Sunday, December 15, 2019

week 13-14: End of First Semester

There were mixed emotions this past couple of weeks between students finishing their last class of the year: Foundation of Church Ministry with David Lee, and also finishing their last week here at camp before heading home for Christmas!


On Thursday, the whole camp had a Christmas banquet filled with amazing food and times of reflection together. The next day, the students finished their last class of the semester, during which they learned all about what church ministry really entails.



All throughout last week, many students were also preparing in their spare time for our staff & student talent show. It was funny walking around the building because every other room you could hear students singing or laughing behind a closed-door as they prepared for the show.

Monday came along and they blew us away! There were lots of singing and music acts; singles, duos, and even trios with a little bit of choreography. Along with singing, we had a magic show and a skit and parody put on by the Kaléo leaders. Some of the staff here at camp concluded the night with a "creative" Carol of the Bells skit.






 



The students also battled in a Christmas-themed Family Feud game to decide what students would have to switch rooms for the second half of the school year. The ocean-view side rooms battled against each other to see who would keep their room and who would switch with the forest-view side room for next semester. It was Room 312 for the girls and room 212 for the guys that got to keep their rooms. While the students are home over the break, you may hear some of the them yelling, "Glad tidings!" as a humorous reference to this game.

We had our last chapel and small group of the semester this Tuesday, which prepared us for going home. Students spent time reflecting on the ways they have grown so far this year, what they are most excited and nervous about as they go home, and their goals for second semester. This was a great time of sharing and praying for one another.

Then on Wednesday we had our Christmas gift exchange. All of us bought a mug that represented us in some way, wrapped it up, and then played a gift-game with the wrapped mugs. In the end, the mug that each person received was a reminder to pray for the person that it represents every time they use it. 




During this last day together before the break, we also joined together in an encouragement circle. We passed a ball of string around the circle as we encouraged one another- as one person caught the line, they were encouraged, and then that person passed the string on to someone else and encouraged them. Soon the students witnessed how interconnected we are, and how meaningful encouragement unifies and builds up the body of Christ.



Lastly, students swapped rooms and then spent the rest of the day hanging out together before they all dispersed for the next few weeks. After many airports runs, the Pacific Woods Lodge now feels terribly quiet and empty...

We are excited to hear of all the stories from Christmas break when everyone returns! The students have transformed so much over these last few months. It has been a beautiful privilege watching them embrace challenges, grow in their understanding of God and His kingdom, and draw together in Christ-centered community. 

Prayer requests:
  • We ask prayer of protection over all the students flying and travelling during the holidays.
  • Many are excited to see friends and family but some are also nervous about the challenges they may face at home. Pray that during the break the Spirit would continue to guide and enable them to live out of their comfort zones.
  • Please pray that during the break students would find time to rest, reflect on the work God is doing in their lives, and connect with friends and family.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and we'll see you in the new year. Glad Tidings!

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