Gypsy Children's Camp Begins:

 This picture is why there is camp or even a mission to the Gypsy/Roma.   Attila is holding a street child.  He came to camp with only the clothes on his back--nothing else.  You can see the love and special relationship that Attila and this little "troublemaker" have.   The passion to reach these children and instill in them the Gospel that transforms lives and communities.   Attila has been serving since seminary--10 years now.   Amazing what God has done and is doing through the transforming vision in Jesus Christ that honors the Lord.

Saturday began with waiting and rushing.   The crowd was gathered long before the bus arrived.  We did not have to wait on anyone.  Attila got all the children on the bus--the children smiling and laughing and the parents crying.  

Anna was the nurse on the bus.  She was really busy.  Because the children rarely ride in a car or bus, "car sickness" is a real problem.   The parents load them up with soft drinks and snacks for the journey--that adds to the problem.   Anna began giving some "car sickness" medicine and taking 60 "barf bags" as Bonnie calls them.   Anna ran out along the way.    The children showed no ill effect from the ride when they hit camp.

Floyd had to wait on a family and drive during the night.  They arrived at camp at 1AM on Sunday Morning.  Only three "barf" stops.   Don't tell Paul and Katie Crook but the last stop was not in time.  We promise to clear up the back seat of Paul's car.  (No pictures of the bus or Floyd's ride).  

By Sunday morning everyone was in camp and ready to go.   The day begins with staff devotion at 7:30 AM.   The children woke up the staff.   Then, there is breakfast, room devotion, and camp clean-up.   At 9:30 we begin singing, going over Bible verses, and going over the events of the day.   Next, is the Bible story led by Bonnie and Adel Nagy.   They children are broken up into smaller groups by age and discuss the meaning of the story for them.  During this time, they also do creative activities to explain their understanding.  

Bible and Group time leads in Recreation time led by Floyd.  Sunday was sack races, a hoop toss game, and a series of bean bag and ball rolling games.   The time flew by as the kids were laughing and cheering.   Zozo team, Purple, barely edged out Jeno's team Gold,, in the competition.   Lucian's group, Green, won the last game of the day to get on the score board.

Lunch was pork with sauce and macaroni, potato soap, and cabbage salad.   The cook staff did a good job.
The afternoon was filled with rotation of academics, crafts, and music.   There is soccer, swimming, and other crafts, and games available for the children in an free time.

Just before lunch, we had a great game of dodge ball.  At the end the rain started just a little.  But a beautiful rainbow appeared.   God is awesome.  The message that night had an illustration using a rainbow--it was fresh in the children's minds.