As you can see from the photo above, I was able to experience an awesome ropes course in the middle of God's beautiful creation! The course was one of the most physical challenges I have done. I am still not able to turn without my back screaming at me. Completing an activity such as this with people that I have only known for one hour creates a friendship quickly. Through encouragement and team work a majority of the group was able to get through the whole course. By the end all we wanted was a Kofola! (yes Sam I do love Kofola). For those of you who's taste buds have not experienced the joy Kofola, it is the Czechs answer to Coke. Anyways, after the ropes course the nine of us, four leaders and five kids, embarked on a foot journey to our campsite. At the campsite we were immediately welcomed by Grandparents that should not be wearing speedos and bikinis. Europe......., what a place.

Thankfully, we sent up the tents prior to it raining. By raining, I mean huge drops that you felt individually as they impacted. It only rained for about an hour. After the rain, we started a fire and cooked sausages over an open flame. While cooking, I attempted to join in singing old folk Czech songs. I was a hit! The rolling of the R's and saying a "j" sound at the same time is impossible for my American tongue. But, in the end we all laughed and enjoyed each others company till two in the morning.

I was awoke, Sunday the 29th, by the feeling of sandpaper in my throat. I think that it was due to allergies because that feeling is gone now. (mom, I should have got those shots! ha ha) Sunday was a very relaxing day. We stayed at the camp site all day playing cards, swimming in the river, and talking. Although I did more listening than talking. The campers I went with did not speak a lot of English. My sentences were short and simple. Instead of saying "What are you up to?" I would have to say "What have you been doing recently?" The spaces emphasis how slow I would have to talk. We left the camp site around 4pm to head to the train station.
The train ride back took two hours and two different trains. We were all exhausted from the ropes course the day before. It was a stinky quiet ride home.
(this is a picture of th train station)

I guess that I should tell you who I went with. I went with a group called "Tensing". It is a division of the local YMCA. Tensing is short for Teen Singing. The group focuses on singing and drama. They get together weekly and rehearse dramas and songs and perform in small local concerts. Once a year they go to Denmark for an all Europe YMCA three day festival. Young Life works very closely with this organization.

I awoke this morning to a cold shower and brown water........I was a little upset! I forgot to shower last night. Remember, I had just been camping and so I did not smell the best.....Why I just wrote that I do not know...... But, after I enjoyed a bowl of cereal and some internet time I was able to have a warm shower. But, the water was still a little brown......Oh well i feel clean! ha.


Psalm 139 - "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you preceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my gong out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord."

The rest of the Psalm is amazing. It made me more confident that God does know me and he does have a plan and that it is the best for me! Since the Lord knows you and I better than we know ourselves, "For You created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mothers womb." (thanks mom!) then we have to trust that He is our helper that will never leave us. "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid...." Heb 13:6 Knitting takes time, patience, and perfection. God poured Himself into us. Our souls are deeper and higher than we can imagine. Only God can understand these unknowable areas of ourselves. If we give our deep souls to God then we will be in line with His plan for us.

It is reassuring to know that somebody "really knows me." Here in the Czech I am surrounded by loving people but, none of them know me like you people at home. Being in this environment is a little strange because I am constantly playing the "get to know you questions." It is something I that I have to do, it just gets a little old sometimes. God knows me and He is always here. God is always with you as well. Acknowledge Him and thank Him at all times. Let His love pour out of you like a spring. Gods love must come out of you in order for you to truly love.

Jesus is all I need,
Luke