Emily and Zack Bloggin' it Up

So after we sat down to write this blog and played around with iTunes for a while, Emily said, "We should get started," but then Zack pointed out the fact that we have three hours. So we put it off for a while. But when we actually did get started, we couldn't even think of a title. In fact, we now only have two hours. Right now the campers are on a hike while us fortunate three (Eric Phillippi included) get to enjoy each other's company and listen to "Use Somebody" by Paramore (in spanish). Now, after YouTubing for a while, we shall actually make progress...

It's about three o'clock on day three of camp. As Elli mentioned, we've had as much rain as we can handle. But today we are enjoying 80 degrees and sun. However, the ferocious river is still high. A perfect day for a hike in the beautiful Romanian forest. So, as the campers are off on their hike, we have the opportunity to update you guys about the past day or so.

Last night, after Elli's post, we enjoyed some group games such as Snake Tag and Energy, then had pizza for dinner (with ketsup instead of tomato sauce... yikes). Daniel spoke last night about Grace again, this time touching on Philip Yancy's "Mathematics of Grace." The concept is that you cannot do anything to make God love you more, and you cannot do anything to make God love you less. It was a pretty good, short message that really helped the campers understand Grace. Small group time followed, and there were a few interesting stories from small groups. Emily's small group started pretty rough, with several girls not wanting to participate. However, as the conversation progressed, they slowly entered the circle and conversations and they really seemed interested. It was very encouraging to see this growth out of these girls.

Today started great. Breakfast was interesting, as usual. The lunches and dinners have been phenominal so far, but the breakfasts are a different story. When you have a meal made up of 3 small squares of ham, a half of a tomato, 2 pieces of smelly, salty cheese, some cucumber, and hot tea, you dont often leave the dining hall very satisfied. Oh well! haha. Each morning so far we have done our camp song, "Get Back Up" by TobyMac.

English Classes follow the camp song time. And, believe it or not, we are English teaching partners! Woah! Our class is very laid back, with 9 people in all. We have an advanced class, which has turned out to be a great thing. So far, we have only played catch phrase to increase their vocabulary, and had a small debate to help them think of arguements in English on the spot.

Looking at the watch now, we still have about an hour and a half to finish this blog... so who knows how long this thing could get!

Anyways, today's activities so far have consisted of soccer, ultimate frisbee, archery, and rockwall climbing with our small groups. This was very fun, and it was great to see the small groups working together and/or cheering other people on during these activities. The groups are actually starting to mesh together and open up, despite the language barrier. Also, our small groups have each created a mascot and a chant to go along with their group. Emily is part of the Briosciele (Muffins in English) and Zack is in the Romerican Punks, a very creative name that has no translation because it's that awesome.

Everyone is healthy now, except Zack has had the "Hots for Pumba" for a few days now, but he is doing okay. Sorry, but it is an inside joke, and we cannot explain the meaning of this term. Emily is also doing great, despite the precautionary hospital visit last week in Craiova. For those of you who don't know, during our night at the park, Emily was experiencing light headedness and, beacuse of the long day, she fainted when we returned to the church. Because of a recent heart condition, the hospital visit was made just to be safe, and everything is ok now.

On a lighter note, worship is going great. We are both on the worship team this year at camp, and the campers really seem to be liking the music so far. We have seen clapping, involvement in songs such as the echoes in "Lean on Me," and some occasional hoots and hollers from Lief.

So, as we reach 3:45ish on Day three, we have spent about an hour and half on this post. Later tonight we will be enjoying a great talk from Eric, some small group time, dinner, and free time hopefully. So, we're ending this blog post halfway through our trip, and we're hoping the second half will go just as well. Now, Emily and Zack will go watch The Chronicles of Narnia with Eric.

SHOUT OUTS

Emily to Mary- Dude, hehehe. That's all I can say.

Emily to Dad- Miss you tonnes.

Emily to Mom- I loved your card! The petals were super pretty.

Emily to Jan- I love you so much! I was so surprised to get your note. It made my day :)

Zack to the Fam- The dells should be about over by now i think... my days are getting mixed up. hope everything went awesome!

Zack to the Frydenlund 4-- Hope you guys had a great time at the dells too!! I wish i coulda been there to see you guys, but maybe next time

Zack to Grandma and Grandpa--Thanks for the notes! I have read them already

Zack to Nana- I cant wait to see you and tell you how everything went!

Zack to John-Hope the hike was fun man! We should go on hikes up Bascom this next semester daily since i missed today's hike haha, and maybe iChat while we're hiking?! haha

Zack to Emily-Hey, youre sitting right here, but just saying that this was a fun post to write with you, and i like the blue shirt and the yellow shorts youre sporting right now haha!

Emily to Zack- yeah this was definately fun. I'm liking your purple shorts right now, even though this is like the fifth day you've worn them. No wonder you smell funny.

Zack to Emily- Wow. Sorin washed them okay? And i brought two pairs of purple shorts. and for everyone reading this right now, i do not smell funny. the end. but thanks emily for commenting on my nice matching yellow shirt and red bandana along with the purple shorts.

Emily to Zack- no problem. but, i'm not sure i would trust sorin's washing skills. you should wear your white shorts. they're perfectly clean. and, btw, for everyone reading, zack has this obession where he tucks his shirt in and pulls his shorts up as far as he can get them. it's so attractive.

Eric to Zack and Emily- Guys! I'm sitting right here! I have been here for the past two hours! What the what? I wish you could just acknowledge me... maybe just a 'hello!'...or I would even accept a generic shoutout like, "Zack and Emily S.O. to Eric". That's it. That's all I am asking for! Is that too much to ask for?!?!

Zack to Emily-Sorin is a great washer. and btw, im going to quote john here... "Zack, i think youre the only person i know who can pull off that look" But yes, my white shorts are still clean. i dont want to get them dirty at camp. besides, i might need them for the next busride? duh.

Emily to Zack- well.... john is always right, but may i point out that i never said you couldn't pull off that look. actually i like the yellow and purple. it sort of matches my yellow and navy. and you probably won't need the white shorts because i've learned my lesson.

Zack to Emily- Probably wont? lol i will make sure i have them anyways... but our yellows are different... My mom taught me how to match clothes, we dont match. Sorry!

Eric to Zack and Emily-hello?!?!

Zack and Emily to Eric- Hey..?

THE END :)