Monday, July 20, 2009

almost halfway to camp, climbing translavanian alps

Quick note- left on 4 buses to camp (3 mini 18 seaters & one 50 seater). My bus is strewn about sleeping well. Long stop for gas and rest. While many are completely delerious (thanks to sleeping pills & 3am!), it sounds like a huge party going on outside. Obviously some buses are not sleeping as well. I'm not one to miss this kind of party, but I'm too tired to get up! Dan just annnounced all in the bus! I'll send this before I lose reception on my phone. I can tell we're up high by the cold air... Ah, yes, cool air. Love to all, Lief and the team.

30 comments:

Not Your Average Jo said...

Hey you guys!! Sorry I haven't left a post every day I've been pretty busy and it looks like you guys have been too! It looks like your all just playing around!!! lol just kidding! You have been in my prayers and I miss you all I hope you guys are keepin journals of funny stories so you can remember them all when you get back and you can tell me them all! I hope you all are well and no sickies! Oh and tell brianna and jess thanks they know what for!! I love it!! Ill write again tomorrow for real this time!!

kell said...

Dani,
hope you have a wonderful and fulfilling time at camp..watch out for Dracula while your there.haha we miss you. love mom

Valerie Mau said...

It sounds so exciting! I'm jealous!! That's my girl Lauren, I've taught you well! Always look for the bargain. I'm so glad you were able to interact in the market. I'm sure they saw the love of Jesus in your smiling faces. We are praying for a great time at camp and for God to show up in wonderful ways to meet those who are so needing a Father's love. We miss you, but wouldn't want you to miss this for anything. Lauren, Dad is out in a tent "camping" in the backyard overnight with Jacob! Can you believe it?! Hugs and Love, MOM
PS Abby came over today and we talked for about a half hour!

mama muss said...

Love the pictures and stories, it really makes us feel connected and know how to pray.I know camp will be amazing! Brady's and Nate, have you found a RISK game??? Miss your smiling faces.

Anonymous said...

malachi, look at the comments on the blog you wrote.

Cara Trier said...

Hi Cassidy & Hailey !!!!

Dad and I are back from our little U.P. adventure (and of course Rigs from his dogwoods adventure). Hearing about some of your adventures makes dad and I so excited for you, and so darn proud we could pop!!! We love you guys like crazy!!!!!

I am praying god's blessings over you -look for them!

Love,
Mom and dad

Smileydad said...

To our fearless and weary Romanian team;
It doesn't take much imagination or effort to see the spirit of God alive in all of you. I am so encouraged by your commitment to God's special calling. I know that many of you probably have moments where you think "What did I sign up for?", as the lack of sleep and unfamiliar surroundings and food take hold. Don't forget to encourage each other and know that we are are praying for each of you every day. This experience will be with you for a lifetime and hearts will be changed forever because of you. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal 6:9
(sure that's easy for me to say-:-) I pray that all of you will be well and that your hearts will be open to any changes in direction that God places before you.
Take care and God Bless all of you. I look forward to hearing all the great stories when you get back.

Tante Kelly said...

Oh how the excitement must be growing in your hearts as you travel to this camp. OK-maybe you're exhausted at this point, but may the sights, sounds, interaction, and food renew your bodies. Praying the weather is beautiful, and that God continues to bless you. Zack-making choc.chip cookies, may have to have your mom save you some for when you get home! OH yeah- Uncle Dean and I took our hot air balloon ride last night. :) God's detail to creation is breath-taking!
Sending xoxo-
Tante Kelly

John Rosensteel said...

Romania Team,

I just returned from some travels and have been catching up on your blog. It has been a bittersweet experience. I am bummed to not be there with you but I am delighted at how evidently God is using you to advance His Kingdom. I am confident He will do amazing things in and through you during camp week and look forward to hearing the stories. I will be praying for strength and protection this week and refreshment in the days to follow. I am proud of all of you for the investment you are making in the Romania. It is an eternal investment with dividends beyond your wildest imaginations. Please give Daniel, Vali, and all the Romanians my love. May God be manified in you. Carpe Diem.

P.S. - Make sure someone pranks Lief.

Aunt Kim said...

Charlie,
We are thinking of you and praying for you. Looks like things are going well. We are enjoying seeing you in some of the pics - and even recognized Tess in some.

XXOO
Gary, Kim, Sarah and Hannah

craigins said...

Hey Team -
It's been almost 22 hours since Leif last posted you were almost halfway to camp.... We're all praying that you made it safely! We're all thankful that you are being His hands and feet while you're there... The prayers sent are being answered as we "experience" the trip via all of the pictures and posts! Have fun... Be good... Know you are loved!
Zack's Dad

Anonymous said...

Praying for changed lives in all groups,
Ed

kell said...

Dani.
Miss your smiling face! I know you are loving camp though. I can't wait to hear your stories about how God has changed your heart. Finally get to pick up christine tomorrow. I like your car, but miss mine. Work is ok, but long days and my feet hurt.haha. Made a wonderful Peach cobbler with those peaches...will make you one when you come home...have a smashing time..have some fun. Love you tons and very proud of you! Mom

Not Your Average Jo said...

hellooo again!! I hope you are having a blast!! it looks like it!! i hope you take alot more pictures for mee!! im bored i wish i could be there with you guys! you should find me a kid and steal them for me!! lol just kidding! I need some friends im a looser here! all alone...me and emo have been hanging alot..:) well anyhoo not much else to say today i went boating and that about the only joy i have here! anyhoo post some more so i can see what you all are up to!!

Dad Braughler said...

Ok so my question is. Since you are a large group and you have sung this trip, and you are climbing the Alps are you the Romanian version of the Von Trapps in The Sound Of Music?
Glad to hear things are going well. Looking forward to seeing you all.
Oh Larry are you still in budget? :)
Malachi's Dad Love ya dude

Anonymous said...

"I Have Confidence" that you're all dressed in clothing made from curtains, and that someone is "Sixteen Going On Seventeen".

Go Malachi and Zack! When you return, you two hit facebook and get ready for a life group gathering at Adam's new place on Sunday afternoon, August 2!!

These are a few of my favorite things!
-Ed Hixon

Morgan said...

Lauren! I miss you but it sounds like an amazing experience. We found our dorm assignments! So get on facebook and follow the link I sent you. Have fun!

-pril. said...

thanks, ed, now i have "the hills are alive" running through my head!

sounds like a wild and crazy trip! i wouldn't expect anything less!

mom and dad, bapa & g-ma specifically requested that you come visit them soon. don't worry, not because they want to see you, they just need the rain. ;)

hope you're having fun at camp!!
love you!

Unknown said...

Ah, you guys are in Transylvania. I'm so jealous... it is so so beautiful up there. Wish I was there with you all. I hope you're discovering a love for Romania and the people there... maybe you will have to keep going back again and again. Haha. Say hi to everyone for me. :) I'm thinking about you guys a lot. I am sure you will have some great stories at the end of this... I look forward to hearing them. I'm so proud of you all just being in Romania for year number two from bhawk sr high and getting to meet your siblings in Christ. For so long I just wanted to share Romania with people, and now you're off and running. That's great.

PS Kels - I am so so so proud of you and praying for you!! I'm so excited you are getting to see Romania instead of just hear about it!! ;)

Smileydad said...

Megan

As promised, (1) post from me per day. Nothing more nothing less. Bet you think I am special now! (not good special...more like eat the paste special)

Take care
Love Dad

Kenzie's mom said...

Kenzie, camera found!! Love, mom

Jo said...

Malachi, hope you're having a good week at camp. Missing you here and excited to hear all about your experiences from this trip!! Love you lots!! Mom

Texas Bubba said...

Hey, Megan! Greg in Texas, here. Looks and sounds like the trip is going well. Praying for you regularly. You'll have to let me in on the 'eat the paste' inside joke, OK? And maybe I'll tell you some old stories about your dad... :-) God bless!

Unknown said...

hi from Anita! About to head to State St. for a video scavenger hunt. SO....been praying much for you all! There is a tall giraffe at Vitense that I never noticed b4. So I prayed for you Pat. The lovely, elegant, always looking "Polished" not Polish!!!! Larry, there was a highway sign for Larry's Chicken Inn. I prayed for courage for you that day. Marzie Bar....you are always on my heart. Molly from the Mission Mad team has a Tweetie Bird towel. SO I pray everytime I see that!!!!!

GTG! I am driving a taxi this week! Love ya Lief!

In His Unfailing Perfect Eternal LOVE, Mrs. A & W/MOM Gidgedefingen

Unknown said...

I love so much!~!!!! I am headed to a video scavenger hunt with the High schoolers on State St. ( MY van has lost for the last 5 years!!!) Oh well!

Tonight we had a poverty meal. The wealthy ate KFC. The poorest ate just rice. Middle class had rice & beans.

Tonight we are sleeping outside in cardboard boxes. FUN!!! ( Weather is nice FUN!!! if not...HELP!!!!

Praying TONS for you all and Emily. Please pray for this group...lwe are together til Friday!

love in His grace Anita/MOM

Wulff Den said...

Hey there Malachi!! We just returned from Concerts on the Square - it is still Wed. nite here. We are praying for you & the team each morning - for safety, good health, building of relationships and opportunities for ministry. Hope you're having a pleasant experience & making good memories. We had a good time with your parents camping this past weekend...they are missing you!!

Unknown said...

Hey Malachi! I hope you are having a blast on your trip! Take lots of pictures, and we will see you when you get home. -KR

Mom Smiley (Kelly) said...

Megan,
Catie & I just got back from Miss Melissa's going away party. Catie & Shane both ate way to much sugar and were really silly (and a little crazy). Maybe nobody noticed haha.... For me it was just a repeat of last night. She had two large cookies and was bouncing off the walls. We leave Friday for Chicago. Pray for me...

I pray for you (and your group) every night. Hope you are having a great time. Love Mom

solfam5 said...

Blessings Blackhawkers. We are reading the blog, rejoicing with you, and praying that you will be mightily used by God as you trust Him in strange new places and in new situations. Isn't great to know that God knows there is a need in Romania that each one of you were uniquely gifted to fulfill and an individual that needs your personal touch. Be available! A note for Larry, we got 17.5 points on Monday so we have a chance! The Solfelts

Taylor said...

Hey Z-(z-man!)
haha. I hope the trip is good so far, but not too good because I bet you are missing me too much:P. Bring me something home expensive(;...oh and something for molly too, she says you have to. I love you! Have fun. Can't wait to see you for the late night swim at the dells! :)
Tia!