The Come Down

After the long trip and the check out of the hotel we sit and relax waiting to get home. As much as we would all wanna stay and had a good time we just wanna get on the plane and go home. It's been a long and wonderful week with the kids and camp in the Bahamas, one we'll remember. We look forward to getting back to the states and being in home sweet home.

Heading Home...Maybe?!

Wow. Would have liked to have a few more posts for this week. Everyone was so busy and having a blast. Sorry about that. Per Delta as of 11am, our flight has been delayed to depart at 3:50pm. We will see how the day unfolds. Hey another day in the Bahamas?!  Right now we are waiting on our bus to the airport. More to come. Later.

Just arrived!!

We have just arrived in Nassau!! After a quick 2 hour flight we are riding on a bus towards the Bahamas Youth Camp, hoping to find some food soon.

- Emily

The Bahamas Beginning

As we all sat in the airport waiting to board, we made sure to get our coffee and get refreshed. 5 am? Nothing with coffee in your system! We were ready! We sit waiting looking at our beautiful view of the airstrip with carts going across. One of them possibly with our luggage! The luggage that shall accompany us on this trip to the Bahamas for swamp! A experience that will be more then just swamp, swamp around the world! We were ready with smiles on our faces and excitement for the week ahead.

Fantastico Semana!

What a fantastic week! As we are waiting in line at passport control I can't help but reflect on our time here:  the campers said it was the best family feel yet, the counsellors loved the campers tirelessly and wholeheartedly, the volunteers jumped into their roles as if it came natural, and Samuel and Shirley led confidently. They are ready!

We are now making plans to have a team come to The Swamp next summer; another chance to taste and drink the camp culture and to see our dear friends.

Can't wait to see you parents; again very grateful for your support and trust to let them change the world one camp at a time. See you in the morning! Bom noche. Jeff

Seeing Rio

In just a minute we will take off to hike a small mountain called Sugarloaf. From there we will take a cable car to another mountain and see a great view of the city. Fun!

O final 😣

Year 3 of Camp Swamp in Brasil was a SUCCESS! But, with sad hearts, we have to pack our bags and head back home. There are no words I could say to possibly express how great of an impact this adventure has had on my heart. The fact that we only spent about 5 days at camp, and being able to see the impact that it had on both myself and so many of the other counsellors, campers, and staff there, goes to show how powerful our God is. And because the God we serve has no limits, we have officially completed year 3 of bringing the Swamp to Brazil!  The camp is now completely the Brazilians', and I have no doubt in my mind that it will only continue to grow and change more and more people's lives as time goes on.

I have had an amazing time here, to say the least. Watching my campers in Girls' 2 laugh at me for trying to speak to them in Portuguese, learning how to properly Samba, and trying foods I don't know the names of are just a few of the awesome memories that I'll take back home with me. We're going to spend tomorrow in Rio and then we'll be on our way home! I'll miss this beautiful place, but, as Jeff said, "we may not be here, but [the Brazilians] will be with us wherever we go."  -Abby

Eight Legs Dancing with Girls 1!

It's crazy to think today is the last full day of camp- it's gone by so fast. Last night, we had our fiesta which wiped out all the campers, so we slept well! Girls 1 had a little adventure of their own at the dance party. During the middle of it, we stopped to read love letters. Two letters in, we hear screaming because there was a giant, tarantula-like-spider. It was huge and gross!! Half of my cabin was scared to death and crying when the lights went out for the party to start again. One poor girl Nicole has a phobia of spiders, so she had to be carried back to the cabin. Needless to say, last night was an adventure. Other than the spider, we have had a blast out here and are looking forward to an EPIC last day! Now off to clean the cabins! 

-Rebecca 

Bom Dia!

It is now the 3rd full day of Swamp in Brazil, and I have learned more Portuguese and gotten better at my sign language quicker than any Duolingo or Rosetta Stone could have taught me! It is amazing to see how the camp here has the same heart of camp as the Swamp back home, but the people have made it their own with their beautiful, animated culture. I have had the best time getting to know my brothers and sisters here, and I am continually in awe of God's love and how it goes above and beyond any skin color, language, etc. His love is blind, and I see that so clearly here each day through the Brazilians, who are all so diverse, yet love each other so much and love me despite the fact that I usually don't understand what they're saying. I only have two days left, but I'm going to continue soaking it up as much as I can and trying foods with names I don't know. Tchau for now! -Abby 

Adventure awaits in Brazil

The Brazilians speak Portuguese and we speak English but friendship speaks all languages. No matter what language you speak you can always make a friend. I know these friendships are going to last a lifetime. I've met so many new people! We danced we sang and we played swamp ball together. Through this amazing week I have made some amazing bonds with campers in other cabins and even with the workers. I know I'm going to miss the new friendships I've made but it's been so much fun to get to know them. This trip has been an adventure you don't want to pass up and I'm so grateful I got the chance to do this!

Camp has started!!

We finally started camp today, and it feels so good to be back- I've missed the food and the people so much. I am so grateful to have Meninas Une (not sure if I spelt that totally right lol) again and some of the same girls from last year.  With having the little girls, none of them speak English which has its challenges, but I love it! It is some how easy to love each other and laugh together. They love to laugh at me when I have no idea what they are saying, but eventually we are able to understand each other, so it works out. The campers have only been here for a few hours, but I can already see the love all around and can't wait to see what else God does this week. 

- Rebecca Bennett

After 7 Hours We Are Here!

Food. Family. Hugs. Laughs. All greeted us as we got off the bus. It is good to be back. Oh yeah winter says hi too as it is chilly! Time to eat and then sleep. More tomorrow. Bom noite! Jeff

#Rioisthebest

We are back in Brazil for the third year of Swamp Corps here!! Entirely exhausted and sleep deprived, but ecstatic nonetheless. I feel tremendously blessed and grateful for the opportunity to have been able to go all three years to the camp here. Just in the last two trips, I saw so much growth and so many bonds formed. The people here truly desired a home away from home and took the initiative to make it happen. As we're getting on the bus to head to camp after church service, I'm thinking about all the previous Brazilian counselors I've made relationships with and all the campers I've counseled here or have met as well. By thinking about that, I'm getting so hyped for the coming week and what God has in store for the Brazilian camp! Please be praying for no snakes and no breaks, and that this will be one of the best weeks yet! #SwampCorpsBrazil2016 

-Jordan Nabors

The Gecko Has Landed!

After a slightly bumpy but good flight. We are in Rio. Met Vinicius, the Olympic mascot, on our way to baggage claim. We are now in cars heading to church. Wahoo!

Almost there!!!

For me, this trip started two years ago. I came home from camp after hearing about the upcoming trip to Brazil, and I knew I had to make it happen within the next three years, before the chance was gone. So, I signed up for the trip going in July of 2015, fundraising and (trying) to study Portuguese with the help of Google Translate. After getting everything into place, however, my visa to get into the country had a few complications and I wasn't able to go on the trip with the group. My plans were pushed back by another 365 days, but, finally, I'm at the airport with the group for year 3, waiting to head onto an airplane and take off to Brazil!!!! God has taught me lots of patience throughout the process of getting things in line for this trip, but it's with that patience that He has poured out His favor to me in letting me finally get here. Pray for safe travels for all of us, I cannot wait to see what God does with this amazing adventure. Tchau for now! -Abby

Brasil Bound!!!

Seven is a good number. Biblical numerology tells us it represents "wholeness, completeness, perfection."  There are seven of us on this team and what a great group of people. Perfect from the get go. Some are excited to return again, others going for the very first time; either way, we can't wait to get there.

We land at 8am tomorrow, then go straight to worship service with the Rio church. Please pray for me as I have the honor of preaching. This is mine and Jennifer's 11th straight week of camp and the brain is a bit fried. The body is weak but the spirit is strong, hey?! I have been thinking a lot about the Spirit and have a feeling I am going to find myself in many situations over the next year or so where I will have to rely on the Spirit. Tomorrow is one of those times so I am at peace with opportunity to speak.

After church we get on a bus and ride for 8-9 hours to camp. I am betting we will be ready for a bed!  Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers for this trip: another historic time for the ministry of The Swamp.  Much love, Jeff

Hello from Some Campers

LotHello. I'm Akansha from Girls 6. Swamp was lots of fun we all most lost most of the challnges the most crazy thing that I did is eating 4times the boys 6 challenges us but sadly they won so ya the thing that I learned here was to accpet ur friend as they r no matter how they r and to be real and be ur self and love one another I even met a lot of my old child hood friends that I didn't meet for ages I had a great time and more to come I'm happy that I have a family to come back to in church and help me build in Christ and just to see they r not like the world they r always there for u that's really cool thank u love all Akansha 😉

Hello friends I am Rhea , 

I am from girls 6

 I would like to share my experience in this camp .., 

In a year there are 365 days but the 5 days which I spend in the swamp camp are the best of all .., 

We as a group enjoy a lot over here but it's not only enjoying playing but enjoying God's love too ... 

Get to know how awesome God is.

It helps us to go out of my comfort zone and get to know new people to know about their life and how much struggles they face .. First I used to not like to hear or talk to any one about God but now I feel a hunger to know him more deeply .. I used to feel I am not worth to have him but now with the lessons which are on over here are helping me a lot as a person ... It made me to know that God loves me for who I am .., I got to know to be real being clear to my self and God is all that matters. 

Now as I am typing I feel short of words and some things just cannot be expressed when it's typed; this is how much the camp means to me ... 

Over here the lesson are taught really well directly helps us to connect to God; the counsellors really try their level best to get deeper into the word they don't have long lessons they just focus on very less scriptures that help us to understand really very well ... I have learned how to face challenges and how to face the consquences but never give up .. There's  a lot to learn and I am still learning we don't see any differences between any one and learned team work which helped me a lot. .. 

And I love this camp a lot and I am looking forward .., thank you Jeff uncle and the whole swamp team for this beautiful experience which you all have given me. . This is sucessful because of your hard work and gods will .. Love you ..,

Down but Not Out!

Today is the first full day of week two here in India and sadly I have felt too sick to leave the nurses cabin. I am starting to feel better, but still need a little more rest. As I was resting, I was wishing that I could actually meet the girls in my cabin. To my surprise, my whole cabin came to visit me and see how I was doing. I felt so loved and encouraged. It ment so much to me that people who never met me decided to come and encourage me. Be praying that I start feeling well enough to participate in things, so that I can get to know my girls even more. 

-Julia Buehler

Week 2 😀😀

Week 1 came to a close. It was hard saying goodbye to everyone, but we are excited for the new week. 

We're at the beginning of week 2 and everyone is extremely excited! All the of the campers are here and are ready for their week of camp. This week it is expected to be very hot. We are all trying to stay cool and drink lots of water. 

There are a lot less kids this week, so we're hoping for more time to do activities. With no rain and less kids we'll play lots of dodgeball, swamp ball, and do lots of challenges! Everyone here loves challenges.

Love the Amy, Ashley, Julia and Maryann

Lots of Challenges...

Challenges. That is by far the favorite thing to do in Swamp Camp India! There are at least 8 or so announced every time we're all together. If you don't know, challenges are when one cabin (or group as it is called here) "challenges" another group to a game and there is a consequence if you lose.

Some of the favorite consequences here are egg or mud facial, ice bucket, and dinner date. I have Girls 6 (the 14 year olds), and we have done 5 or 6 challenges in just the last day. We had a mud facial yesterday and egg facial just 10 min ago. As Mr Jeff said, it was no "yoke". Yes, even in India, he is still full of jokes.

We had the singing devo this morning, which is always so great. It's really starting to feel like camp the last two days and it has been a joy! 

Amy Raye

Swamp India 2016 Week 1 Singing Devotional

What a joy to wake up to a cool morning and start the day with a singing devotional.  It seemed all the kids dressed up for the occasion.  The audio file is uploaded to the website.  Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and find a little nook and click here to enjoy.  Much love.

Challenges Bond Us

Emma (3rd from right) with her girls

My name is Emma and I'm 18 years old and from London England. I've been put in a group of 13 year old girls, all from different walks of life and many of them don't speak the same language as one another. Even I have encountered difficulties as I only speak English.

However I've seen Swamp camp pull these girls together, pushing them to make friends with people they would never really get to talk to. I just completed a consequence of a challenge which involved eating with our hands tied together. Although EXTREMELY impractical I really felt like it bonded us together. It's a biblical principle to become all things to all people, to not just stick to people who you can immediately relate to and I feel Swamp really teaches that.

Making Friends

Cabin 3 are the bomb!!! Love the girls so much!! Especially having a meal with them where u just get to sit and talk to them about whatever comes to your mind!   Elizabeth Goodwin

We're all tired!

Today was the day that the campers arrived at camp. They were greeted with statues, sleeping people and tons of cheers! Everyone was extremely excited to placed into their cabins and begin the week. After everyone had been sorted we went and situated ourselves in the dorms. The girls dorm was so over crowded that they had to open another dorm just to fit everyone. The day then commenced as any normal day of camp. Basketball and frisbee games were almost immediately started, friendship bracelets were made, and board games played. Through all of this it rained in a slow constant stream, but this didn't stop anyone's desire to play. Although everyone was filled with energy, the American counselors struggled with their desire to sleep. We are all extremely tired and cannot wait for bed. Tonight Jeff opened camp with a lesson on running out race. He talked about everyone having a spiritual race that they will be apart of. It is up to everyone to persevere through the race so that we can win. Currently we are ending dinner and preparing to take our cabins back to the dorm. I am ready for our first full day of camp and I cannot wait to see how God moves through this week.

Ashley Bowman

Off to a Great Start!

Parents/Family:  I am writing to you at the days-end to give you a recap of a busy day.  We woke and met for breakfast at 7:30am after going to bed around 1ish.  Ate breakfast and then hit the road for our 4 hour trip to the camp.  The clouds began to roll in and gave some relief to the hot Chennai weather.  We stopped around 11am for some coffee and snacks and bathrooms.  yes!  At 1pm we arrived at the camp and got our luggage off the bus and met some of the Indian counselors, then off to lunch.  We came back around 3ish and rested until 5pm at which time we started our counselor training.

There were over 50 counselors present about 1/4 who are new counselors.  We had a fantastic time training then dinner at 8pm.  After dinner the found out which team and age group they are counseling and who their co-counselors will be...always fun.  The broke up around 9pm at which time I told the Americans to go to sleep...they were more than ready and willing.  ha ha

I can't tell you how proud I am this group.  They are excited to be here and of such amazing character.  hats off to you for your influential molding of their hearts and mind.  I am constantly inspired by them.  I tell them often that they teach me more than I will ever teach them.  Jennifer and I are deeply moved by entrusting them to us.  Much love, Jeff  ps. my typing is getting very wonky so am going to seepl now.  until tomorrow.

We're finally here!!

Good morning from Chennai!!

Right now we're all sitting around a table in the hotel, talking and eating breakfast before getting on the bus to go and starting to head to camp. 

It's so exciting to be back here, and to get too see some familiar faces!

Later, when we get to Yelagiri Hills we'll be doing counselor training before camp starts tomorrow. 

I've been really excited for this trip, but also pretty nervous. But it was really cool while we were flying yesterday, it was dark, and the whole plane was sleeping. I  was sitting near the window, so I decided to open it and....STARS.  It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. The stars were so bright and there were so many scattered in clusters across the sky.  The clouds were just a grey mist above the ocean below, and we were so high up that the stars looked so close. I could see the Milky Way.  It was so incredible I wanted to cry.  And I just sat there thinking for awhile. It was comforting, and a really awesome reminder of just how incredible and big God is, and how small I am.  And that God was going to take care of everything--that I literally had nothing to worry about. 

I am so excited to see what God does with camp these two weeks! 

--Maryann

PS. Mom and Dad, don't be too worried, I'm in good hands! Love you guys.

We made it!

I am happy to say that we have finally made it to India! Naturally it is very hot and we are all sweating but we are all excited to be here! We were greeted with lots of hugs and hand-made jasmine flower necklaces. I am so excited to be in India for a third year and I cannot wait to see what God does while we are here. I am waiting in so much anticipation for camp to begin. We are currently on our way to the hotel that we will stay in for the night before we head to camp.

Much love from India ❤️

Ashley 

Landed in Frankfort Germany.

Long flight!!!!!!!!! Yet still one more to go! We can do it😬😄can't wait to arrive in India and join with the other people like us (Bella and Elizabeth)😂🙃 love ya!!

Seeing but not believing

We have officially made it to the gate and our flight takes off in less than an hour. It hard to believe that the time has actually come. I'm so close to being in India, but yet I still don't believe it. Less than a month ago, I was not even planning on going to India and now I am sitting in the airport waiting to board a plane. God consistently blows my mind with the ways He blesses me and the different opportunities He presents me with. I am nervous and excited to see what is to come. 

-Julia Buehler

Seeing but not believing

We have officially made it to the gate and our flight takes off in less than an hour. It hard to believe that the time has actually come. I'm so close to being in India, but yet I still don't believe it. Less than a month ago, I was not even planning on going to India and now I am sitting in the airport waiting to board a plane. God consistently blows my mind with the ways He blesses me and the different opportunities He presents me with. I am nervous and excited to see what is to come. 

-Julia Buehler

How Do You Define Success?

I have heard it said that success can be defined only by what you can measure and those measurements must meet a certain predefined goal.  Some say the intangibles like love, joy and happiness can't be measured or perhaps question how we might measure them at camp? I submit we could count the number of smiles, the number of laughs, the number of challenges, the number of high fives and encouraging words, the number of meals served or times a table was cleaned; what about the number of questions asked in pursuit of a deeper friendship or the silent ponderings before God in the quiet of the morning or the number of Bible pages flipped in reverent reading?  Could we consider the various joyful noises heard in the dining hall or the pool or la cancha (pavilion)?

As I delve deeper into the measurements, I am overwhelmed at the myriad variety of possibilites; any of which could singularly quantify success, and then we get to airport, where a whole new set of measurements present themselves:  good-byes, see-you-soons, Skype-mes, hugs, bear-hugs, neck-squeezes, and tears.  Yes, tears: big ones, small ones, many and few (of the misting type)...even from some of the guys.  The quintessential expression of how much you can love someone in such a short time.

Success? Oh, yes...in every definable way, yes!

Nicaragua, thanks for giving your heart to us and for taking ours.  We will see you soon!

We are just now taxing for take off. Family and friends, we will see you soon.

Love surpasses exhaustion

Throughout the week, campers have experienced what it means to go to camp.  The Americans brought the idea of camp and the Nicaraguans made it into their own.  I am grateful to be able to experience what this amazing country has to offer! We are now eating at Tip-Top (a local fast food restaurant) and we are preparing to heading to a volcano!  I have truly fallen in love with everything here! I can't wait to see what adventures lie ahead at camp for the next several years here in Nicaragua.

- Kendal F.

Just like the movies...

This place is literally amazing. I can't even put into words how grateful I am to be here with all of these wonderful people. It's a paradise here: sipping on coconuts with little umbrellas, relaxing in the pool with a beautiful view of mountains and nature, and cooling off on the sturdy hammocks. I would have never imagined being in a place this incredible, I have only seen this kind of atmosphere in the movies.

Con mucho amor, Alexa Espinosa

A Day in Paradise

Hola from the islands of Grenada! Today I have seen the most beautiful sights and had the best time of my life. We have been spending the day relaxing, swimming, kneeboarding, water skiing, playing volleyball, and now we're eating what looks like the most delicious food ever! When we first arrived to the island on boats we were greeted with fresh coconut water. This place is incredible and I never want to leave. The past week has been beyond amazing and I am not ready to go home. I have made friends for life even though we speak different languages and that is something I will cherish forever. I am so grateful for Mr. Jeff for allowing me to come on this trip. 

Adios!

Alena Nash 

I've said "wow" 327 times today.

After a short nights sleep at our host families' houses, we met at 7am (okay, 7:30--we were tired) and headed for Granada. While I could barely wrap my mind around how beautiful camp was, this is a whole new level. After a 1 hour drive that took 1.5 hours, we arrived and got in boats and sailed to an island. When we got off the boat, we were greeted with juice from a coconut with little umbrellas sticking out of the top. It is a literal resort! There's a pool, hammocks, a trampoline, kayaks, and a sick view. The backdrop is a huge volcano. We all came and just ran around and couldn't believe how beautiful this place is. We are currently waiting for food and then we will do some shopping and go out for dinner. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be doing this with so many people I love. 

I never want to come home.

-Emily Roberts, 21 as of yesterday 

Ps. Hi mom!!!!!!!

A Day in Granada Paradise

Hello everyone back home this is Donovan Stewart! For those who do not know me I am a eighteen year old from Las Vegas and let me tell you today we have entered paradise! We have adventured to a tropical island where the coconut water is sweet and the coconut is even sweeter! Our hideaway is shaded with the most magnificent trees and the water is the perfect temperature. The smiles, laughs, and cheers are a true sign of happiness and enjoyment. Currently I am typing this up in a hammock while I chill around coconuts and new friends. Life as you know it in the world is completely absent here. After an amazing time at camp we get to enjoy God through his beautiful nature and each other. I've never been more content! We haven't eaten yet but the food is coming soon and I can't wait to have fireworks go off when I taste it! I can't fathom what heaven will be like, but I have a feeling that it would be somewhat like this; fellowshipping with friends, enjoying God and his glory, and being in paradise! Love this chance to be here and have impact on not only others but also having a change of heart, mind, and perspective from all that we've done on this trip. 

A Real Experience

This trip has been amazing! Right now we are in Granada (pomegranate in Spanish) on a tropical paradise with coconuts and a view of the mountains. We were wondering if we had crossed the River Jordan and ventured into paradise. The week at camp was truely amazing. I have already made so many new friends; Nicuraguans and Americans alike. This trip had also helped me become closer in my relationship with God. This truely has been a Real experience.

-Lucy Gibson

Athens, GA

An Unbelievable Paradise

Nicaragua is SO beautiful. Everyone has been so welcoming and the churches here have taken great care of us. Today is the day after camp and it was really hard to say goodbye to everyone. We built great friendships over the week. But we are in Granada and it is AMAZING. We rode out to an island, were greeted with coconuts, and were treated like royalty. I have felt so welcomed and taken care of here. It's been great to experience a new country and culture with people who are so friendly. Thank you Nicaragua!

Mychaela Williams

REAL

This week the theme was Real. Mr. Jeff wanted us to see God throughout the week, and last night was the star light devo and I definitely saw how real God was. At the beginning of the devo I prayed that God would show me 3 shooting stars if he is actually real. So right after the prayer i saw one & i really felt close to God but then i started to doubt  because i didnt see another one for along time! As Mr. Jeff was saying the last prayer before we headed back to our cabins, two shootings stars appeared & I was in Awe! If that doesnt prove that God hears us & is real, then i dont know what does. Other than that I've had a blast in Nicaragua the people here are beautiful & not just a few of them ! EVERY SINGLE ONE! I've created friendships that will last a lifetime & even though it can at times be difficult to communicate, after this trip i can call many of the 

people i met my bestfriends. One last thing "Hi mom & dad."

Dillon Stewart (15)

Hi my name is Drew and im in girls 5. Starting the week i was really nervous because i don't speak any spanish but as the week has gone on ive been able to communicate better with the campers from Nicaragua. It amazes me how loving and compassionate the people are here. I can hardly speak the language yet the people still treat me and care for me like family. 

Drew Stewart (16)

Life Changing Experience

Being here in Nicaragua has been such a fun experience. Even though I don't speak very much Spanish I can still feel the love from everyone around me. The natives here are so happy to be here and I can tell that they are having a blast! Everyone loves to dance and so i'm excited to see how the dance party turns out as we mix our cultures together and dance tonight. Because it is so beautiful here, it is easy for this time to feel like a little mini vacation! Luckily, being camera lady, I get to stop, enjoy, and capture all that I see around me! I'm hoping that i'll be able to come back next year and see all of my new friends again, hopefully i'll know more spanish and be able to communicate better by then. I love it here and am sad that I will have to come back home in 3 days. But i'm soaking it all in while I still can! 

Ali Lynn (21) 

Having A Lot of Fun

This camp is a good experience and is very fun. But at the same you learn about God and making new friends is cool. I really hope I can come back next year.

Jorge Arriola (13) 

 

My first camp experience

My experience here has been fantastic, fun and encouraging. It has helped me a lot in my relationship with God. I made new friendships and strengthen the old ones I had. Definetly the best week of my life😊.

Allison Obando (13)

Cartas de amor y juegos galore

Things are heating up here at Swamp with cabin vs. cabin competitions (obstacle course and multiple dodgeball games) and we are learning how REAL God is through devotional sharing, worship and talking about taboo topics. Campers are learning more than just the Spanish language but also a touch of culture - we had some inspiring "love letters" shared last night between campers who lost a challenge 😍. Cant wait for the starlight devo tonight and talent show tomorrow evening ⭐️🎉🔭🎙! ¡Gracias a Dios todos estàn disfrutando el tiempo conjuntos!

- Chelsea Krieger (adult volunteer)

Time of my Life

So far camp has been amazing. I'm so glad I'm able to come to Nicaragua to help teach the Central Americans about god. They added a inflatble slide at the awesome pool. It will be a great next couple of days. 

Jonathan Lorbeer (11)

The Beautiful City of Managua

Managua is a beautiful city. The Swamp Camp here in Nicaragua is a very peaceful and welcoming place, and the people are so giving of themeselves. Every moment here has been well worth it. The Swamp camp never ceases to amaze me. They do an incredable job at teaching the truth and encouraging us to focus on being in the precence of God. I am looking forward to the many more adventures here and can't wait to grow in my relationships with everyone. Thank you beautiful Managua! 

-Chloe Graham (17)

Mi primera ves en el campamento/ My first time at camp

Me llamo Abril. Me gusto el campamento hicimos muchas actividades y las clases fueron muy lindas aprendi mucho cuando yegue a mi casa yegare mas enamorada de Dios quiero aprender a un mas en esta foto salimos mi concejera Alanis y yo!

My name is April. I like this camp, we have done a lot of activities and the classes have been really great so far. I have learned so much. When I return to my house, i will be more in love with God. I want to learn even more. Here is a picture with me and my counselor Alanis! 

I STINKIN' LOVE THIS PLACE

I am in LOVE with Nicaragua! The hearts of the people are just as beautiful as the mountains and trees I get to look at every day. Today we had our worship service in front of the view of the mountains and it was so easy to get lost in the presence of the Lord. I'm counseling Girls 1 and I couldn't be more excited about spending the week with the sweetest girls I've ever met. Seriously, Nicaraguan children are some of the kindest and prettiest kids you'll ever meet. The girls I've met always talk to me, play with me, and love me even though I can barely make a whole sentence en Español. I'm so excited for the relationships I'm going to make this week. I want to live here some day. ¡Me encanta Nicaragua!

Julia Hagins

Nicaragua is amazing!!!

Hola! It's so beautiful here and I feel so lucky to be here. We just ate breakfast and are going to church. The view here is amazing, you can see the mountains and all of the trees are gorgeous. Super excited for the campers to come and can't wait for what the rest of the week has in store!:-)

-Helen Abernethy 

First time for everything

The first time I heard about the Nicaragua trip, I knew instantly I would be going. I think my parents were caught off gaurd when they picked me up and the first thing I said was "I HAVE to go to Nicaragua!". So far I have seen a lot more than I could've expected and my spiritual connection with God has been strengthened beyond what I could consider, and this is just day one.

First time for everything

The first time I heard about the Nicaragua trip, I knew instantly I would be going. I think my parents were caught off gaurd when they picked me up and the first thing I said was "I HAVE to go to Nicaragua!". So far I have seen a lot more than I could've expected and my spiritual connection with God has been strengthened beyond what I could consider, and this is just day one.

Swamp Corps or Ritz Carlton?

We are currently eating lunch and the food is amazing! Rice, chicken, vegetables, and plantain chips is my new favorite dish. Everywhere I look I see a view of the mountains and volcanoes. It is very hot but I'm very happy that it is windy. I know that this week is going to be great already. The people here in Nicaragua are so nice and just as excited as we are to start camp! We are sweaty, tired, and in need of a good shower but our spirits our high. The camp facility is so nice and the nature here is gorgeous. I feel like I am at a resort:) I am thankful to be on this trip and ready for the fun. I have to go eat lunch now so...bye:)

Katie Frantz

p.s.: Mrs. Jenny, Alena is alive and safe. 

We have arrived!!!!

Hola!

We landed safely and enjoyed staying with our gracious, host families. We are at the camp and I couldn't be more excited. We have surveyed the land and set up our bunks. The camp is beautiful! We have an amazing view of mountains and a volcano! Yo tengo mucho hambre. This means I am hungry. We are about to eat though, so it's not a problem. I am very excited to meet the Nicaraguan campers! 

Austa Lavista! 

Maggie Frantz (Camper age 15)

The Sorting

We made it through customs and are now at the church building learning who our host families are. The church have greeted us so well. We are very grateful.

There is such a buzz in the room.

A Thousand Gallons to go

Hola todos! (Hello all!)

The Nicaraguan Swamp Corps crew is on the plane awaiting to fly off! According to the pilot, we were supposed to take off a few minutes ago but they are still fueling up and there's "a thousand gallons to go" so that won't take long, right..? Well nonetheless we are super grateful for this opportunity and the waiting will be worth it! We speak Spanish and are so excited to be immersed in the Nicaraguan culture and learn some new dialect. This is a solid team that God has formed and I cannot wait to see what he does through us and for the people of Nicaragua! The lights have dimmed so that's probably a sign that takeoff is approaching. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts! Nos vemos pronto! (See ya soon!) :)

Much love,

Alanis Espinosa, Alexa Espinosa, and Cory Cole