Parachutes and Prayers...

After breakfast on Thursday, the  team drove to Johvi with Artur to visit the soup kitchen where church members lovingly prepare the food each day, so folks can get a hot meal and a change of clothes as well as secure warm shelter from the cold.

On the road back to the Camp Gideon, there was much excitement as we anxiously awaited the arrival of a group of youth from south of Tallinn.  Singer and concert artist Siiri Sisask, brought about 50 young people to the camp. Her foundation Let There Be Light serves about 500 children.  In a matter of minutes, some were jumping on the trampoline screaming with delight as they bounced four to five feet up in the air with no fear. Others were busy trying out all sorts of riding toys, swinging, and enjoying the views of the Bay of Finland.

Lunch was fast and furious, and they were out the doors to enjoy the sunshine and the free time.
And then, the games began... Red Rover was a new game for most but one they found fun as their friends changed sides.  Kelly's soccer game provided lots of action and fun as they cheered their teammates.


The parachute provided laughter and exercise as campers manipulated five balls bouncing all over the chute.  At one point, all of the students were under the chute singing songs and moving from one side to another under the chute.

Across the field, cheers and shouts encouraged runners in the relay races. At the same time, Wick and Ted had a kickball game going with kids quickly learning the rules.

After dinner, everyone gathered at an outdoor stage where the Johvi praise band played songs including Open the Eyes of My Heart and Here I Am  to Worship. Next, Siiri Sisask entertained the group with her original music and songs. To the delight of the children, she had some of the girls join her on stage.  Then our own Vicki Jud joined Siiri on stage to sing Amazing Grace and then Vicki sang several solos including This Little Light of Mine and I Come to the Garden Alone. When the singing was over, Siiri led the students in some traditional folk dances as well as the Estonian version of the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance.

 After a quick snack of sausage and salad, the children marched to the beach with their chaperones.  One by one, little bodies tiptoed into the cold water, and soon all 50 were in the water spalshing and shivering in the cold.

The cold air and water were no obstacle to taking advantage of the first opportunity to enjoy and swim in the bay.  Even the most hesitant found his way into the water

 In the background, a golden sun glistened on the water as the waves gently rolled in.  Tired and covered with goosebumps, the group slowly made their way back to the dormitories and dry clothes.

As the day came to a close, team members were
weary but filled with praise for the children and the events of the day.  Smiling faces and special
hugs were answered prayer for the team and the camp. We ended our day observing God's magnificent beauty and blessing.