Hey everyone Elli Hutchinson here. I am honored to update the blog for you guys today July 27th. Today is our first full day at camp in Voronet, Romania.The camp is nestled into a hillside surrounded by towering pine trees and a high flowing river below. We arrived yesterday around 11:30am after a long exhausting 16hr bus ride. When we got off the bus we were all really excited about our fun time at camp although we didn't show it. Most of us only got 2-3hrs of sleep.After we were assigned into small groups , got our room assigned, and had a small lunch,we were able to get about 4hrs of sleep. Which once we got to our beds we were totally out. It was a dread though since we have been here it has been raining on and off. We had our first large group last night in which the topic of Grace was introduced. Lief talked about the difference between Mercy, Justice, and Grace. We also watched the first part of Les Miserables which illustrates Grace all through the story. It is a wonderful story. If you have not seen it or read it you should. I personally was stunned to know that most of the Romanians at the camp where very familiar with it. We also did worship and learned the song and motions to our theme songs for camp this week. So far our first full day here has been a blast despite the rain. We had small group time, large group time, English lessons, had a volleyball tournament, and a soccer game outside in the rain.
Please pray for Lief, Kevin and Hunter to feel better...they are a bit under the weather. Nothing major they all seem to still be enjoying themselves. And pray for the rest of our team to keep up our strength this week.
More blog posts and photos coming soon!!
SHOUT OUTS!
To Mom and Dad from Cassidy: Thanks for the letters and starburst. Did you make a trip to half price books? because where did you get the comics from? Camp is great!
Mom Dad Emily and Kyle from Kati: miss and love you! camp has been fun!
Mom and Dad from Taylor: I miss the whole family! Thank you for all the letters. Tell Payton I loved her pictures and her stamps are awesome. Camps Great.
To Anne and Audra from Mom: Thanks for the treats. You are so thoughtful! Loved the comment about the natural prairie look!! : ) Love you both!
To Makenzie from Pat: Thanks for the great post! Loved it! You are so encouraging. We miss you.
To Anne & Audra from April: I'm so glad you guys are having my car fixed before I return home. ;)
To mom,dad& Ami from Elli: I am so jealous you guys got to see Kelly in Cinderella.Hopefully i get to see it when i get back.Love you&miss you guys.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Hey y'all! Johnny Lerdahl here. I feel quite honored to be writing this blog, however, I haven't looked at any of the other posts so I might repeat some things. Yesterday we had our get-together at the coffee house and that was an awesome time hanging out with the kids(I say kids but most of them are probably either my age or older than me) coming to camp. They weren't serving coffee at this coffee house but it was a pretty legit place to be. There was a stage where we performed out activities such as: the worship played some hits, a number of students did a couple of funny skits, and Zack, Cassidy, and I shared why we came to Romania and what were excited for most about camp. The funniest moments were definitely when Lief accompanied Zack on stage while he sang, "Apologize" by One Republic, and when Kevin was doing a skit with Malachi, Rosvan, Amy, Bianca, and Sheri and he was up there singing his heart out and yelling, "What the crap!" Oh, and I guess it was slightly funny when I was singing, "Hit Me Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears, hopefully that video will make its way onto Facebook. Our next adventure was eating dinner at Galaxy, a fine dining establishment. Right as we sat down at our table there was a flash of lighting and instantly the power went out...for the duration of our meal. And of course, the power came back on right when we left. It was kosher though because we had a nice romantic, team-bonding, candlelit dinner. But how could I forget! Before we went out for dinner we visited the City Center where they have fountains lit up and choreographed with classical music...tightttt. God has been working in amazing ways on this trip and hopefully you'll hear about them in blogs to come;) I'm pretty crunched for time here since we finna leave for camp any minute here, we're really excited! We all love 16 hour bus rides. We miss y'all lots and we love the feedback that you've been giving us it really keeps us going.
SHOUTOUTS!!!
Zack to... The Fam--Hope the dells is going great!
Thomas--Hope everything is going awesome for you and we are all enjoying your comments they are pretty funny.
Tess to Kenzie: Girrrl I miss having you here so much. Let's just say...soapy has returned! Hahahah it was so funny i was like ayooo soapy! Brought back so many memories. I loveee you and I hope you're doing good :) Ps Zack is really mad because you said he's the 2nd best hugger hahahah.
Cassidy and Megan to Emilia: How is your new apartment? Can't wait to see you!
Cassidy to Kenzie: aww that was such a sweet comment. miss you so much! like tess said, we found soapy again...hes still the same soapy!
Megan to Kenzie: Thanks for the shout out! I miss you! See you when we get back home lady:)
SHOUTOUTS!!!
Zack to... The Fam--Hope the dells is going great!
Thomas--Hope everything is going awesome for you and we are all enjoying your comments they are pretty funny.
Tess to Kenzie: Girrrl I miss having you here so much. Let's just say...soapy has returned! Hahahah it was so funny i was like ayooo soapy! Brought back so many memories. I loveee you and I hope you're doing good :) Ps Zack is really mad because you said he's the 2nd best hugger hahahah.
Cassidy and Megan to Emilia: How is your new apartment? Can't wait to see you!
Cassidy to Kenzie: aww that was such a sweet comment. miss you so much! like tess said, we found soapy again...hes still the same soapy!
Megan to Kenzie: Thanks for the shout out! I miss you! See you when we get back home lady:)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Some links to videos! Enjoy!
You might have to friend Lief Erickson on facebook to see these - though, I'm not sure.
Zack's Group Hug: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=996771090667&ref=mf
Midday Update from McD's: http://www.facebook.com/lerickson#!/video/video.php?v=996673092057
Lake in the Park 10 Second Dance Party: http://www.facebook.com/lerickson#!/video/video.php?v=996770202447
More vids and pics to come! Keep looking today!
-the team yo
Zack's Group Hug: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=996771090667&ref=mf
Midday Update from McD's: http://www.facebook.com/lerickson#!/video/video.php?v=996673092057
Lake in the Park 10 Second Dance Party: http://www.facebook.com/lerickson#!/video/video.php?v=996770202447
More vids and pics to come! Keep looking today!
-the team yo
Here's Tess: droppin down a funky update from Mickey D's!
We've been meaning to post this since yesterday at this time... anyway.. here is our blogpost from yesterday! Today's will be posted within a couple hours! -Lief
Tess from July 23:
Helloooo everyone! Tess here, writing from McDonald’s in Craiova. Haha so much cooler than the one I work at back in the States. We are enjoying some ice cream and shakes before we head over to the city park tonight. Since our last blog post, we have experienced our first night in Craiova, at our host families. Most of us slept well, but some are still dealing with a little bit of jet lag. For the most part, though, we all got a full night’s rest. We spent most of the day at the church. We had team time first, read all of the blog comments (loove those, please keep them coming!) and did a short devotion. Then we dove right into planning for camp. We split up into teams, dealing with different parts of camp. Lots got done, and the plans are really coming along. After exchanging money, we headed over here and are about to leave for the park. We will spend most of the night there, playing group games and meeting a lot of the people that will be coming to camp with us. This will also be an awesome time to invite people to come to the camp who might not have heard about it before. We’re all wearing our blue camp shirts and not looking like tourists at all walking around the city in the same shirt…Haha after the park, we will head back to the church for a late dinner and then go back to our host families for the night. Tomorrow will be another day spent planning, with a coffeehouse at night. We are all feeling great, and are really excited to be here. Zack wanted me to include this: When asked if he could “make doing the camp song dance motions look cool”, Johnny Lerdahl responded… “I can make anything look cool.” It’s great to see everyone over here stepping up and doing anything they can to help the team. Some things you can be praying for are:
-A good night’s rest tonight and tomorrow especially, as it is our last full night of sleep before we leave for camp.
-For any last minute preparations, that they are made and organized well.
-Health of the team members, especially a select few.
-The success of the coffee house that we are doing tomorrow night.
Thanks so much for all of your support and comments! It really means a lot to all of us. Keep praying and leaving comments, you are awesome :)
Love, Tess
Shoutouts:
Jenna to Ben and Dan: Have fun with the cousins this weekend! Say hi for me :)
Nikki to Erica: I knew you'd get the job! So proud of you! You'll do great with those kids!
Amy to Erica: I second what Nikki said! So excited for you!
Lulu and Martha to Alonso and Julio: That's a deal. Tonight? Pick us up at 7?
Amy and Jenna to Olan and Jessie: Thanks for the poem! We're working on a formal reply...meanwhile we're still feeling laughing effects of Lief reading yours this morning :D You're both crazy awesome.
April to project life group: We miss you! Hope you are having a great summer!
April to Anne and Audra: Wish you were here-Everyone is asking about you!
Elli to Mom: Good luck mom in the Waunafest run! I love you.
Megan to Hanna: Hey lady, here is your shout out...hi.
Emily to Mary: Once upon a time a girl was tied to some tracks and a train was coming...but then a guy with Dr. Pepper showed up...
John to Jimmy: I have yet to see any flat tops here, I might just have to represent
Cbass and Tess to Mollie: Keeeep singin Bob! You're doing great Bob! lalalalayellow submarinelalalala
To Matt Tolly: We found your Romanian twin. His name is Andrei. He looks and acts exactly like you! Haha he also giggles when you tickle him...
Amy to Alyssa: Thanks for all the encouragement! I can't wait to talk to you when I get back! Yes, I completely agree about the GPS haha I'm not a fan of detours... :) LYLASFEAFRTEA!
Tess from July 23:
Helloooo everyone! Tess here, writing from McDonald’s in Craiova. Haha so much cooler than the one I work at back in the States. We are enjoying some ice cream and shakes before we head over to the city park tonight. Since our last blog post, we have experienced our first night in Craiova, at our host families. Most of us slept well, but some are still dealing with a little bit of jet lag. For the most part, though, we all got a full night’s rest. We spent most of the day at the church. We had team time first, read all of the blog comments (loove those, please keep them coming!) and did a short devotion. Then we dove right into planning for camp. We split up into teams, dealing with different parts of camp. Lots got done, and the plans are really coming along. After exchanging money, we headed over here and are about to leave for the park. We will spend most of the night there, playing group games and meeting a lot of the people that will be coming to camp with us. This will also be an awesome time to invite people to come to the camp who might not have heard about it before. We’re all wearing our blue camp shirts and not looking like tourists at all walking around the city in the same shirt…Haha after the park, we will head back to the church for a late dinner and then go back to our host families for the night. Tomorrow will be another day spent planning, with a coffeehouse at night. We are all feeling great, and are really excited to be here. Zack wanted me to include this: When asked if he could “make doing the camp song dance motions look cool”, Johnny Lerdahl responded… “I can make anything look cool.” It’s great to see everyone over here stepping up and doing anything they can to help the team. Some things you can be praying for are:
-A good night’s rest tonight and tomorrow especially, as it is our last full night of sleep before we leave for camp.
-For any last minute preparations, that they are made and organized well.
-Health of the team members, especially a select few.
-The success of the coffee house that we are doing tomorrow night.
Thanks so much for all of your support and comments! It really means a lot to all of us. Keep praying and leaving comments, you are awesome :)
Love, Tess
Shoutouts:
Jenna to Ben and Dan: Have fun with the cousins this weekend! Say hi for me :)
Nikki to Erica: I knew you'd get the job! So proud of you! You'll do great with those kids!
Amy to Erica: I second what Nikki said! So excited for you!
Lulu and Martha to Alonso and Julio: That's a deal. Tonight? Pick us up at 7?
Amy and Jenna to Olan and Jessie: Thanks for the poem! We're working on a formal reply...meanwhile we're still feeling laughing effects of Lief reading yours this morning :D You're both crazy awesome.
April to project life group: We miss you! Hope you are having a great summer!
April to Anne and Audra: Wish you were here-Everyone is asking about you!
Elli to Mom: Good luck mom in the Waunafest run! I love you.
Megan to Hanna: Hey lady, here is your shout out...hi.
Emily to Mary: Once upon a time a girl was tied to some tracks and a train was coming...but then a guy with Dr. Pepper showed up...
John to Jimmy: I have yet to see any flat tops here, I might just have to represent
Cbass and Tess to Mollie: Keeeep singin Bob! You're doing great Bob! lalalalayellow submarinelalalala
To Matt Tolly: We found your Romanian twin. His name is Andrei. He looks and acts exactly like you! Haha he also giggles when you tickle him...
Amy to Alyssa: Thanks for all the encouragement! I can't wait to talk to you when I get back! Yes, I completely agree about the GPS haha I'm not a fan of detours... :) LYLASFEAFRTEA!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Live from CRAIOVA it's MALACHI!!!!
Hey all yalls we have just eaten lupper (that is like brunch except lunch and supper) at a good Romanian restaurant and are back on the bus some Romania’s say an hour away some say 2 and ½ hours away so we will see. I want to thank you all for your posts to us it is very encouraging to us to hear form you. So far today we have seen the People’s Palace (largest building in Europe, built by former dictator Ceausescu during communist regime here - HUGE) and the fountains leading up to the palace and pretty much on the bus the rest of the time. Tonight we will be staying with our host families and we can’t wait, bit we're just getting to the church for time with Romanian students, worship, and dinner. So hope all is well with family and supporters and we will posting as much as we can. ;-) love you all
Amy to Alyssa: Lylasfeafrtea! The big red pen is the no doubt the best. Love you!
Lief to GEOFF: how's
Nikki to Seth: Hope your talk went well! I’m sure you rocked it. :)
Zack and John to Thomas (I guess). Hey bud. Hope the Bruthahood goes well tonight, but not too well, since Brett’s gonna be there.
John to Leah: Ayy! Hope you’re keepin it real, don’t watch too much svu without me and maybe you can catch up on some sleep!!
Hunter- Hey Kenz! Thanks for being supportive of my trip. Make sure you tell dad, mom and the kids that I love and miss you all. All the Romanians say hi and that I’m very lucky to have a sista like you. See you in a couple weeks!
Lief, Nikki, Mal to Tootles: BIG HUG delivered successfully. Time to brush your teeth, isn't it?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Quick update before hitting the hay (and hard) - How GREAT is our God
Family and Friends -
I just wanted to send a quick note (since I was finally able to find some wifi) to let you know that we have safely arrived in Bucharest, the capitol of Romania. Thankfully our flights were mostly on time and we made it here in record time (leaving Blackhawk at 2pm Tuesday, arriving in Bucharest 18 hours later). British Airways was pretty good - most people got a bit of sleep overnight and the food was not half bad. We had some momentary turbulence on both segments, some that seemed pretty major - but it just added to the excitement of the trip. We also had a run between gates in London, and we were the last one's onto skyway as they closed the gate- prompting a rendition of "Hold that plane! It's okay - I'm a limo driver" (shameless Dumb and Dumber reference).
The only hiccup in our travel has been that of 23 personal bags and 15 team supply bags, only 5 bags did not make the connection in London. Unfortunately all 5 were personal bags (Eric, Larry, Taylor, Amy, and Cassidy)! However, even as I write to you, two leaders are en route to the airport to pick them up as they arrive on the evening flight from London. Everybody should have their bags when they wake up tomorrow. Speaking of what's happening now - the entire team (save myself and the two retrieving bags) is sound asleep in the dorm bunks at the Bible College. We arrived at the college at 6:30pm and walked a few blocks to a large mall complex to enjoy some very delicious and appreciated pizza (who thought the first food we'd eat in Romania would be PIZZA?! This is a youth ministry trip after all! At least it wasn't McD's right?). After that, Daniel Vieru (the youth pastor at our partner church) welcomed us and shared a little bit of his/our history and hopes for our trip and camp. We closed singing "How Great is Our God" - two languages, worshiping one God, together - a beautiful way to complete the long journey here. At 10pm - students went straight to bed - providing what I've decided was the quickest and quietest "lights out" experience I have ever seen. Yes - sleep is very much necessary tonight - and with that, I'll leave you all until tomorrow morning (hopefully a student post and a new batch of shout-outs!).
Thank God for his goodness and grace today - and thank you all for loving us so well! Noapte buna and love from Romania!
-Lief for the 2010 Bhawk Romania Team!
I just wanted to send a quick note (since I was finally able to find some wifi) to let you know that we have safely arrived in Bucharest, the capitol of Romania. Thankfully our flights were mostly on time and we made it here in record time (leaving Blackhawk at 2pm Tuesday, arriving in Bucharest 18 hours later). British Airways was pretty good - most people got a bit of sleep overnight and the food was not half bad. We had some momentary turbulence on both segments, some that seemed pretty major - but it just added to the excitement of the trip. We also had a run between gates in London, and we were the last one's onto skyway as they closed the gate- prompting a rendition of "Hold that plane! It's okay - I'm a limo driver" (shameless Dumb and Dumber reference).
The only hiccup in our travel has been that of 23 personal bags and 15 team supply bags, only 5 bags did not make the connection in London. Unfortunately all 5 were personal bags (Eric, Larry, Taylor, Amy, and Cassidy)! However, even as I write to you, two leaders are en route to the airport to pick them up as they arrive on the evening flight from London. Everybody should have their bags when they wake up tomorrow. Speaking of what's happening now - the entire team (save myself and the two retrieving bags) is sound asleep in the dorm bunks at the Bible College. We arrived at the college at 6:30pm and walked a few blocks to a large mall complex to enjoy some very delicious and appreciated pizza (who thought the first food we'd eat in Romania would be PIZZA?! This is a youth ministry trip after all! At least it wasn't McD's right?). After that, Daniel Vieru (the youth pastor at our partner church) welcomed us and shared a little bit of his/our history and hopes for our trip and camp. We closed singing "How Great is Our God" - two languages, worshiping one God, together - a beautiful way to complete the long journey here. At 10pm - students went straight to bed - providing what I've decided was the quickest and quietest "lights out" experience I have ever seen. Yes - sleep is very much necessary tonight - and with that, I'll leave you all until tomorrow morning (hopefully a student post and a new batch of shout-outs!).
Thank God for his goodness and grace today - and thank you all for loving us so well! Noapte buna and love from Romania!
-Lief for the 2010 Bhawk Romania Team!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Day 1 from O'Hare Airport!
Hey it's Amy and Megan! Blogging to you from O'hare! We are waiting in the airport to go to London. We are really excited to leave and be in Romania!
Today was an eventful day! We met at Blackhawk to say goodbye to everyone and then got on the bus to drive to the airport. We watched Narnia (Chronic WHATcles of Narnia) and Amy introduced some 10 second dance parties! Also we had to make a side trip to Toys R Us, which was a fantastic detour. Our new mascot is Ricardo the one eyed Peruvian neon puppet lizard! He is amazing.
And of course, we already miss you all back home, but...WE ARE ALL SO EXCITED TO SEE EVERYONE AND FOR CAMP!!
Shoutouts!
Amy: I love you Abby!! I miss you already. Keep practicing the Eagle Song. Ah I should have given him an oreo.
Megan: Happy Birthday Eve Catie!
Love you Mom and Dad!
Shane, stay out of my room...
Lief: RAHoule!
Malachi: Franswa!
Jenna to Olan :)
Emily to Mary: Thank Georgia for me :) and thanks for your pretty blue skirt!
Hailey to the Creator of the Weaver
Hunter: Hi!
Cassidy: Mom, Dad, RIGSBY <3
Kati and Taylor: Noodles
Johnny: I love you Brett <3
Kevin: A shoutout to my supporters - financially and through prayer! Thank you!
Zack: Ditto Johnny's shoutout. I hope the pool was fun!
Sheri to my lovely fiance Bradley: I miss you A LOT. I love you always.
Eric to Joel, Paul and Mark: Thanks for hooking us up with sound equipment at the last minute.
Pat to Audra and Anne: Mow the lawn! :)
Nikki to Jimmy Johns: Why did you put Roast Beef on my veggie sub?!?!
Lief (again) to his beautiful wife: thanks for virtually packing my whole bag for me! What would I do without you?? Also - give a big hug & buttrub to Eli & Jack for me (they're dogs, people, come'on)!
Team Shoutout: To our supporters, families, friends and Blackhawk staff that gave us a lovely send away party! Thank you for your support and your prayers!
Today was an eventful day! We met at Blackhawk to say goodbye to everyone and then got on the bus to drive to the airport. We watched Narnia (Chronic WHATcles of Narnia) and Amy introduced some 10 second dance parties! Also we had to make a side trip to Toys R Us, which was a fantastic detour. Our new mascot is Ricardo the one eyed Peruvian neon puppet lizard! He is amazing.
And of course, we already miss you all back home, but...WE ARE ALL SO EXCITED TO SEE EVERYONE AND FOR CAMP!!
Shoutouts!
Amy: I love you Abby!! I miss you already. Keep practicing the Eagle Song. Ah I should have given him an oreo.
Megan: Happy Birthday Eve Catie!
Love you Mom and Dad!
Shane, stay out of my room...
Lief: RAHoule!
Malachi: Franswa!
Jenna to Olan :)
Emily to Mary: Thank Georgia for me :) and thanks for your pretty blue skirt!
Hailey to the Creator of the Weaver
Hunter: Hi!
Cassidy: Mom, Dad, RIGSBY <3
Kati and Taylor: Noodles
Johnny: I love you Brett <3
Kevin: A shoutout to my supporters - financially and through prayer! Thank you!
Zack: Ditto Johnny's shoutout. I hope the pool was fun!
Sheri to my lovely fiance Bradley: I miss you A LOT. I love you always.
Eric to Joel, Paul and Mark: Thanks for hooking us up with sound equipment at the last minute.
Pat to Audra and Anne: Mow the lawn! :)
Nikki to Jimmy Johns: Why did you put Roast Beef on my veggie sub?!?!
Lief (again) to his beautiful wife: thanks for virtually packing my whole bag for me! What would I do without you?? Also - give a big hug & buttrub to Eli & Jack for me (they're dogs, people, come'on)!
Team Shoutout: To our supporters, families, friends and Blackhawk staff that gave us a lovely send away party! Thank you for your support and your prayers!
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