We are all back now in our flat in Svibice, here in Český Těšín. The sun is shining through the windows, and the team is scattered around the apartment in various stages of getting ready for the day. As for me, I’m simply grateful—grateful for a little extra sleep last night, for a hot shower, and for clean clothes. After a weekend as full as this one, those small comforts feel like luxuries.
Yesterday moved quickly, just as we knew it would. The morning kicked off with a burst of American-led craziness: an ugly sweater contest, a frantic package-wrapping-and-unwrapping competition, and my personal favorite—the Epic White Elephant gift exchange. It’s a chaotic blend of mini-competitions and the classic gift swap, and it never fails to bring out the laughter in everyone. Before we knew it, lunch had come and gone, and we were swept into a whirlwind of packing, cleaning, and saying goodbye to the mountain cabins that had been our home for the weekend.
As I reflect on this year’s camp, one word rises above the rest: thankfulness. I am thankful for every student and student leader who came. I am thankful that we’ve had the privilege of knowing many of these youth over several years now. Each one carries a story—stories filled with joy, struggle, growth, and sometimes disappointment. And yet God has given us this unique opportunity: brief windows into their lives where we can encourage, strengthen, and, in turn, be encouraged and strengthened ourselves. It’s a gift I don’t take lightly.
We now have less than 24 hours before we leave the Czech Republic. Tonight, around midnight, we’ll head toward Poland to catch our flights home. The suitcases are open, the piles of clothes are being sorted, and the familiar pre-travel shuffle has begun. But our work here isn’t finished. We still have lunch with the youth at a local restaurant, some relaxed time at the youth group building, and coffee with another local family. These final moments matter too, and we want to finish well.
Soon we’ll be on our way back, carrying home the memories, conversations, and blessings of this week. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Prayer Requests:
- Productive final ministry opportunities
- Travel preparations