Happy Monday from Budapest!  Today was the first day of camp!  Many emotions ran high; nervous, excited, joyful, overwhelmed, and probably much more.  The day started with the team leaving Hotel Ventura at 7:30 a.m. and heading over to KEGY where the camp is located.  Once we all arrived, Jake Nordman gave a quick devotional from Ephesians which led into a brief team meeting to start the day.  At 8:30 a.m., the kids started to arrive.  Camp started with an icebreaker of Egg, Chick, Chicken, followed by the first English classes of the day.  After classes, snack time comes with a usual, tasty Balaton bar.  Worship, a message, and small groups follow snack time.  The delicious lunch of chicken and rice was ready to be eaten after small group time.  The second English class was taught after lunch and was followed by two and a half hours of game time.  Today was a very hot day!  I think every one of us realized how thankful we are, or should be, for air conditioning.  We spent about half of the game time outside in the sun, running around.  We finished game time inside with the “pull up” game and “Ninja”.  To end the day of camp, our team along with the translators and other volunteers had a meeting where we encourage one another and pray.  It is a great way to end a long, yet fun, day of camp.  Tonight, the team had dinner at a Greek restaurant which was delicious!  After a filling meal, we toured around some of the city of Budapest and learned a little of Budapest’s history.  It was a long day, but what joyous opportunities and occasions!

I have had the privilege to come to Hungary two times now!  I was so blessed to have the opportunity to come last year, work with a great team, and see many Hungarian students become saved over those two weeks.   Today was an amazing day for me as I was able to reconnect with many students!  Last year, I became close with a very shy girl named Domi.  We talked pretty much all day, every day last year.  I was so so happy when I came out of the chapel room this morning to see Domi in the entryway, ready for camp!  Her little quiet self came up to me and gave me a giant hug!  That was strangely so encouraging for me.  Last year, the Gospel was presented to her many times, she heard my personal testimony and many others, yet she had never professed faith in Christ.  Although she had not professed her faith last year, that does not mean she can’t this year! A sense of urgency is placed on my heart with the kids at this camp.  I am so looking forward to the next two weeks, getting to know others, growing the relationships I have already built, and, in particular, pouring into Domi.  I am excited to see what else God has planned these two weeks in Budapest!