are expecting some response from her supporters. This is the same woman who had billboards which read "Amma is god." Amma is her name.

It is 8:15am and we are on our way accompanied by a group of Indian counselors and Abraham and Julie and their children. I told the US people to sleep and said to our Indian friends don't be insulted if we don't want to talk. I can't wait to see the countryside and hope I can keep my eyes open. Hope you slept well. Much love, Jeff

We made it! - Tyler

As one of the returners on the trip, it is so amazing and crazy and fulfilling to be back. To see the brothers and sisters that I met last year is so encouraging. Ms. Julie believes that I lost weight HA! There is some political rallying happening tomorrow morning so to be safe and timely we will be leaving really early for the camp in the morning.  I just wanted to say to my family that I miss you guys a lot already, and still jealous that yall are at the lake without me.  Mom, happy mothers day! I miss you and love you and cant wait to spend the rest summer with you!

Tyler Baird

Kid in a candy store.

Ahhhhhh! Im in India. Its crazy to think that just seven months ago I was being told about the swamp corp trip and now Im here. I am currently in the customs line and wide awake from the plane ride. Im excited to see how god is gonna work in the days to come. I feel like a kid in a candy store. I want to see and touch everything(don't worry dad I wont touch the dogs) . . . I want to learn as much as I can being here. I also cant wait to sleep in a bed again I mean airplanes are cool but they are not meant for sleeping. Welp thats all I have to say for now. See you later . . . I guess !!!!!

We have made it halfway!

We have landed safely in Germany! Right now we are eating our breakfast, mine consists of a chocolate croissant (in honor of my mom). In about an hour we are going to have communion then board our next flight, to India!! Pray for safe travels!

Goin' on a trip in our favorite rocket ship!

Hello all! As you know we made it to Germany! The flight here was long and exhausting but not as long and exhausting as the next one will be. We are all looking forward to being in India and we are ready for camp to start. I feel extremely blessed and super excited that I am returning for a second year. I am anticipating the hugs, joy, and laughter that I'm sure will be present upon our arrival.  Camp has been one of the highlights of my summer for years. I'm excited to bring this to the campers in India.

XOXO

A-Brave
(Ashley Bowman)

"I Can't Wait!"

India Meal - "Look Ma No Hands!"

In just a few hours, 17 of us will gather in the Atlanta International Airport, check in, go to the gate and wait for our plane to Chennai, India for Swamp Corps' 2nd trip to this location.  Waiting for us, are over 400 Indian campers, counselors, and volunteers ready to have camp.  It is amazing to me how quickly time passes and here we are once again and I can't wait!


Very excited about the team this year.  We have a few who are returning:  Jacob, Barbara, Deb, Ashley, Tyler, and me.  It's going to be exciting to be there with all the new people as they experience the new sites, sounds, smells and, of course, eating with their hands. I can't wait!  Oh yeah, and the spices.  Yumola!

This year there are two weeks of camp and in between the weeks, we will be traveling into Bangalore to see the city, attend a church service (I am speaking, please pray for me.) and then meeting with many of the parents of the campers.  Can't wait!

Julie & Abraham Rajkumar

Lot's of planning with Abraham and Julie. BTW, this is Jennifer's first trip there and I am very excited for her!  Can't wait to see these guys.  They are passionate about kids and families; are generous and loving.  Abraham has become a dear, dear friend and partner as work to get as many kids as possible to camp.

Keep us in your prayers and send happy thoughts.  Have I said I can't wait.  Oh yeah, 5 times.  More to come.

Much love, Jeff